What happens when a 20-year chapter comes to a close in one of Wyoming's most iconic hunting regions? In this video, SNS Outfitter & Guides founder Sy Gilliland sits down to reflect on two decades of outfitting horseback elk hunts, trophy-class high country mule deer pursuits, and unforgettable Wyoming black bear adventures in the legendary Greys River. From the Box Y Lodge to Jackson Hole Outfitters camp, Sy recounts the moments, the hunters, and the wilderness that shaped this chapter of S...

Where do you go to chase the world's most impressive red stags? For antelope hunters, the answer is right here in Wyoming. For red stag hunters, it's New Zealand! This past April, I had the incredible opportunity to explore New Zealand's South Island —and let me tell you, it's every bit as awe-inspiring as the photos suggest. From glacier-capped peaks and lush rainforests to crystal-clear rivers and rugged ocean coastlines, the scenery alone is worth the trip. But when you add in the chance to h...

We’re excited to announce that beginning in 2023, SNS Outfitter & Guides will officially take over operations at the incredible East Fork wilderness elk camp. During the 2022 season, our team will work alongside current operator Taylor Engum, helping with camp setup and teardown, learning the horse trails, and guiding elk hunters in preparation for a seamless transition.

By next fall, we’re confident we’ll have the knowledge, experience, and boots-on-the-ground understanding required to run this backcountry pack-in elk camp successfully.

Every year, new clients roll into camp with the same question:
“So, why is it called Camp Envy?”

To answer that, let’s take a walk down memory lane.

After spending considerable time researching outfitters across Wyoming, I ultimately chose SNS Outfitter & Guides—and I want to share why.

As I was researching, I had a specific list of wants and needs in mind. First and foremost, I wanted an outfitter that specialized in big game hunting. My long-term goal is to build up preference points for future trophy hunts. In the meantime, I plan to pursue hunts for species like antelope that are more easily drawn and offer the chance to stock our freezer with wild, organic meat.

Choosing the right hunting outfitter can feel overwhelming—especially with thousands of options available around the world. It’s an important decision that can make or break your hunting experience, so it’s worth doing your homework.

Here’s what to consider when narrowing down your options:

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.

Let’s Go! Your Final Countdown to Hunting in the West

Interest in western big game hunting has exploded in recent years. With that increase in demand comes tougher competition—not just for licenses, but also for prime outfitter openings. After months of planning, and in many cases years of collecting preference points, you've finally drawn that coveted license. You beat the odds. Now, it’s go time.

It’s time to check your gear, dial in your rifle, and get your legs and lungs in shape. This guide will help you do just that.

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.

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.

Over the past several years, concern about the spread and impact of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has grown significantly. As outfitters, hunters, and conservationists, we find ourselves navigating an increasingly complex issue with no known cure. CWD poses a serious threat to the health and future of Wyoming’s deer and elk populations.

So, what can be done—and what is being done?

Western hunting styles often raise questions for those more familiar with tree stands, blinds, or shooting houses—setups designed for ambush hunting over food plots or travel corridors. In those scenarios, it’s a waiting game: when your target presents a shot, the hunt is over.

But out west, a different approach dominates—and it’s called “Spot and Stalk.”

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:

The Hunting industry is currently booming. Many Americans are realizing that the finest organic meat in the world roams in the wild. In the year 2020 more than 3 million American’s who have never purchased a hunting license bought their very first one. This is incredible news for the hunting industry and our future generation of hunters. As a parent or grandparent you may be wondering how to build an interest in hunting within your own children and grandchildren. This is our journey to build kids who love the outdoors and will respect the sport like we do. 

From the time our Krew was 11 months we would throw him in a backpack every chance we had to get him out breathing the fresh air and taking in all Wyoming had to offer. We took him on these little day trips until he was 3 and joined in on his first Antelope hunting trip. My dad made the day a special one by buying him his very first “knife” a wooden toy that made him feel like one of the guys. This trip is one Krew still remembers nearly 9 years later. I am a firm believer that positive experiences early in life can shape a child in ways that will impact them greatly in the future. 

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.

A Landscape Made for Trophy Bucks

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.

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:

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.

1. Invest in Quality Glass

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.

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:

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%.