Frequently Asked Questions

Selway Wilderness Outfitters – Idaho’s Premier Backcountry Adventure

  • Our lodge and hunting grounds are deep in Idaho’s Selway Wilderness, accessible only by air. Guests will fly into Running Creek Ranch Airport by private charter, with flights departing from Hamilton, MT, or McCall, ID.

  • All guests (for both hunting and summer trips) must arrange travel to Hamilton, MT or McCall, ID and are responsible for all associated travel costs.

    From there, we will assist with coordinating dates once your package has been booked, but charter costs to Running Creek Ranch Airport are not included in your package trip pricing.

    We primarily coordinate with Choice Aviation, as they are the closest and most reliable charter service for reaching our location.

    Important Travel Details:

    • Clients are responsible for arranging their own transportation to Hamilton, MT, or McCall, ID.

    • The cost of charter flights to the ranch is not included in the hunt package.

    The journey to our remote lodge is all part of the adventure—offering a breathtaking aerial view of the stunning Idaho wilderness before your unforgettable hunt begins.

  • Our remote wilderness lodge combines rustic charm with modern comforts, ensuring an enjoyable and authentic backcountry experience.

    The lodge features Four rustic log cabins each with comfortable beds, wood stoves and RV solar lighting.

    Meals are prepared and served from our fully equipped kitchen which is located in the main lodge.

    The main lodge has a cozy living area which also functions as a gathering space for guests.

    The lodge has a separate bathhouse with a propane water heater for guaranteed hot showers, a vanity and a flushing toilet. A true luxury in the wilderness.

    The ranch operates on solar power, allowing for charging small devices like phones, cameras, and Garmin units.

    A comfortable place to rest and relax, perfect for unwinding after a day in the wilderness.

    Cabin bedding configuration:

    Cabin 1: 1 x Double Bed & 1 x Single Bed
    Cabin 2: 1 x Double Bed
    Cabin 3: 1 x Double Bed
    Cabin 4: 1 x Double Bed

  • We offer fully guided hunts for:

    • Elk (Archery & Rifle)

    • Whitetail & Mule Deer

    • Black Bear (Bait, Hounds, or Spot & Stalk)

    • Mountain Lion

    • Wolf

    We also offer Summer fishing trips, hiking, and horseback pack trips for those looking to explore Idaho’s backcountry in the warmer months.

  • Hunters are responsible for purchasing all necessary Idaho hunting licenses and tags. We can help guide you through the process to ensure you have the correct permits for your hunt.
    Your required tags and permits are not included in your package fee.

  • All of our hunts require a high level of physical and mental endurance. You should be prepared for steep terrain, long days, and varying weather conditions. We strongly recommend proper conditioning before your trip.

  • All hunt packages include:
    Experienced guides
    Lodging & meals
    Transportation within the hunting area
    Game retrieval & field care

    Not included:
    Hunting licenses/tags
    Charter flight to the lodge
    Gratuities for guides & staff

  • A full packing list can be viewed here, but essentials include:

    • Rifle/Bow & Ammo (or archery gear)

    • Cold-weather gear & layered clothing

    • Durable, waterproof boots

    • Binoculars & rangefinder

    • Personal items & toiletries

  • Yes! Non-hunters are welcome to join for an additional fee of $1500.00, which includes lodging and meals.

    Limit of 1 non-hunter per week, and price is exclusive of sales tax.

  • Yes! Children are welcome at the Selway Wilderness Outfitters lodge and can take part in the Selway Summer trips.
    Children may participate in our hunts if they have completed Hunter Education and are accompanied and supervised by a legal guardian.

  • At Selway Wilderness Outfitters, your safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides are highly trained in backcountry survival, first aid, and wildlife encounters to ensure a safe and successful adventure.

    Key Safety Guidelines:

    • Listen to your guide – Their expertise keeps you safe in unpredictable wilderness conditions.

    • Be prepared – Hunts can be physically demanding; proper conditioning and appropriate gear are essential.

    • Firearm & Bow Safety – Always handle weapons responsibly and follow all safety instructions.

    • Wildlife Awareness – Encounters with bears, wolves, and mountain lions are possible. Stay alert and follow safety protocols.

    • Weather Preparedness – Conditions can change rapidly. Dressing in layers and carrying essential gear is crucial.

    • Communication – Our guides carry satellite communication devices for emergencies, but cell service is not available.

    Your adventure should be both thrilling and safe. By following our guidelines and trusting our experienced team, you’ll have an unforgettable experience while staying protected in Idaho’s rugged backcountry.

    If you have any questions about safety measures, feel free to contact us.

    • Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your hunt dates.

    • Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to another available hunt within the same year.

    • Cancellations or changes made within 60 days of your arrival date will result in forfeiture of your booking fee.

    • If you need to reschedule, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss available options.

    We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we will do our best to work with you whenever possible. If you have any questions regarding our policy, feel free to reach out!

  • Typically you would tip the guide, packer, & cook. It is typical to tip 15% to 20%, and this may be divided up however you choose.

    All prices are listed in USD.

  • Spots fill up fast, so don’t wait! Fill out our enquiry form, and we’ll be in touch to coordinate your ultimate hunting adventure.

    Still have questions? Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help!

  • At Selway Wilderness Outfitters, we are committed to providing you with the best possible hunting experience. While we cannot guarantee a kill, we do guarantee:

    • Expert Guides – Our experienced guides know the terrain, wildlife patterns, and best hunting strategies to maximize your chances of success.

    • Prime Hunting Grounds – We operate in Idaho’s premier backcountry, home to healthy populations of elk, deer, bear, lion, and wolves.

    • Hard-Earned Opportunities – We do everything possible to put you in the right position for a successful hunt. However, hunting in a fair-chase wilderness environment means that success depends on factors like weather, animal movement, and hunter skill.

    • Ethical & Responsible Hunting – We focus on harvesting mature animals, ensuring sustainable and ethical hunting practices. For species like mountain lions, our guides have the final say on whether an animal meets maturity requirements.

    While we can't promise a trophy kill, we do promise a world-class hunting adventure with expert guidance, breathtaking scenery, and an unforgettable backcountry experience.

  • At Selway Wilderness Outfitters, we ensure that every harvested animal is properly handled with respect and efficiency. Once you make a successful kill, here’s what happens next:

    1. Field Dressing & Game Care

    • Your guide will immediately field dress and quarter the animal to ensure the meat is properly cared for.

    • We will transport the animal back to camp or the lodge using horses or mules when necessary.

    2. Meat Processing & Storage

    • We handle initial processing (skinning, quartering, and cooling) to keep the meat in top condition.

    • Hunters are responsible for arranging meat processing and transportation. We can provide recommendations for local processors if needed.

    3. Trophy Preparation

    • Caping for taxidermy will be done by your guide to preserve your trophy in the best possible condition.

    • You are responsible for taxidermy services, but we can recommend trusted taxidermists in the area.

    4. Legal & Ethical Responsibilities

    • All kills must comply with Idaho Fish & Game regulations, including tag validation and reporting.

    • We hunt ethically, ensuring only mature animals are harvested, especially for species like mountain lions.

    5. Transporting Your Trophy & Meat

    • You will need to transport your meat and trophy home or arrange for shipping.

    • We can help coordinate logistics, including storage until you leave.

    We take pride in ethical hunting practices and making sure every hunter leaves with a well-cared-for trophy and a great experience.

    If you have any special requests or questions, just ask your guide—we’re here to help!