Sawtooth Mountain vector image.
About sawtooth wilderness outfitters

Our people, our purpose.

The swo hunting philosophy

Our mission and promise to you.

At Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters, we embrace the unpredictable beauty of the wilderness while prioritizing what we can control: your comfort, satisfaction, and overall experience. While we can't tame the weather, wildlife, or other natural elements, we excel in providing top-notch accommodations, delicious food, knowledgeable guides, and reliable stock.

Unlike guaranteed trophy hunts, we believe in the intrinsic value of earned success and unforgettable experiences. Our mission is simple: to offer you the best possible adventure and ample opportunities for success and to ensure you depart the Sawtooths with a smile and memories that endure a lifetime.

Join us, and let's make memories together amidst the splendor of the Sawtooth Wilderness.

A winter image in the Sawtooth Wilderness.
Meet the people that make it happen

From guides to wranglers—and everyone in between.

Caleb Zwahlen

Lead Guide & Outfitter | Experience Director

Caleb is a seasoned professional hunting guide with a lifelong dedication to the great outdoors. From the age of 13, Caleb embarked on his journey as a guide, honing his skills and knowledge in the rugged terrains of Utah, Idaho, and Colorado where he guided hunts across diverse landscapes. His passion for adventure led him to spend 12 remarkable years in Alaska, where he navigated the Arctic and the peninsula, guiding hunters through some of the most challenging and rewarding experiences nature has to offer.

In addition to his expertise in hunting, Caleb's love for the wilderness led him to explore various facets of outdoor life. He worked on a commercial salmon fishing boat and led fishing trips during the summer months, showcasing his adaptability across different environments

Growing up immersed in a lifestyle of horsemanship, Caleb boasts an unparalleled familiarity with equine companions. With more miles in the saddle than any other mode of transportation, he brings a unique perspective and skill set to his outdoor pursuits.

Passionate about sharing the wonders of nature with others, Caleb has dedicated his life to creating unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether it's organizing trail rides, leading pack trips, orchestrating fishing expeditions, rafting adventures, camping escapades, or exhilarating hikes, Caleb's commitment to providing people with lasting memories in the great outdoors knows no bounds. His enthusiasm and expertise makes him a trusted guide and a cherished companion for those seeking to embark on their own wilderness adventures.

Scott Proffitt

Elk Whisperer | Ridge Runner

Scott Proffitt, an Oregon native turned Idahoan, has spent a lifetime immersed in the great outdoors. From camping to fishing, hunting to guiding, the wilderness is his second home. By profession, he works as a Lineman for the majority of the year, affording him the flexibility to dedicate 2-3 months each fall to guiding and packing hunters through the rugged terrain of Idaho.

With extensive experience in the Salmon River, Hells Canyon, and The Selway regions, Scott is well-versed in navigating the wilderness and ensuring memorable hunting experiences. He commands a pack of expertly trained hounds, adept at tracking bears, mountain lions, and even the occasional raccoon.

Scott's passion for horsemanship runs deep, cultivated since his high school days. Over the years, he has honed his skills in breaking and training both horses and mules for riding and packing purposes. His commitment to mastery led him to attend the Royal Tines Pack class, where he expanded his knowledge and refined his techniques for maintaining a successful pack string.

For Scott, there's no greater joy than being amidst the mountains, astride a trusty mule or horse.

Drew Lurie

Guide | Packer | Horse Whisperer

Drew brings a wealth of experience and passion for the outdoors to every endeavor he undertakes. With five seasons under his belt in the rugged terrain of Yellow Pine, ID, Drew honed his skills in packing and guiding, managing stock operations with precision and expertise. From navigating treacherous trails to leading bear and elk hunts, Drew's commitment to excellence ensured unforgettable experiences for his clients.

Drew's journey continued as he ventured to Glacier National Park, MT, where he played a pivotal role in supplying chalets with the essential provisions, relying on his mastery in packing mules to traverse challenging landscapes. It's in the meticulous care of horses and mules, and the art of horseshoeing, that Drew's true passion shines through. Understanding that the well-being of the stock is the cornerstone of any successful outfit, Drew dedicates himself to their welfare with unwavering dedication.

Driven by a deep reverence for nature and a love for the creatures that inhabit it, Drew's commitment to his craft is matched only by his respect for the wilderness. Whether he's navigating remote trails, tending to his beloved horses and mules, or sharing his expertise with fellow enthusiasts, Drew's presence in the outdoor community is marked by authenticity, skill, and a profound connection to the land.

In Drew Lurie, you'll find not just a seasoned outdoorsman, but a steward of the wilderness, dedicated to preserving its beauty for generations to come.

Zange Stewart

Outfitter | Packer | Trail Boss

Introducing Zange, a seasoned outfitter with a passion for the untamed beauty of the mountains and the magnificent creatures that roam within them. For the past four years, Zange has immersed herself in the rugged wilderness of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, honing her skills as an outfitter and gaining invaluable experience navigating the wild terrain.

With a heart as wild as the landscapes she traverses, Zange finds solace and purpose in the simplicity of life amidst nature's grandeur. Whether she's guiding expeditions through dense forests, scaling rocky peaks, or wading through rushing streams, she feels most alive when surrounded by the breathtaking vistas of the great outdoors.

Beyond her role as an outfitter, Zange is deeply devoted to the art of horsemanship. With a profound understanding and respect for these noble creatures, she dedicates herself to training and teaching new horses, nurturing their potential and fostering a bond built on trust and mutual understanding.

But it's not just the thrill of adventure or the companionship of horses that drives Zange; it's the opportunity to share her knowledge and passion with others. As a natural educator, she delights in passing on her expertise to eager learners, imparting the wisdom of the wilderness and the intricacies of horsemanship to those who share her love for the great outdoors.

In every trail ridden and every lesson taught, Zange's unwavering spirit and boundless enthusiasm shine through, inspiring others to embrace the beauty of nature and the joy of forging connections with the world around them. With each new adventure, she continues to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to journey alongside her.

Chase Vaught

Guide | Wrangler | Packer | Trout Tamer | Padawan Learner

Born and raised against the stunning backdrop of Boise, Idaho, Chase Vaught is a seasoned adventurer and wilderness guide, with a passion for exploring the rugged terrains of the Sawtooth Mountain range. At a young age Chase already carved out a name for himself in the world of outdoor exploration.

In 2023, Chase embarked on a journey that would define his path when he began guiding expeditions through the formidable Sawtooths. With an intimate knowledge of the region's nooks and crannies, Chase fearlessly leads groups through the untamed wilderness, navigating its rough and unforgiving terrain with the ease of a true outdoorsman.

Whether on foot or horseback, Chase thrives in the challenge of traversing the majestic landscapes of the Sawtooths. His deep connection to the land and its inhabitants shines through as he shares his expertise with fellow adventurers, ensuring safe passage through the rugged beauty of the mountains.

Beyond his prowess as a guide, Chase finds solace and joy in the serene art of fly fishing. The alpine lakes scattered throughout the wilderness provide the perfect backdrop for him to indulge in this beloved pastime, further cementing his bond with the natural world.

With a spirit as wild and free as the landscapes he calls home, Chase Vaught embodies the essence of adventure and exploration, inspiring all those around him to seek out the untamed beauty that lies beyond the beaten path.

Cooper Zwahlen

Protégé | Wrangler | Adventurer

Driven and dedicated at just 13 years old, Cooper Zwahlen is carving out a path in the great outdoors that belies his age. With a passion for all things nature and an unyielding commitment to excellence, Cooper is setting his sights on making a name for himself in the outdoor industry.

Currently in his second season with Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters, Cooper is immersing himself in every aspect of outdoor life. From baiting bears to skinning animals, cutting firewood to clearing trails, and caring for horses, Cooper's hands-on experience is shaping him into a versatile and capable outdoorsman. His willingness to take on any task, no matter how demanding, reflects his determination to prove himself in this challenging field.

Since he could walk, Cooper has been honing his skills in hunting and fishing, developing an instinctual understanding of the natural world around him. This early exposure has cultivated a deep respect for wildlife and a keen sense of stewardship for the environment.

But Cooper's pursuits extend beyond the realm of hunting and fishing. Having started rodeoing at the tender age of 4, he has developed a profound love for all things equine. Whether it's riding, grooming, or simply being in the company of horses, Cooper finds solace and joy in the equestrian world.

With his boundless enthusiasm, unwavering work ethic, and genuine love for the outdoors, Cooper Zwahlen is poised to make a lasting impact in the outdoor industry for years to come. Watch this space, for this young adventurer is just getting started on his journey to greatness.