There’s something magical about stepping into new terrain with the promise of adventure, and our recent trip to Idaho delivered on all fronts. From the thrill of the hunt to the serene moments spent fly fishing, horseback riding, and simply taking in the vast, wild landscapes, this trip was a reflection of everything we love at Field Traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or just beginning to explore the beauty of nature, there’s plenty to inspire and learn from our Idaho experience. Here’s a guide to our journey—full of hunting tips, gear highlights, and unforgettable moments.
Idaho is a place of endless variety and natural beauty. From the towering mountains to the expansive plains, the diverse terrain makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. During our stay, we explored Swan Valley on horseback and spent quiet mornings beside the Snake River, sipping coffee as the sun rose over the water. This was our base for the trip, offering us easy access to some of the state’s finest hunting grounds, fishing spots, and wilderness areas.
Our days started early, greeted by cool, crisp mornings that soon gave way to hot, dry afternoons. The natural beauty of the area was always on display, especially during our time at the Lazy Triple Creek Ranch in Newdale, Idaho—a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Each sunrise felt like a reset, connecting us with the raw, unfiltered essence of nature.
The Hunting Experience
Our trip wouldn’t be complete without some incredible hunting. Idaho’s varied terrain offered us plenty of challenges and opportunities. We embarked on different types of hunts during our time out west—each offering its own lessons and excitement.
One highlight was our upland unguided walk-up grouse hunt in Caribou-Targhee National Park. This hunt was all about relying on instinct. With no dogs to assist, it was a challenge that called for constant scanning and understanding of grouse behavior. Every step felt like a game of strategy, but the thrill of finding your target in such a vast landscape made it all worthwhile.
At Lazy Triple Creek Ranch, we also experienced two different types of hunts: driven British-style hunting and walk-up hunting. The driven shoot, with pheasants and chukars flushing from cover, was an adrenaline-filled experience—particularly for me (Gina), as it was my first time participating in a driven shoot! Walk-up hunting was equally exciting, this time with the company of Dixie, a sweet Golden Retriever who helped flush and retrieve in the barley fields. The contrast between the two styles of hunting was fascinating and offered us a rich variety of experiences.
Field-to-Fork: Cooking and Enjoying Your Harvest
At Field Traditions, we love nothing more than bringing the field-to-fork lifestyle to life. While we packed and froze our game to bring back with us, the excitement of preparing meals from our harvest is something we’re looking forward to. Michael is an exceptional cook, and we can’t wait to fire up the grill and share these meals with friends and family.
If you’re planning a hunting trip and want to take your field-to-fork experience to the next level, we highly recommend keeping things simple—let the natural flavors of your harvest shine. From cooking over an open fire to grilling your game, these shared meals are as much about the experience as they are about the taste. Food cooked in the field has a way of bringing people together, and the stories of the hunt always seem to taste better when enjoyed around the fire.
Gear Highlights and Essential Kit
No Field Traditions trip is complete without the right gear, and this adventure was no exception. Our Open Shotgun Pouch was an essential piece, with plenty of room for shells and built to withstand the rigors of the field. I wore the Hayfield Fedora while Michael sported the Field Traditions Hat, both of which offered comfort and style during our long days outdoors.
One standout piece of kit was our Okovango Open Shotgun Pouch. This pouch holds several boxes of shells, making it ideal for driven shoots. Though we traveled light due to our flight, this pouch would have been invaluable had we been able to bring more gear with us.
For anyone planning a similar trip, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of quality gear. From our leather cartridge bags to canvas gun slips, the right kit can make all the difference in the field, both in terms of comfort and performance.
Community and Connection: Hunting as a Duo
One of the things we treasure most about these trips is the opportunity to hunt together as a husband-and-wife team. There’s a special bond that forms when you’re both working toward the same goal in the field, whether it’s strategizing the best approach or cheering each other on after a successful shot. Hunting as a duo strengthens our communication, trust, and teamwork in a way that’s hard to describe.
During this trip, we also had the chance to connect with several other couples who shared our love for the outdoors. Idaho’s hunting culture is welcoming and focused on sustainability—a concept we’re deeply passionate about. We even stayed with friends who are avid hunters themselves, reinforcing that sense of community and shared experiences that make these trips so rewarding.
Reflecting on the Adventure and Looking Ahead
Idaho’s vast beauty and diverse hunting opportunities reminded us of why we do what we do. Every new experience challenges us to grow, to learn more about the landscapes we love, and to push ourselves both mentally and physically. Our biggest takeaway? Keep exploring, keep wondering, and make every adventure your own.
Looking ahead, we have some exciting trips lined up. In early November, we’ll be heading to the West Texas Chihuahuan Desert for an upland wild Blue Quail hunt with Spoke Hollow Outfitters founder Josh Crumpton. Michael will also be off to North Dakota in mid-November for an upland hunt with our pups. And let’s not forget duck hunting at Thanksgiving in North Carolina and another trip to West Texas in December for Sandhill Crane and Bob White Quail.
At Field Traditions, we’re committed to continuing our exploration of the great outdoors, always with a focus on ethical hunting and sustainable practices. We can’t wait to share more of our experiences with you and continue offering the gear that fuels your passion for the field.
Our trip to Idaho was a perfect reminder of why we’re so passionate about the outdoors. From the hunt to the shared meals and the camaraderie with fellow hunters, it was an experience we’ll never forget. We look forward to many more adventures, always with the goal of bringing you the best in outdoor lifestyle and tradition.
Stay tuned for more stories from the field, and check out our latest collections designed to elevate your next adventure.
Long live the hunt…