Pistol Creek Outfitters

Pistol Creek Outfitters operates one of Idaho's most remote hunting concessions—approximately 300 square miles (unit 27) within the Frank Church Wilderness. Located on the wild and scenic Middle Fork of the Salmon River, this is backcountry where game pressure is virtually nonexistent and animals have rarely encountered hunters.

• •Rocky Mountain Elk - The primary target, accessed via horseback from high-elevation spike camps
• •Mule Deer - 4x4 to 6-point opportunities throughout the wilderness
• •Black Bear - Fair chase hunting in their natural habitat

Hunters fly into PCO's private airstrip via charter operators, then transition to horseback and pack stock for the journey to remote spike camps. The operation is based from a main lodge, with daily hunts departing from well-equipped camps positioned deep in prime hunting territory.

"I hunted with the expert, tough as nails guides at PCO for 12 consecutive years, harvested 12 amazing Elk, many deer, wolf and have had some of the best wilderness experiences of my life." — Michael Narachi, 12-year client

PCO's guides bring decades of combined experience in Frank Church Wilderness hunting. They're known for:

• •Honest, traditional fair chase hunting
• •Expert knowledge of elk behavior, stalking, and bugling
• •Horsemanship and wilderness navigation
• •Responsible game management

Multiple clients report guides getting them into successful positions consistently—with first-time hunters taking both bulls and bucks on their initial trips.

Despite the remote location, PCO maintains professional logistics:

• •Quality livestock and pack stock
• •Well-equipped spike camps at high elevation
• •Reliable transportation via private airstrip
• •Organized check-in and preparation process

This isn't a comfortable hunt. It's a wilderness immersion where you're living in a tent at high elevation, waking before dawn, riding into terrain that demands respect, and hunting animals on their terms. Clients consistently describe the combination of dramatic scenery (mountains rising steeply from roaring rapids), elk bugling across endless canyons, camaraderie with other hunters, and the physical and mental challenge as transformative.