A Wyoming Hunting Tradition 23 Years in the Making

For 23 years, Joe Mele made the trip west to hunt Wyoming with SNS Outfitter & Guides.

Over those years, he experienced nearly every corner of what SNS has to offer. From horseback elk camps tucked deep in the mountains to antelope and mule deer country stretching across the Wyoming plains, Joe became more than just a returning hunter. He became part of the SNS family.

Now, after more than two decades of hunting with our team, Joe has officially stepped over to the other side of camp life.

From Retired Chiropractor to Wilderness Camp Cook

As a retired chiropractor, Joe now spends part of each fall working as a wilderness camp cook for SNS, helping keep hunters, guides, wranglers, and camp staff well-fed and smiling after long days in the mountains.

And if you've spent even five minutes around Joe, you understand why he fits so naturally into camp life.

He's the kind of person who always seems genuinely happy to be there. Full of gratitude, quick stories, playful humor, and a deep appreciation for the Wyoming wilderness, Joe has become a favorite presence in camp among hunters and staff alike.

Of course, when the cooking is done and camp chores slow down for a moment, there's a good chance you'll find Joe slipping away with a fishing rod in hand, eager to see what might rise from a nearby stream.

The Hunt That Meant the Most

But perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of Joe's story is hearing him talk about his favorite hunt with SNS.

Surprisingly, it wasn't the hunt where he filled his tag.

Instead, it was the experience itself that stayed with him. The elk. The anticipation. The mountains. The camp camaraderie. The moments in wild country that simply can't be replicated anywhere else.

That perspective perfectly captures what makes a hunt with SNS Outfitter & Guides  so special.

More Than Just the Harvest

Yes, hunters come to Wyoming hoping for opportunities at elk, antelope and deer. But year after year, many return because of the top tier experience surrounding the hunt itself.

The friendships built around camp tables. The effort made behind the scenes by guides, cooks, wranglers, and staff. The feeling of stepping away from the modern world and immersing yourself in authentic Western hunting camp life.

Watch Joe's Full Story on YouTube

In our newest YouTube feature, Joe shares stories from his 23 years hunting with SNS, talks about the transition from client to camp cook, reflects on what makes wilderness hunting camps so memorable, and gives viewers an inside look at the people and atmosphere that keep hunters returning year after year.

We're proud to have Joe as part of Team SNS and grateful for the positivity, work ethic, and warmth he brings to camp each fall.

Watch the full video now on the SNS Outfitter YouTube Channel and hear Joe's story for yourself.

To learn more about our Wyoming elk hunts, mule deer hunts, and wilderness hunting adventures, visit HuntWyo.com or call 307-266-4229.