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Mule Deer Hunting 101: Our Guides’ Top Tips for Success

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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.

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Antelope Hunting 101: Our Guides' #1 Tips

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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.

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How to Dress for a Wyoming Hunt: Layering Tips for Changing Conditions

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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.

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New Wyoming Hunting Regulations: Firearms, Ammunition & Archery Updates

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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.

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Outfitter Tips: Storing Your Hunting Gear for the Winter

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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.

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Preparing for a Wyoming Antelope Hunt: Part 2 – Physical Conditioning for the Field

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Physical Conditioning for Your Wyoming Antelope Hunt

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.


Why Fitness Matters for Antelope Hunting

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.

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Preparing for a Wyoming Antelope Hunt: Part 1 – Shooting Practice Tips for Rifle & Archery Hunters

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Why Shooting Practice Matters Before Your Antelope Hunt

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.

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How to Draw a Pronghorn Antelope License in Wyoming or Montana

How to draw an antelope license in Wyoming or Montana

Your Best Chance at a Wyoming or Montana Antelope Hunt We're back in the SNS Outfitter & Guides classroom for our next installment; Random Antelope Application Program. If you've ever dreamed of hunting pronghorn antelope in Wyoming or Montana but weren't sure how to navigate the draw system, you're not alone. With demand at an all-time high, getting a license can feel like a challenge—but that's where SNS Outfitter & Guides comes in. Our Random Antelope Application Program gives hu...

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Wyoming Pronghorn Antelope Populations

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Wyoming has long been recognized for its abundant Pronghorn Antelope population. In fact, the Cowboy State is home to the largest population of antelope in North America. While states like Arizona and New Mexico are known for producing impressive trophy antelope, Wyoming consistently leads in the number of "Book" antelope harvested. However, Wyoming's antelope herds are susceptible to population fluctuations. Factors such as harsh winters, disease outbreaks, habitat changes, and human encroachme...

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Congratulations to Randy George – WYOGA’s 2022 Hunting Guide of the Year

SNS Outfitter & Guides is proud to congratulate our very own Randy George, who was honored as the Wyoming Outfitters & Guides Association (WYOGA) "Hunting Guide of the Year" for 2022.

Before the awards banquet, we sat down with Randy to learn about his journey into the guiding industry, what keeps him coming back, and one unforgettable hunt from his early years as a guide.

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Trophy Antelope Hunting with SNS Outfitter & Guides: A 3-for-3 Success Story

 As they say, if you know, you know! That adrenaline rush mixed with joy, relief, and pride as you pull the trigger and watch everything unfold in front of you. The exhaustion and exhilaration—it’s a feeling SNS Outfitter & Guides knows well.

For 46 seasons, we've had the privilege of hosting top-tier hunting adventures in Wyoming & Montana. Time and time again, our clients leave with unforgettable memories of a hunt well conducted.

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Experience the Thrill of a Wyoming Prairie Dog Shoot with SNS Outfitter & Guides

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Have you ever considered a prairie dog shoot with friends or family? If you enjoy long-range shooting, challenging small targets, and spending quality time outdoors, then a prairie dog hunt is the perfect way to enjoy Wyoming’s wide-open spaces.

SNS Outfitter & Guides is excited to announce the return of our guided prairie dog shoots after several years of population recovery. Spots are limited, so now is the time to book your summer shoot!

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Wyoming Non-Resident Hunting License Changes: What You Need to Know

The SNS office has been receiving calls and emails from concerned hunters who have heard rumors about changes to how the Wyoming Game & Fish Department (WGFD) manages non-resident hunting licenses.

To set the record straight, we sat down with SNS Outfitter Sy Gilliland, a member of the Wyoming Wildlife Task Force (WWTF) and a key voice in shaping Wyoming hunting legislation. Below, you’ll find insights directly from Sy about Wyoming’s preference points, license fees, and upcoming changes.

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Why Wyoming’s Elk Feed Grounds Are Essential for Wildlife Conservation

Elk feed grounds play a critical role in the health and sustainability of Wyoming’s wildlife. This became even more apparent after the brutal 2022-2023 winter, which saw record snowfall and harsh conditions. Without these feed grounds, the impact on elk, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope would have been devastating.

At SNS Outfitter & Guides, we firmly believe that Wyoming’s elk feed grounds must be protected and maintained for the future of both wildlife and hunting.

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Wyoming’s Hard Winter: What It Means for Pronghorn Antelope and Big Game

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Wyoming, like much of the West, is experiencing a tough winter with heavy snowfall. As one of the largest states in the country, our snowpack varies significantly from region to region. However, one thing is certain—this moisture is critical.

For years, Wyoming has battled a prolonged drought. Cattle ranchers have an old saying: “It takes a hard winter to break a drought.” Unlike other regions that receive steady summer rains, Wyoming relies on winter snowfall to replenish deep soil moisture, recharge creeks, and sustain wildlife.

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A Hunter’s Legacy: 26 Years with SNS Outfitter & Guides

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In 1947, Havilah Babcock authored My Health is Better in November. Longtime SNS client and friend Terry Truhler can certainly relate. “I always feel better when I am hunting in Wyoming,” he says.

Terry, a retired outdoorsman from central Washington, now spends his days tying flies and tending to a handful of steers. But every year, he returns to Wyoming for his annual hunt with SNS Outfitter & Guides—a tradition spanning an incredible 26 years.

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Mule Deer Hunting Popularity and Planning Required

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It’s booking season, and as usual, our phones are ringing nonstop. In recent years, we've seen a higher-than-ever demand for our hunts, with one request standing out—Mule Deer Hunts.

Why Mule Deer Hunting is a Bucket-List Adventure

The Mule Deer is an iconic species, emblematic of Western big game hunting. Many hunters who grew up pursuing Whitetails dream of one day hunting Mule Deer in the wide-open country of the West. And when it comes to top destinations for Mule Deer, Wyoming is at the top of the list.

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Expanding Our Elite Elk Hunting Opportunities

For decades, SNS Outfitter & Guides has been known as the West’s largest Pronghorn Antelope hunting operation. However, in recent years, our Wyoming elk hunting opportunities have been making waves, capturing the attention of hunters nationwide. Whether it’s our 46 years of professional hunting experience, the booming Wyoming elk population, or our recent acquisition of another elk hunting camp, SNS is on its way to becoming one of the top elk outfitters in the West.

With four different elk camps, we are excited to expand our offerings and provide diverse, high-quality Wyoming elk hunts. Each camp has unique features, and we’re here to help you find the perfect hunt for your next adventure.

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Mastering Wyoming Preference Points

Welcome to SNS Outfitter & Guides classroom. Today, our topic at hand is Wyoming Preference Points. This subject ranks high on our list of Frequently Asked Questions so we wanted to provide you with some “cliff notes” and help answer your most burning questions.

The world of hunting has changed a lot over the years. Back in the day, a person could go out and purchase a license over the counter in just about any area they would like to hunt. In today's world however, with the increased demand to hunt out west, the number of applicants has sky rocketed, making drawing a license far more difficult. The Wyoming Game and Fish offers problem solving solution, giving non-resident hunters the opportunity to purchase “Preference Points” for big game animals such as Antelope, Elk, Deer, Moose & Big Horn Sheep.

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Rocky Mountain Elk: Fascinating Facts and Hunting Insights

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The Majestic Rocky Mountain Elk: Wyoming’s Premier Big Game Species

The Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni) is the only subspecies of elk found in Wyoming and is a staple of the state’s thriving wildlife population. Also known as Wapiti—a Native American term meaning “light-colored deer” or “white rump”—these majestic animals have made a remarkable comeback in recent decades.

Elk Population Growth in Wyoming

Wyoming’s elk population is estimated at 113,000, the highest it has been in over 50 years. These impressive numbers reflect successful conservation efforts and the critical role of hunters in wildlife management. Today, elk can be found across most of the state, including regions where they were absent just 40 years ago.

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