Elk Hunting

Elk

Guided Idaho Elk Hunts

Archery & Rifle Elk Hunts Near Salmon, Idaho

Since 1989, we have specialized in elk hunts in Units 29 and 37-A, later expanding into Units 28, 36, and 36-B. These units have consistently produced quality bulls and strong seasonal success.


Our approach has always been quality over quantity. We limit the number of hunters in camp to maintain low pressure and sustainable game management.


We offer:

  • Archery Elk Hunts
  • General Rifle Elk Hunts
  • Controlled Permit Rifle Elk Hunts
  • Combination Elk / Mule Deer Hunts


Each hunt is conducted one-on-one with a professional guide.

Elk Hunt Details

Duration: 6 Days
Guiding: One-on-One
Style: Archery, Rifle, or Controlled Permit


Most elk hunts are conducted from established mountain camps accessed by experienced pack strings of horses.


In camp you can expect:

  • Wall tent accommodations
  • Reliable horses and equipment
  • Hearty Dutch oven meals prepared by our camp cook
  • Small camp structure for focused attention


We host no more than two hunters in each camp per week to maintain low pressure, focused guiding, and a quality hunting experience.

Idaho Elk Hunts

The dynamics of elk hunting has changed a lot in the past 30 years. In order to continue to provide the high success rate we enjoy, we have changed with it. Mobility is essential. Knowing the habits of the elk you hunt is also essential, where they go under different circumstances, glassing points that reveal where they are, not where they were. Elk track soup doesn’t get it! Yes we have good equipment, good camp food and what it takes , but your guide team is a big part of success. The skill of a pro guide is the ability to study the hunter. To work with the hunter’s ability to put him or her in the most favorable situation to be successful, as safe and enjoyable as possible.


Our approach has always been quality over quantity. We limit the number of hunters in camp to maintain low pressure and sustainable game management. We host approximately 25 elk hunters per season to ensure each hunt receives the attention and opportunity it deserves.

Hunt Type Duration Price
6 Day Archery Elk Hunt 6 Days $7,400.00
6 Day General Rifle Elk Hunt 6 Days $7,400.00
6 Day Controlled Permit Rifle Elk Hunt 6 Days $9,200.00
6 Day Elk / Mule Deer Combo 6 Days $8,600.00

Price subject to 6% Idaho sales tax. Licenses and tags not included.

Non-Resident Rates Price
Elk Tag $651.75
Idaho Hunting License (Includes $10.00 Depredation Fee) $195.00
Archery Stamp $81.75
Controlled Hunt Application Fee $18.00

  • General Elk Season

    General elk season begins October 15 through November 8

  • Archery Elk Season

    Archery elk season begins August 30 through September 30

  • Controlled Permit Rifle Elk

    Controlled permit rifle elk hunt begins October 1 through October 31

  • Reservations

    Reservations for any hunt may be made by calling us to arrange for available trip dates. We generally only book two hunters per week for bear, elk, and deer (one per hunt for lion and specialty hunts) which we believe is a big contributing factor for effective resource management that provides healthy game availability and success from year to year. We request a 50% deposit at time of booking and then the remaining balance is due 30 days before your hunt.

  • Deposits

    A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your hunt and dates and is due at the time of booking along with license and tag fees. Remaining balance of hunt and applicable taxes are due 30 days prior to hunt dates! Deposits are transferable if a replacement can be found before the purchase of hunting tags in depositor’s name.

  • Gratuities

    While gratuities are not mandatory, it is customary to offer a tip to your guide and cook in recognition of exceptional service.

  • Cancellation Policy

    Due to the length of our hunting season and the limited openings available, we are unable to refund advance payments or deposits if you cancel your hunt. However, you have the option to transfer your deposit to another individual pending license and tag availability. If you are concerned about the possibility of having to cancel, we suggest that you consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance from a travel agent.

What Hunters Are Saying

Testimonial

Well run, highly professional hunting outfitter service. Guides work very hard to help you succeed, know the country like the back of their hand. Accommodations and meals first class.Highly recommended.

Bruce Blackstone – Washington State

“I have elk hunted both archery and rifle with Rawhide Outfitters nine times and the Cranney’s continue to amaze me with the quality of their service. John, Cathy, Justin and Luke’s attention to detail and hard work will make a hunt in the wilderness of Idaho an experience to be remembered forever. The only downside is finding enough time to go again. Simply put, I would not elk hunt with any other outfitter…”

Duane Brown

The Cranney’s have always been an amazing family I got to see it growing up in Salmon. My first deer was with Luke Cranney, up past North Fork Id wow!!!What a hike! I will never forget how knowlegable,caring, and fun he was to be with. These people are exactly the type of people that someone can model an honest life after. There really isn’t enough that I can say to even explain how they have impacted my life. I recently was released back into the community, and for them to have let me know that I was still on there minds and in their prayers while I was in there,,, that meant more then anything,, I am very excited to one day eat a potluck dinner with and see them once again.. thanks for the great memories.. God Bless

Brady Hitesman – Salmon, Idaho

“Rawhide Outfitters made it possible for me to fulfill my dream of killing a bull elk with my bow. The one-on-one guide to hunter ratio that you use is just great. It allows you to develop a relationship with the guide that allows you to work as a team to get your elk. Thanks again for a great trip. I will certainly be glad to recommend Rawhide Outfitters to anyone looking for a successful bow hunting trip.”

Bob Delk

“Everyone associated with Rawhide Outfitters demonstrates over and over outstanding wholesome integrity. “The joy of the Lord is their strength!” The first time I came for a hunt was in 2003 and I’ve been coming back just about every year since for either an elk or bear hunt, steelhead fishing or white water rafting. Each trip has been an amazing quality adventure, being diverse, challenging, exciting and above all fun! The fabulous food and excellent accommodations far surpass what I’ve experienced other places. This past fall I was very grateful to accomplish my long time goal of harvesting a bull elk with my long bow. I have much gratitude and appreciation for the Cranney family, for their friendship, for always going the extra mile, for making my success and enjoyment their number one goal.”

Steve Evans

Plan Your Hunt

Prepared. Personalized. Ready for the Field.

We’ll help you choose the right hunt, season, and strategy so your time in Idaho’s backcountry is organized, focused, and built for success from arrival to final day in camp.