Idaho Spring Bear w Llama Advice

[Gooden123]

I'm planning a central Idaho spring bear hunt to try pack llamas on an OTC tag before attempting renting even more for elk. Also looking for someone(s) to join if anyone is interested. I'll have an Argali Dyneema Absoroka with a stove within a couple weeks so we could fit 3. Posted a link to my post in the Rokslide Rally Point at the end for more details.

Looking for llama rental places and any stories. So far I'm leaning toward Wilderness Ridge due to what I've found in research, their YouTube channel and their convenient location in Idaho Falls. I also am looking into Hoodoo, Llama Peaks and Thunder Ridge all of which I believe are near Boise.

I know this is probably a big ask, but I'm hoping someone can point me to a general area that sees less traffic, but has a decent bear (and/or wolf) density. I'm far less worried about harvesting a bear than I am encountering horses, dogs etc on the trail my first time handling llamas, but the end goal would be having a bear to pack out too. Inbox me if it's anything specific.

Last, timing. I know this is a crap shoot and not all years are the same especially when it comes to snow melt but I still have to make reservations. I'm leaning towards mid May in hopes trail heads will be accessible, but not so much melt that creeks aren't passable. Open to any other advice and maybe that's off course all together.

For anyone that might be interested in the hunt, I based things on a 6 day hunt but it can be shortened to 3 or 4. Doesn't matter. Just know it requires at least a few hours at the ranch to get a crash course.

Thread 'Central Idaho Spring Bear/Wolf DIY with pack Llamas'

Nov 1, 2025

Looking for a partner for a central Idaho DIY spring bear hunt with pack llamas. Thinking early/mid May in hopes snow is still up high and not so much snow melt that crossing streams if needed isn't manageable. That's a thought process, not a guarantee. Doesn't necessarily have to be central Idaho and I'm flexible about everything else too. Just want to try renting llamas on an OTC tag and see how it goes before attempting it on an elk hunt. Looking to rent them from Wilderness Ridge in Idaho Falls for convenience.

I expect F4WM will still have a $1,500 - $2,000 wolf reimbursement program...

• Gooden123
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Rokslide Rally Point

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[snowymtnwolf]

I used Wilderness ridge llamas. Usually they want ya to use 2-3 because they like company of other llamas.

They are simple to use and simple to use around other people / horses etc.

Don’t sweat encountering others on the trail with them.

Consistent deep snow is the only issue for them that you’d need to consider.


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[knale87]

FYI. Just spent a week in an absoroka. 2 guys with our gear and a stove and it was tight.

 

[Gooden123]

FYI. Just spent a week in an absoroka. 2 guys with our gear and a stove and it was tight.

Thanks and I'm glad you said that. I was trying to decide between the Rincon or Absaroka since I mostly solo hunt or my girlfriend tags along for certain things. I figured the Rincon would hardly be doable with 2 people and the stove plus it's too short. Sounds like the Absaroka is perfect sized for my use.

 

[Gooden123]

@snowymtnwolf great to hear assurances and first hand experience. They definitely want you to have at least 2 since they're herd animals and don't do well alone.

Do you have any insight on timing? I know it's kind if a crap shoot but since I have to nail down dates, I'm trying to put together an educated guess.

 

[HunterGatherer]

Do you really need llamas ? When I looked into it for elk hunting they were ridiculously expensive.
I see so many bears in the spring , just about everywhere I go, and because of the snowpack they are way down low near the winter range.

 

[Gooden123]

Do you really need llamas ? When I looked into it for elk hunting they were ridiculously expensive.
I see so many bears in the spring , just about everywhere I go, and because of the snowpack they are way down low near the winter range.

No I don't think I need them for a bear hunt. Like I said, I want to try 2 of them on an OTC hunt before attempting 4 on an elk tag. It's a learning experience for me. I mean people rent them just to backpack which sounds ridiculous to me, but everyone is different.

Same with expenses. I thought it would be more honestly

 

[JREG19]

Full disclosure, I know the owners of Llama Peaks personally and don't know the others, but are aware of them. With that being said, Andy is very fair, and is very passionate about his llamas. I have no doubt in my mind you would be very satisfied with his stock.

Whatever you choose, it might be a good idea to use the same company for your bear hunt that you plan on using for your elk hunt. Call all of them and see if they have availability. Talk to them and get a feel for who you would rather do business with.

As for hunting, there are bears and wolves basically all over the state. I would go to the area I was planning on elk hunting. You might as well kill two birds with one stone and get some scouting in.

Usually guys say the rut goes on in June, but I've seen lots of bears out in April. I would say go when it's most convenient for your family/work. If you decide you want to check out a specific area, figure out what time of year you can get in there and let that dictate when you go. If you're hunting bears at 2500ft and a south facing slope, you should have no problem getting in there April 15, depending on the roads you have to drive to get there of course. If you want to hunt 8,000ft on a north facing slope, you'll probably have to wait a little longer.

Don't let the "perfect" place, time, or Llamas trip you up. Pick a spot that looks cool, decide when you think its feasible to get in there, interview the llama rental agency's, and go have a good time. Glass hard and don't give up, there's bears almost all over the state.

Good luck to you.

 

[JREG19]

Ps. It looks like you know how to get it done with magnum bears. You've got this!

 

[Gooden123]

Ps. It looks like you know how to get it done with magnum bears. You've got this!

What an awesome response! Thank you for taking the time.

I was leaving location open ended in case anyone wants to join and has something in mind. I'd like to meet some western hunters through these trips. I have plenty of friends back east but they're all big whitetail hunters and don't have backcountry gear and/or are broke from whitetail trips. I've also found bear hunting to be of special interest within the hunting community. I on the other hand want to hunt them everywhere that has a spring season.

I do most backcountry adventures solo and did a 10 day caribou hunt by myself in Alaska this year, but figured this trip could be a good opportunity for someone. Barring that, I'll take your advice on going to the area I plan to elk hunt. At least I'll be able to go through the logistics.

And yes we do very well on bears archery season. When we have one. The governor tends to get in the way of it and our newly elected one is probably going to be even worse (NJ).

 

[JREG19]

What an awesome response! Thank you for taking the time.

I was leaving location open ended in case anyone wants to join and has something in mind. I'd like to meet some western hunters through these trips. I have plenty of friends back east but they're all big whitetail hunters and don't have backcountry gear and/or are broke from whitetail trips. I've also found bear hunting to be of special interest within the hunting community. I on the other hand want to hunt them everywhere that has a spring season.

I do most backcountry adventures solo and did a 10 day caribou hunt by myself in Alaska this year, but figured this trip could be a good opportunity for someone. Barring that, I'll take your advice on going to the area I plan to elk hunt. At least I'll be able to go through the logistics.

And yes we do very well on bears archery season. When we have one. The governor tends to get in the way of it and our newly elected one is probably going to be even worse (NJ).

That totally makes sense about choosing a location.

It's definitely hard to find a partner that is willing to go as far as you are. Not many people are willing to do what you have done, let alone solo. My hat is off to you.

I feel for you guy's over there, that's for sure.

 

[nickstone]

Thunder Ridge is also known as a member here @Rockchuck