Having the right gear can make or break your Wyoming hunt—and nothing is more important than your boots. After your firearm or bow, your boots may be your most critical investment. You’ll wear them every day in the field, and they need to perform. Cold, wet feet or painful blisters can ruin your experience, cut your time in the field short, and possibly cost you the opportunity to harvest an animal.
Key Boot Features for a Big Game Hunt
When choosing boots for a Wyoming big game hunt, there are a few essential features every hunter should look for:
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Waterproof Membrane: A quality boot should include a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex to keep your feet dry in wet or snowy conditions.
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Aggressive Outsole: Look for a rugged outsole like Vibram that can handle steep, uneven terrain.
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Lightweight Design: Ideally, your boots should weigh under 5 lbs. For early-season hunts, many quality boots come in even lighter.
Boot Height and Gaiters
We recommend a boot height of at least 7 to 8 inches. This provides essential ankle support on rocky slopes and helps keep out water and snow.
Regardless of boot height, always pack a pair of gaiters. Gaiters help keep your feet and pant legs dry when hiking through snow, wet brush, or crossing creeks.
Fit and Break-In Time
Perhaps the most important factor in choosing hunting boots is fit. Every brand fits slightly differently—some are narrow, others run wide—so it’s crucial to try several on and find the right match for your feet.
A quality boot that fits correctly should not require much break-in time, but we strongly recommend logging several miles in them before your hunt. This ensures comfort and gives you time to discover any issues, such as pressure points or hot spots.
Early Season & Archery Hunt Boot Tips
September in Wyoming can bring freezing mornings followed by warm afternoons. As such, insulation isn’t always necessary during early archery or high-country hunts.
For these conditions, look for:
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Lightweight boots (2.5–3.5 lbs.)
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Minimum height of 7–8 inches
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Sturdy ankle support with modern, breathable materials
General hiking boots can work well for archery season, especially if they offer adequate traction and support.
Boots for Late Season Hunts
In October, Wyoming weather turns colder—and fast. Morning temps can dip into the teens or single digits by late October, with daytime highs in the 30s or 40s. Snow is a regular occurrence, especially later in the season.
For these hunts, we recommend:
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Insulated boots with at least 400 grams of insulation
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Minimum height of 9 inches
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Waterproof construction with Gore-Tex or similar membrane
When snow is on the ground, pac boots with insulated rubber bottoms (like those from Schnee’s or Kenetrek) are hard to beat.
Bring Two Pairs to Camp
We highly suggest packing two pairs of boots:
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Primary Boot: Insulated, waterproof hiking-style boot for most conditions.
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Backup Boot: A pac boot for cold, snowy, or wet days.
This allows flexibility and keeps you prepared for changing conditions throughout the hunt.
Final Thoughts: Invest Where It Matters
If your feet aren’t warm, dry, and blister-free, it’s tough to enjoy any hunt—let alone perform well. While you can cut corners on some clothing or accessories, your boots (and your rain gear) are not the place to do it. Invest in the best you can afford. Your hunt may depend on it.