Continental Divide Outfitters

Continental Divide Outfitters operates out of North Fork, Idaho—deep in Salmon-Challis National Forest backcountry. This is a family outfit run by Caleb and Hannah Davis, along with their two daughters Hudson and Ember. Caleb completed Rocky Mountain Guide School after high school and cut his teeth guiding in Colorado before settling in North Fork in 2008. That's 17 years of backcountry hunting experience in one of Idaho's most remote regions.

Licensed outfitter operating under special use permit with Salmon-Challis National Forest (License #15741). Equal opportunity provider.

7 days, 1-on-1 fully guided: $8,500

Hunting mountain lions is an art. CDO's guides and their hound pack work together to locate and tree trophy lions. Hunts start before dawn and can run until dark. You get a home-cooked breakfast before heading out and a filling sack lunch for the field. Each evening you return to hot meals at the lodge.

This is physically and mentally demanding hunting, but it's also one of the most exciting experiences available. Lions are camouflaged and elusive—that's why experienced guides matter.

Additional costs: Non-resident license ($195), lion tag ($204.50), tax ($450), wolf tag add-on ($31.75). Non-hunter companion rate: $2,000.

Baited hunts (1-on-1): $5,000 for 7 days - Hunt from tree stands or ground blinds - Evening hunts after dinner (~6 PM, hunting until ~10 PM when it gets dark) - Suitable for all ages and fitness levels - High probability of seeing multiple bears up close - Idaho bears are color-phase animals: black, blonde, brown, or anything between

Spot-and-stalk hunts (2-on-1): $4,250 for 7 days - Much more physically demanding - Hunt during the rut (May 20 area) - Equally rewarding for hunters willing to work hard

Hound hunts begin at 5 AM with runs that can last minutes or all day. Breakfast is hot every morning. Sack lunches go out on hound-hunt days.

Additional costs: Non-resident license ($195), bear tag ($231.75), tax ($300-$255). Non-hunting companion rate (bait only): $1,500.

Archery (6 days, fully customized): $6,000 (2-on-1) or $8,500 (1-on-1)

Every archery hunt is tailored to the hunter's preferences. CDO operates multiple high-country camps and spike camps, plus hunts out of home-base. Your guide will recommend locations based on scouting and "hot spots," but you control how far out you go. Some clients stay in camps and rough it 24/7. Others prefer returning to base for hot showers and warm beds each night.

Idaho's terrain is among the roughest in the country. Archery elk hunting demands good fitness and significant walking.

Rifle (7 days, high-country camps): $6,000 (2-on-1) or $8,500 (1-on-1)

Gear is driven to the trailhead, horses are saddled and packed there, then it's a ride into camp. Distance varies by location. Camps sleep 3-6 people in tents with wood stoves. The cook tent serves as the main gathering place. Meals are prepped and frozen before the hunt, then prepared in camp—diners say it's like having Hannah there cooking herself.

Camp Note: Main camp is located in an area burned during the Mustang Complex forest fire in 2012. The US Forest Service designates all camp sites, and CDO cannot relocate to unburned areas. This is backcountry camping—basic, but with spring water and plenty of towels.

Guides take hunters out mornings and early evenings, sometimes all day. Evenings include hot meals and campfire company.

Additional costs: Non-resident license ($195), elk tag ($651.75), tax ($360 for 2-on-1 or $510 for 1-on-1), archery permit if applicable ($81.75). Non-hunter rate: $1,500.

2026 rifle hunts are currently full.

August Archery (6 days): $6,500 - Early season, see lots of deer in and out of velvet - Currently booking 2026

October Rifle (6 days, 2-on-1): $6,500 - Based out of mountain camp - Opening day is October 10th - Opportunities at big bucks - Only two hunts per season - Currently booking 2026

November Rut Hunt (7 days, 1-on-1): $8,500 - Rifle tag or traditional muzzleloader tag - Hunts during the rut for trophy opportunities - Dates typically start November 12th (vary year-to-year) - Highly sought-after tags that book 3+ years in advance - Only one tag available for each weapon type per season - Currently booking 2029 for rifle, 2026 for muzzleloader

Additional costs across all deer hunts: Non-resident license ($195), mule deer tag ($351.75), archery permit if applicable ($81.75), tax ($390-$510).

Caleb grew up in Sapulpa, Oklahoma and moved to Lima, Montana after high school to attend Rocky Mountain Guide School. He then worked for an outfitter in Colorado, perfecting his guiding craft. He married Hannah in May 2007 and moved to North Fork, Idaho in April 2008—that's where they've been outfitting ever since.

Hannah manages food, hospitality, and bookings, ensuring every guest is taken care of. The Davis daughters Hudson (16) and Ember (12) are actively involved in stock handling, kitchen work, and have hunting stories of their own.

They prefer phone calls over email, especially during hunting season. Email checking is rare.

• •Phone: (208) 865-2665
• •Hannah's direct line: (918) 728-4403
• •Email: [email protected]
• •Mailing address: PO Box 163, North Fork, ID 83466

CDO has many past clients willing to serve as references—ask when you call.

Photos available: While they don't post lion, bear, elk, or deer photos online, they're happy to share galleries with serious inquiries. Call or email to request.

Operates under a special use permit with Salmon-Challis National Forest. Outfitter license #15741. Located in Gibbonsville/North Fork area of central Idaho—remote, high-country terrain with intimate knowledge by experienced guides.