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.