McGowan Outfitting Inc. – A Premier Backcountry Outfitter

Advancements in technology have provided man a significant competitive advantage in the field. Long gone are the days of Prince Luigi Amedeo, who in 1909 led an expedition to climb K2 in Karakorum with wood handled tools and woolen suits. Or John Jeremiah Garrison Johnston who famously survived a wintery escape by feeding on a limb of one of his captors. At McGowan Outfitting we look to level the playing field, to take a step back in time and to take the emphasis off of technology and to put that emphasis back on our skill, physical fitness, survival techniques and mental fortitude. ATV’s, UTV’s, dirt bikes, long range shots and complaining are not part of our core philosophy. We seek hunters who want to share a complete physical and mental challenge. McGowan Outfitting Inc. offers two kinds of elk/deer hunts; The traditional wall tent camp with home cooked meals and comfortable accommodations. For the more adventurous, we offer self-sustained off the back hunts. Both hunts are extremely effective, but we provide both to accommodate our hunters preference. At the end of a successful hunt all involved will be proud of what they have accomplished and the memories will be branded in our minds for eternity.

We pride ourselves on our fair chase tactics and our ability to harvest game in their natural habitat. McGowan Outfitting will take you on the ultimate Idaho adventure using traditional methods in some of the most pristine, abundant and diverse wilderness this planet has to offer. We work hard, hunt hard and produce results ethically. Visitors can expect sweat, maybe a little blood, and tears of euphoria following a sensational outdoor experience. Clients will be accompanied by the best guides in the business, professionals whom prioritize safety, experience, success and share the McGowan vision and approach to the outdoors. Join us.

Learn More About Us

Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Adventures

Your adventure awaits in Idaho.

Mountain Lion Hunting Mountain Lion Hunting
Elk Hunting Elk Hunting
Deer Hunting Deer Hunting
Pronghorn Antelope Hunting Pronghorn Antelope Hunting
Bear Hunting Bear Hunting
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting
Summer Trips & Trail Rides Summer Trips & Trail Rides

  • I was very fortunate to draw a rocky mountain bighorn tag in Idaho unit 37 for 2020, and just as fortunate to engage the services of McGowan Outfitting to make my hunt a true success. It is a family operation and I felt right at home.
    The hunt was a wonderful and unforgettable experience in a beautiful place. We saw rams since day one and no effort was spared to make the hunt a success. We connected on a great mature ram on day four. Wish I could hunt rocky mountain bighorn with them in Idaho again, but rocky mountain bighorn is a one time affair in that beautiful state. Sure will try for elk and goat, and hope to hunt with Calvin and company again.

    Guillermo Alarcon

  • Melisa and I just returned home from our second summer of our pack in camping trip with McGowan Outfitting. Once again, we had an awesome time. The accommodations were great, the fishing was awesome, and the food was the best! The 4 hour horse ride into camp was relaxing as well as scenic. It means so much to experience the mountains, the creeks, and the wildlife we see on the way in and out. These are truly million-dollar views that can only be experienced by us because of the service that McGowan Outfitting provides. I have hunted several times in the winter with McGowan and always have a good time and great success. However, being able to share the same places with my family and my friends adds a whole other level of service to what you all provide. Thank you so much for taking such good care of us and always making sure we have such a great time and most importantly, making us feel like family. We definitely hope to make this an annual trip so see you next summer!

    Shawn & Melisa Utley

  • Natalie and I wanted to thank you for the amazing experience we had on the full day ride. We had the opportunity to see a bull moose, antelope, elk, and wild horses in one unforgettable trip. Calvin took just the right path to allow us to see animals up close and personal. We had a herd of wild horses interacting with us that even followed us for a bit on the ride back. Your horses were steady, responsive, and full of personality! We will definitively be coming back for a pack trip or hunting adventure in the future. We would recommend McGowan Outfitting to anyone that wanted to experience the outdoors with great people that will work hard to ensure your trip is successful.

    Robby & Natalie Rothwell

  • I was fortunate enough to hunt with McGowan Outfitting on a lion hunt in Jan 2020. I’ve hunted different big game species all over the country. Several of which have been guided by an outfitter. None of which compare to this guy!
    I can say without reserve that Calvin McGowan holds the success of his hunters as his top priority. He and his guides worked as hard as I’ve ever seen to ensure my shot opportunity on a big Tom mountain lion. We got it done!
    Harvesting a big mountain lion with archery tackle and spending a week in some of the most game rich territory in the U.S. , was truly an enjoyable experience.
    Warm clean accommodations and great food were a nice bonus after a long day afield.
    I will be back in Sept 2020 with my son to elk hunt with McGowan Outfitting and we are counting down the days!
    Thanks again Calvin, Jenna and Russ!!

    Chris Clay

  • If you ever wanted to experience a true out west hunting adventure, I would sincerely recommend Calvin McGowan and McGowan Outfitting as your first choice. My buddy and I just returned from a lion hunt and not only were we successful, we had a great time with our guides all while staying in first class accommodations. We also saw some beautiful country, several groups of elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, and antelope. McGowan Outfitting is definitely hunting in a great area if you want to see lots of game. We have already booked our next trip to hunt with Calvin as we plan to return for a fall bow elk hunt.

    Shawn Utley

  • Beautiful country, great cooking, game rich environment, gentle horses and one of the best guides I have ever hunted with describes Calvin McGowan and McGowan Outfitting. I have thoroughly enjoyed two hunts with Calvin and have booked a third bringing along my two sons. His knowledge of game, tremendous work ethic and pleasant demeanor ensures an exceptional hunting camp experience. Thanks Calvin, can’t wait till our next mountain adventure.

    Tom Ostrander