About Heaven's Gate Outfitters

We arrive in beautiful Riggins, Idaho which is set comfortably along the banks of where the longest free-flowing river in the contiguous US, the Salmon River, meets its smaller sibling, the Little Salmon River. The quaint little town is nestled in a valley adorned by mountains on either side, behind which sets the Nez Perce National Forest. As we adore the scenery all around us, we can see why the miners settled this town so long ago.

The natural beauty surrounding us is breathtaking.

This will be the setting for the hunt to come, and we couldn't be more excited. The air is fresh; the scenery perfect for what will truly be a glorious trip. We settle down in the bunk house owned by Heaven's Gate Outfitters with its spacious 6 bedroom layout. We meet the guides and get to know them better over dinner as we trade stories of the perfect shot, the trophies we've collected, and the ones that got away. As we prepare to turn in for the night, we're confident in their abilities and experience. Our minds are at ease knowing that we will awake and head out for the hunt that awaits us.

We awake early the next morning in anticipation of things to come. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we go over the final checks of our gear and equipment. We ride with the guides out to the HGO house to prepare for the day ahead. We are introduced to the horses we'll be riding out along the steep terrain. Shortly after, we set out on the journey we've all been waiting for. We ride out over the majestic land surrounding us. We take in the sights and feel an incredible peace around us.

This is God's country, and we are humbled to have the privilege to share the serenity bestowed upon us here. By noon, we have hit our destination and dismount our horses to begin the hunt. We're here today for elk, and our guides haven't led us astray. Almost right away, we can see the tracks in the ground, and we know we're on the right path. Up ahead is a water source, so we decide to set up in a tall pine tree nearby to patiently await our next trophy. Less than an hour goes by when we see our first bull approaching to enjoy the clean mountain water. We are absolutely silent as we watch the elk walk along with its large, deliberate movements. As it approaches us, I take a deep breath and draw back on my bow, being careful to stay silent at all times. The elk is about 10 meters away from us, with its back towards us, but then it turns to its left, and I recognize the opportunity for my shot. Aiming carefully, I release the arrow. Its path was perfect and true, piercing the elk just above the front legs meeting its massive thorax. It drops after only a couple of steps, and I let out a cheer as quietly as possible, but the excitement gets the better of me. I come down from my perch to check out the latest harvest I've had the pleasure to hunt. The antlers are strong and solid, and appear in better condition than I initially thought from above. My fellow hunters share in my excitement as we examine the elk, taking note that this animal was a good age, and had probably escaped someone else's keen eye in the past. But today, I was victorious, and there's no better feeling in the world.

Pictures are taken with my new trophy, and I take in the regal backdrop of the land around us as we load the bull onto the mules. We take the animal back to base camp at HGO, where they handle everything for us. We relax with dinner provided for us, and play card games while reveling in the glory of the day we've had. I see now why so many people come back here time and time again. I'm already planning my next trip, and with the help of Heaven's Gate Outfitters, I know it will be everything I hope for.