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.

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?

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:

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.

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.

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.

SNS Outfitter & Guides is made up of some delightful and colorful characters. We hope to bring you a fun portrait of their personalities, experience, values and maybe even a few details about how they spend their time during the off season. We couldn’t think of any better character to begin these chronicles with than Ralph Hlebak.

Ralph is an expert in the industry! He has lived in the Jackson area since 1979, soaking up Teton County history and a bit of memorabilia throughout the years. He has over 40 years experience hunting and guiding in the Grey’s River area. As he would tell you, “I fell in love with that country and the big bucks down there.” Although he would dismiss any reference to it,  Ralph is our resident expert for the territory. His knowledge, experience and tenure has earned him the rank and title of Camp Manager at the BoxY Ranch during Wyoming’s black bear, mule deer and elk hunting seasons. 

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.

Hunting the Rut in Mule Deer Country

November marks an exciting time in mule deer country—the rut is on! Mule deer and whitetail deer are the last of Wyoming and Montana's big game species to begin their annual breeding rituals. The action kicks off in late October, as bucks begin checking does for signs of estrus. By early November, the rut is in full swing and continues well into early December.

A Trophy Mule Deer Experience

Imagine standing on SNS Outfitter’s private Montana ranch lease, admiring the impressive antlers of a trophy mule deer buck. Guided hunts like these offer the perfect opportunity to witness the magic of mule deer behavior during the rut and take home a remarkable memory.

Welcome to SNS Outfitter & Guides

At SNS Outfitter & Guides, we craft unforgettable hunting adventures across the stunning landscapes of Wyoming and Montana. Whether you're a long-time follower or new to our journey, we're thrilled to have you here. Subscribe to our newsletter and YouTube channel to stay updated on our latest hunts, tips, and tales. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates and highlights!

Reflecting on 46 Years of Excellence

As we conclude our 46th hunting season, we're celebrating the triumphs of 2023. This milestone reflects the dedication of our expert guides, hardworking team, and, most importantly, the incredible clients who trust us to deliver unparalleled hunting experiences.

Plan Your 2024 Wyoming or Montana Hunting Adventure with SNS Outfitter & Guides

Last year, we shared our upcoming hunting availability with our loyal newsletter subscribers before releasing it to the public. This insider access gives our subscribers first dibs on booking their dream hunts. Keep in mind that our availability is highly fluid during this busy season, and spots fill up quickly. If you’ve been dreaming of a true western hunt in Wyoming or Montana or have been collecting preference points, SNS Outfitter & Guides has you covered. Without further ado, here are your options for the 2024 hunting season:

2024 Bull Elk Hunts

Wyoming’s elk hunting is thriving! The elk population continues to grow yearly, but increased demand has made licenses harder to draw, requiring more preference points.

You booked your hunt. You successfully drew your license. Your travel plans are made. And the long wait is over. The time has come, to pack up your gear! Each SNS hunt has its own specific packing list. This is a tried and true recipe for success. During SNS’ forty plus years, we have had plenty of experience fine tuning these gear lists. There is nothing frivolous on it or that should be omitted. If you pack all the items on the list, you will be ready for any hunting conditions, or weather, that Wyoming may throw at you. While it is possible that some of the items may not get unpacked or even used, they are all still critical. So please, read the information mailed to you, gather up each item and remember, SNS Outfitter & Guides knows the ins and outs of hunting in Wyoming and Montana. Do yourself a favor; Follow the list!

Each gear list is complied of clothing items, tips for boot selection, personal care items and hunting equipment. In this month’s video we walk viewers through one of our detailed gears list and give a few tips and tricks to keep in mind as you prepare for your hunt here in Wyoming and Montana. We would like to encourage you to view the video on our YouTube channel to see all the examples of these critical items we have asked you to bring in your gear bag. We do want to recognize that purchasing all this equipment can really add up, but remind you to look at how much is invested in trophy hunting. Cutting corners to save a couple hundred dollars just doesn’t make good sense. If you don’t have everything on these gear lists, it could result in catastrophe and we by all means want you to feel prepared, properly equipped and to have a memorable and successful hunt out west with SNS Outfitter & Guides!

With hunting clients coming back for more year after year, SNS Outfitter and the team of professional hunting guides, wranglers, camp jacks & cooks, must be doing something right! SNS Client, Kevin Pollock, tell us why. He has been hunting from Camp Envy for eleven consecutive years. Each season filling out his combination hunt for both antelope and deer. There is only one tag that Kevin was unable to fill on his very first visit in 2013. A blizzard moved into the area and made for very challenging hunting conditions and limited travel. He still managed to fill his antelope tag that year, however, with the help of hunting guide, Jim Barton. Kevin said, “These guys did everything they could to get me on game, even in the worst conditions possible. If that is what they are willing to do for me when it’s this snowed in and wet, I can’t wait to see what it’s like in bluebird conditions. I am coming back!” 

Kevin says he keeps returning to SNS for his yearly antelope and mule deer hunts for multiple reasons; the experienced staff, great animals, “It’s an honest, hard working group. SNS handles all the paperwork. I know when arrive to camp, my tag will be there. It’s a quality outfit from top to bottom with great leadership from Sy,” SNS Outfitter. Over time Kevin has noticed the camp evolve while maintaining its quality. “I like this camp so well because it is remote enough for great hunting, but comfortable with warm rooms, nice beds, great food and hot, hot water showers and now, I can call home right from the cook house.” In addition to enjoying this SNS camp all these years, Kevin has been able to get to know all of the crew and become quite close with them. “It’s like old going home week; a family reunion at hunting camp each year.” And if there is one member of the team that Kevin has really hit it off with, that would have to be, Troy Gilmore, SNS camp manager and hunting guide. Matter of fact, they are more like family at this point. With their families enjoy spending time together, Kevin and his wife have become like a bonus set of grandparents for Troy and his wife’s two daughters. When asked about Kevin, Troy will tell you, “Kevin and I just clicked right from the start. He’s a joy to take hunting. He’s one that it doesn’t matter if it’s rain, snow or shine. He just loves the whole experience; the whole hunt from start to finish. He buddies up with everyone at camp, never gets worked up and is easy going. He’s like a dream client!”