What It Takes to Build a Remote Hunting Camp
Most people assume a wilderness hunt begins when the hunter arrives at camp.
In reality, it begins months earlier and it certainly doesn't start at the trailhead.
At SNS Outfitter & Guides, our Wyoming wilderness camps sit roughly two and a half hours in on horseback. Before a single hunter rides in, every piece of equipment needed for the entire season must be packed into the backcountry.
Wall tents. Wood stoves. Cots. Cook equipment. Food. Propane. Horse feed. Tools. Medical kits. . .
There are no quick trips to town. In fact, most of our trailheads are hours from even the smallest Wyoming communities. Everything must be carefully planned, loaded, balanced, and transported the old-fashioned way, with horses, mules, and skilled hands.
Skills That Make It Possible
These techniques aren't improvised. They're learned and refined.
Longtime guide and former outfitter Todd Jones teaches students the fundamentals of load building, mule handling, and pack string management. Weight distribution, balance, animal care, worker safety, and efficiency all play a critical role.
On the final night of his class, students compete in a Calcutta-style competition building loads, securing mules, navigating a course, and breaking everything down under time pressure. It's a fun event, but more importantly, it prepares individuals for real-world outfitting work.
Moving an Entire Camp: By Horseback!
Establishing a wilderness camp takes multiple loads and several days. Wranglers, guides, and camp managers work together to ensure every pannier is secured, every knot is tied correctly, and every animal is respected and cared for.
Because once you're 2.5 hours deep in the Wyoming wilderness, there are no shortcuts.
The result of that effort is a fully operational backcountry camp; warm wall tents, organized cook areas, stocked supplies, and a comfortable base of operations for both hunters and staff. Many members of our team live in these camps for up to two months each season.
When a hunter rides in, the goal is simple: provide a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable wilderness experience.
The Work Doesn't End There
Everything packed in must eventually be packed out.
Late-season snow, mud, and icy conditions often make breaking camp even more challenging than building it. Responsibility and stewardship matter. Leaving no trace and caring for both livestock and land are part of the commitment.
Packing into the Wyoming wilderness isn't simply transporting equipment.
It's building the foundation for the hunt of a lifetime.
If a Wyoming wilderness elk hunt is on your bucket list, we invite you to take a closer look at SNS Outfitter & Guides. Visit www.HuntWyo.com, explore our annual catalog, watch more of our wilderness hunts, or call our headquarters at 307-266-4229 to begin planning your adventure.