Horseback Hunt 101: What to Expect on an SNS Guided Hunt

Every year, we receive questions about the gear we use on our horseback hunts—and for good reason. For many of our clients, it’s their first time participating in a guided horseback hunt, and the specialized equipment involved can seem a bit intimidating at first. To help ease that uncertainty, we’ve put together an overview of the essential and unique gear you’ll encounter on a hunt with SNS.

Saddles Made for Comfort and Stability

When we began offering horseback hunts over 35 years ago, our tack setup was simple—mostly used saddles that got the job done. But we quickly realized that client comfort plays a major role in the quality of a hunt. That’s why we made the investment to upgrade all of our tack.

Today, we’re proud to offer a fleet of high-quality, comfortable client saddles—each one fitted with oversized stirrups, roomy enough to accommodate even the bulkiest hunting boots. You’ll appreciate this thoughtful touch after long hours in the saddle.

Saddle Bags and Optional Gear

Every SNS saddle comes equipped with a pair of saddle bags, perfect for storing your lunch, water, and extra clothing layers. Behind the saddle, leather saddle strings are ideal for securing coats and rain gear.

One optional but highly recommended piece of gear is a set of saddle horn bags. While we don’t provide them, they’re great for carrying important small items like your wallet, license, phone, or headlamp—items you’ll want quick access to without digging into deeper bags. If you own a set, feel free to bring them along.

Custom Rifle Scabbards for a Perfect Fit

Your rifle will be secured in a leather scabbard during the ride—and not just any scabbard. In 2021, we upgraded all of our scabbards to handmade, custom-fit leather models crafted by one of our own guides, Randy George of GbarG Bronc Saddles. These are specially designed to accommodate longer-barreled rifles and modern scopes.

It’s important that your scabbard fits well and rides comfortably. It rests beneath your leg while riding, so excessively heavy rifles or poor fit can make the ride uncomfortable or shift the saddle. SNS guides are trained to monitor your equipment throughout the hunt and will make any adjustments necessary—just communicate if you’re feeling discomfort.

Packing Out Game with Care

Once an elk is harvested, your guide will begin field dressing and quartering the animal on-site. The quarters are laid out on a canvas pack cover to cool and stay clean, then placed into canvas meat sacks and secured in meat panniers on a pack horse.

This method allows for safe transport back to camp and maximizes your time in the field. With proper handling and packing, we can either continue hunting that same day or start fresh the next morning—without needing to return to the kill site.

At camp, harvested meat is transferred to our walk-in fiberglass cooler, complete with rails and hooks to ensure everything stays clean, cool, and well-preserved.

Quality Gear, Quality Experience

From saddles to scabbards to meat care, SNS Outfitter & Guides is proud of the equipment we provide on our horseback hunts. We believe the right gear sets the tone for a stress-free, enjoyable experience. When you hunt with us in Wyoming or Montana, you can rest easy knowing the logistics are handled—so you can focus on the views, the adventure, and the pursuit.