Written by Bill Brown
In a world where people are sensitive, protective, and judgmental, hunters are often questioned as to why they hunt. Does it not bother them to take the life of a wild animal? The truth is, it’s not that simple.
Written by Lindsey Wheeler
Whenever people find out that my dad is Sy Gilliland one of the first things they ask me is, “How many big animals have you killed?” I always look, smile, and say, “One.” This answer always astonishes people and they generally go on to ask silly questions like: Are you a bad shot? Do you not like hunting? You mean one a year? WHY? The answers to these questions are simple. No I am actually a pretty good shot, I love hunting, and no I mean one in my entire life.
A guided hunt is an awesome experience. It often means seeing a new area for the first time, and sometimes hunting a new species for the first time. One of the most common questions we receive from our guided hunters is what they are responsible to bring.
We send a checklist to each of our hunters before their trip. The needs of a hunter on an antelope hunt from town are of course much different than hunting elk or mule deer from a remote mountain camp.
While packing lists can vary considerably, there are some general things to think about on any guided hunting trip in the west. Here are a few tips to consider:
This week, we’re giving you a virtual tour of one of our most popular and scenic hunting camps in northeast Wyoming. Known among hunters as “Camp Envy”, this location is more than just a beautiful basecamp—it’s home to one of the best Wyoming antelope and mule deer combo hunts we offer.
Set in north-central Wyoming, the surrounding terrain is a striking blend of sagebrush hills, pine-covered plateaus, grassy plains, and juniper-lined canyons—ideal habitat for mature mule deer and pronghorn antelope.
SNS Office Manager Ambrosia Wagner recently had the chance to experience something truly special: her son Gavin’s first antelope hunt. Taking a kid hunting is a meaningful milestone for any parent or grandparent, and this season we’ve been fortunate to see several hunters bring along their kids or grandkids to share the experience.
An antelope hunt is a fantastic way to introduce young hunters to the world of western big game. We caught up with 14-year-old Gavin to hear all about his first successful antelope hunt. Here’s what he had to say:
Whether you're glassing for antelope in the open plains, spotting mule deer in the high country, or chasing elk with a bow, one thing remains constant: you’ll be spending a lot of time behind the glass. In Wyoming’s vast and rugged landscapes, quality binoculars give you a serious advantage. Here are three key tips for selecting the right binoculars for your next western hunt.
Shopping for binoculars can be overwhelming. Prices range from just a couple hundred dollars to several thousand, and every hunter seems to have their own opinion. But it doesn’t have to be complicated.
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.
When choosing boots for a Wyoming big game hunt, there are a few essential features every hunter should look for:
Post 3 in Our Mule Deer Hunting Series
In our ongoing series on mule deer hunting tips, we’ve already covered two essential topics: glassing strategies and where to locate mule deer. In this third installment, we’re focusing on one of the most challenging aspects of mule deer hunting: the stalk.
Thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Wyoming Hunter Defense Fund—and the generous support of those who have donated—a major victory was achieved last month in preserving nonresident hunting license allocations in Wyoming.
Senate File 0069 (SF0069) proposed a drastic cut to nonresident license allocations for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and grizzly bear, slashing them to just 10%. If passed, this would have cut nonresident moose tags by half and reduced bighorn sheep and mountain goat opportunities by nearly 60%.
This is the second installment in our mule deer hunting series, and today we’re diving into one of the biggest questions our guides get each season:
“Where do I even start when looking for mule deer?”
Whether you’re high above timberline or hunting the sagebrush flats, knowing where to look is critical. And in a place like Wyoming—where mule deer country is vast and varied—a solid strategy can make all the difference.
There’s no doubt that interest in western mule deer hunting has grown steadily over the past decade. From the high plains to alpine basins above timberline, mule deer continue to capture the imagination of big game hunters across North America.
At SNS Outfitter & Guides, we’ve seen this trend firsthand. With Wyoming offering some of the best and most accessible mule deer hunting in the West—from the rugged peaks of the Greys River to the open prairies—we’ve guided hunters through nearly every terrain mule deer call home.
Update on the Wyoming Hunter Defense Fund (WHDF)
A few months ago, we shared the launch of the Wyoming Hunter Defense Fund (WHDF)—a vital initiative created to protect hunting access, educate the public, and conserve wildlife habitat throughout the state. Since then, this grassroots effort has gained strong momentum thanks to the generosity of SNS Outfitter & Guides clients and other dedicated hunters.
In Wyoming, non-resident hunters play a vital role in supporting the state’s wildlife and hunting heritage. From helping meet harvest quotas to providing millions in tourism dollars and covering a major portion of the Wyoming Game & Fish Department’s budget, these hunters are essential to conservation and game management in the Cowboy State.
But until recently, sportsmen didn’t have a strong voice in the legislative process. That’s why the Wyoming Hunter Defense Fund (WHDF) was created.
When it comes to North American big game, few species are as iconic—or as challenging—as the mule deer. With bucks tipping the scales near 300 pounds and antlers pushing over 200 inches, these animals are the dream of many western hunters.
Mule deer are incredibly adaptable. From high alpine basins to sagebrush prairies, they thrive in a wide range of habitats. Here in Wyoming and Montana, our guided mule deer hunts span the open plains east of the Rockies to the steep terrain of the Greys River. No matter the location, one thing remains the same: success requires patience, preparation, and sharp glass.
The American pronghorn antelope is one of the most challenging animals to hunt in North America. Known for its exceptional vision and speed, the antelope is incredibly skittish and thrives in wide-open terrain. Getting close enough for a shot—especially on a trophy-class buck—takes patience, strategy, and skill.
We sat down with several of our seasoned SNS guides to get their #1 tips for successful antelope hunting in Wyoming. Whether you're chasing your first pronghorn or returning for a record buck, these insights can make a big difference in your hunt.
We receive a great deal of questions each year about the proper clothing to bring on a Wyoming hunt. While the elevation and terrain may vary drastically from our high country mule deer and elk hunts, to our open country antelope hunts, one thing remains true: on these high prairies and rocky mountain slopes, conditions can change in the blink of an eye. Hunters must be prepared for a wide range of conditions from hot and dry to freezing cold and wet.
With such a wide range of autumn weather possibilities here in the Rockies, how should hunters prepare? The key is dressing in layers that allow the hunter to adapt to daily changes in the weather. For example, instead of bringing one heavy winter jacket, we recommend bringing lightly insulated items that can be mixed and matched.
Another Wyoming hunting season has passed, and we want to thank all of our hunters for a fantastic year of elk, mule deer, and antelope hunting! As we finish organizing gear and closing up camps for the winter, we thought we’d share some helpful tips to ensure your hunting equipment stays in top condition and is ready to go next season.
Don’t put your gear away without giving it a little attention—mud, dust, and moisture can cause corrosion, wear, or damage during the off-season. With a few simple steps, you can keep your gear performing its best for years to come.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission (WGFC) has released new hunting regulations, now in effect. These updates expand the list of legal calibers and ammunition, clarify requirements for archery equipment, and officially legalize the .17 HMR rimfire cartridge for turkey hunting.
These changes aim to simplify regulations while maintaining Wyoming’s commitment to ethical and effective wildlife management.
When it comes to preparing for a Wyoming pronghorn antelope hunt—or any western big game adventure—our guides emphasize two key areas: shooting practice and physical conditioning. In Part 1 of our series, we covered shooting tips. Now, we’ll share our top recommendations to help you get in shape and maximize your experience in the field.
Antelope hunting in Wyoming often means covering vast, open country with rolling hills, sagebrush flats, and uneven terrain. You might spot a buck from a mile away—but getting into shooting range requires speed, agility, and endurance.
For many hunters, a Wyoming pronghorn antelope hunt or any western big game adventure represents a major investment—and often, the opportunity of a lifetime. In this three-part series, we’ll break down the essential steps for preparing for a successful hunt.
Part 1 focuses on one of the most critical elements of hunting success: shooting practice.