There are antelope hunts. And then there’s a trophy antelope hunt on some of Wyoming’s most incredible big game habitat where the action never seems to stop. There’s nothing quite like the experience of a free-range, spot-and-stalk antelope hunt in an area with high game density and excellent trophy quality.

That’s exactly what we offer here at SNS Outfitter and Guides. We love hunting North America’s fastest land animal and our expert guides will be your tutor in the field, as you learn everything from pronghorn behavior and defense mechanisms, to judging trophy quality and planning the perfect stalk.

Back in our comfortable camps, you can spend the evenings enjoying the camaraderie and laughter of hunting camp life. Or many of our hunts give you the option of staying at a hotel in Casper, allowing you to save on the cost of your hunt and have the freedom to arrange your own meals. Either way, rest well. Because at first light you’ll be up for another day of antelope hunting on the high plains!

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If staying at one of our hunting camps, hunters will arrive the day before their hunt begins. This gives you time to check your rifle, settle in and enjoy the scenery around camp. The next morning, we’ll serve a hot breakfast before you and your guide head out to begin glassing for antelope. If you are staying in town, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you’ll be off to the ranch.

We lease well over a half a million acres of some of Wyoming’s most impressive big game habitat for antelope and deer hunting. These sprawling ranches allow our hunters to experience giant swaths of beautiful Wyoming country without public hunting pressure. These ranches are home to hundreds of antelope. And because antelope bed at night and are active throughout the day, you can expect action all day long.

All of our guided hunts, whether you’re hunting from camp or from town, include a lunch in the field. In the evenings, camp hunters will return to camp for a home-cooked dinner. Each of our camps has a dedicated cook to make sure you have everything you need. Those hunting from town will head back to Casper to explore the town and find dinner on their own.

Here at SNS Outfitter and Guides, we offer rifle antelope hunts. Or archery enthusiasts may choose the challenge of hunting antelope with a bow. Tags are easy to draw even if you don’t have any preference points. But you must book before the application deadline in March!

To learn more about our Wyoming antelope hunting opportunities, check out our website or you can request a free brochure. If you’d like to check availability for the 2017 season, please call us now at 307-266-4229.

There is something captivating about big mule deer; whether standing in a sea of sage, sneaking through the aspens, or topping over a ridge against the setting sun, the image of a big mule deer buck is a unique picture of the American West. 
The popularity of mule deer hunting never seems to wane. In fact, there’s more demand each year for tags and mule deer hunts. And thanks to careful management and hunter-funded conservation efforts, states like Wyoming and Montana offer some outstanding mule deer hunting opportunities. 
It’s easy to see why mule deer hunting is so addicting. A mature buck can weigh close to 300 pounds. In many areas, they can reach antler measurements of over 200 inches. With relatively low barriers for entry, mule deer offer one of the most accessible high-adventure hunts in the west.

Mule deer have adapted to life in a wide range of environments. They thrive from the farmlands and high plains east of the Rockies, to the tops of peaks above timberline. And you can find them from the deserts of the southwest to coastal forests along the Pacific. 
No matter where you pursue them, hunting a big mule deer buck requires patience and determination. We’ve asked some of our guides for their tips on hunting mule deer. Here are the common threads from those conversations. 
1. Glass, Glass and Glass Some More 
When speaking with mule deer hunting guides, there is one common theme you will always hear: glass, glass and keep glassing. One common strategy is to reach a high point early in the morning under the cover of darkness. There, it’s easy to set up behind a spotting scope and binoculars as daylight approaches.

In many areas, mule deer like to feed and water throughout the night. The best time to spot them is at first light, as they are traveling back toward bedding areas. Setting up on a good vantage point before daylight will allow you to spot deer while they are still up and moving. Once they lie down, mule deer are very difficult to spot. Even in sagebrush country that appears to be very “open”. 
After mule deer take their beds for the day, your opportunities to spot them may be limited. For that reason, hunting in warm weather can be tough. Being able to spot them when they’re on the move provides a significant advantage. 
Anytime you’re glassing from high points, just be sure not to skyline yourself. Set up below the ridgeline or with brush or trees as your backdrop. Otherwise, deer will have you immediately pegged.  


2. Remain Patient 
Mule deer often spend the middle of the day enjoying the shade. If the weather is warm during your hunt, you can expect them to spend even more time in bed. 
During the middle of the day, patience and a quality spotting scope are your best tools. When you feel that you’ve covered the same country dozens of times, buckle down and do it again. Picking apart the landscape with your optics can be painstaking work. But when hunting mule deer, it can really pay off. 
On a mule deer hunt, one of the greatest keys to success is being ready at all times. When the hunting is slow, it’s easy to let your guard down. But mule deer have an amazing ability to materialize out of nowhere. Keeping your senses on full alert is critical. A sudden opportunity might be your best opportunity. 
Each step of the way, take time to think about your shooting lanes, or how you’ll execute a successful stalk without getting pinned down. Act like every situation will be the one that counts.

When you finally spot that shooter buck, remain patient. If the buck is not within shooting range, you will need to take your time and plan a stalk. If the deer is still moving toward his bedding area, you may be best served to wait and watch where he beds before making a move. Anytime you can see where a buck beds down, it gives you a higher chance of success in planning an effective stalk.



3. Prepare For a Physical Hunt 
Hunting mule deer can challenge your physical abilities and that’s a great part of the adventure. Locating the buck may only be half the battle. Getting into position for a shot can be a daunting task. Mule deer hunters should be ready to cover several miles a day through rugged country. Like many types of western hunting, being in the best possible shape will help open the door to more opportunities in the field.



At SNS Outfitter and Guides, we offer mule deer hunts in Wyoming and Montana. From open country to high alpine adventures, we have a range of mule deer hunting opportunities to suit hunters with different goals or abilities. You can explore the Mule Deer Hunts on our website. For more details, contact us or give us a call at 307-266-4229.

Hunting the mule deer rut is beyond exciting when timed right. Rut hunts are not available in all states and it doesn’t happen on an exact schedule. November is rut season overall with a peak that varies based on the region. Wyoming and Montana are two of the primary states where rut opportunities exist. Many are limited draw or require outfitter access to privately leased ranches. Here’s what to expect on a late season rut hunt.

Prepare for the Weather
You might find yourself sweating in the sun or freezing in the snow. November is a month of major temperature swings and dressing in layers is critical. Pack clothes for the worst and shed them as needed. This is especially important for backcountry trips.



Expect to See Some Nice Bucks
Hunting the rut opens up some great opportunities. You may or may not pull the trigger but you are more likely to see some great animals. Watching them sniffing around, chasing does is exciting. You may see sparring and the bigger bucks that are typically very difficult to locate may cross your field of vision. The trick here is being patient and finding the right opportunity.

Rutting Bucks are Still Wary
While you may see more bucks, they are still very difficult to approach and stalk. Does are on the lookout for trouble and traveling in groups. They are quick to alert a buck when you make a wrong move. Make a game plan and look for more isolated does and small groupings. Fewer eyes increase your odds of making the stalk. While the bucks are motivated to breed, they will slip away for good if your presence is known.



Simple Tactics
Hunting mule deer can mean hours of glassing, following tracks in the snow and sitting on groups of does until a buck presents himself. Rattling is also effective when working through timbered areas that don’t have an open view. Horses are a major advantage for accessing high basins and hiring an outfitter means having comfortable camps on cold nights. Getting into the high country puts you in places where hunting pressure is low, especially during the later seasons.



 
SNS Outfitter and Guides offers some incredible opportunities for hunting trophy deer during the rut in Wyoming and in Montana. We lease hundreds of thousands of acres of beautiful ranches and we’ve been carefully managing these properties for decades. You can explore our Mule Deer Hunting opportunities. For details, you can call us at 307-266-4229 or send us a message.

Each hunting season, we have the great opportunity of hosting many hunters on their first western big game hunt. But whether it’s their first time hunting out west or not, there are still plenty of pre-trip questions to answer. One common question we hear is regarding what rifle to bring on a big game hunt.

Our big game hunting guides have the opportunity to see a lot of animals hit the ground each year. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. But most of those ugly situations had more to do with shot placement than anything else to do with the caliber of rifle.

Any hunter who has been around the block more than a few times can tell you that countless variables come into play when discussing weapon choice. But we like to keep the conversation as basic as possible. Bring the rifle that you feel the most comfortable using. In the moment of truth, shot placement becomes far more important than most other factors.

Sure, you need to select a rifle and a round that’s appropriate for the game you’re hunting. That should go without saying. But beyond an adequate setup, it’s all about shooting with the rifle, the optics, and the bullets that make you feel most confident. Your practice and your ability to make a clean shot is by far the greatest variable within your control.

We also like to emphasize the importance of taking ethical shots in the field. When the adrenaline is rushing, the excitement can affect your better judgment. Our guides will do their best to calmly talk you through the situation. In most cases, he will make sure you’re on the right animal and that you have an unobstructed shot. The best thing you can do is to go through your shooting routine and make sure you’re doing it just like you’ve always practiced!



All that to say, we would recommend spending less time sorting through the minutia of details surrounding different rounds and ballistics, and spend more time practicing with the setup you intend to use. Decide on something you’re confident in, and then practice, practice, practice. Don’t forget to step away from the bench rest and practice while wearing your hunting gear!

If you have questions leading up to your hunt this year, please feel free to contact us. If you’d like to know more about guided hunts here at SNS Outfitter and Guides, please explore the rest of our website at HuntWyo.com or you may request a free brochure!

The open country nature of western mule deer means you are often forced into careful stalking scenarios during both archery and rifle seasons. Spot and stalk mule deer hunting is extremely visual and will truly test your patience. The experience is thrilling, especially when you creep within range and create a shot opportunity. 
Find and Observe
Glass, glass and glass some more. Before you start a stalk, find your deer. The first few hours of daylight and the last few hours of daylight are critical. Hit it hard early and late to find your deer. Once you locate a shooter, ignore your instinct to rush into a stalk. Spend some time observing and get a grip on the situation. You should look at where the deer is headed and how he is moving before starting a stalk. 


Play the Wind and Terrain
Check the wind and position yourself safely to avoid detection. Then spend some time checking the terrain. Look for obstacles that will conceal your movements and provide cover. If the buck is moving, you will need to create an angle and stalk to a point where he is going rather than where you first see him. Ideally, you will wait until the buck beds down and stalk into the bed location. 
Avoid the Does
Are there any does or other animals between you and the buck? Does will give you away in a heartbeat and blow the buck off his bed. Rabbits and other wildlife will also alert him to your presence. Look for a clear path where you can make a stalk while avoiding other wildlife in the area.



Stay Low and Go Slow
The best camo on the market won’t help if you rush. Get off the skyline and move extremely slowly. Some stalks can take hours. Remain low to the ground and take advantage of any cover available and creep forward. If you’re trying to get within bow range, wear soft clothes and quiet shoes. Some hunters will even wear socks while stalking to remain silent. I like basic athletic shoes that are flexible and have a rubber sole. 


The closer you get, the more sensitive the situation. Slow down as much as possible as you approach shooting range. Rushing at this point will likely blow your cover. Look at the ground and plan every foot and hand placement to avoid crunching sticks and making noise. Look for soft dirt and take it one slow step at a time. 


SNS Outfitter and Guides offers mule deer hunts in Wyoming and Montana. For more information, please explore our website at HuntWyo.com, request a free brochure, or call us at 307-266-4229.

We’ve had a fun fall bear season here in western Wyoming! If you’ve ever visited the Wyoming high country in September, you know exactly why this is one of our favorite hunts of the year. Rocky Mountain weather in September is typically sunny, with warm days and crisp nights, and the leaves are starting to change. Most importantly, the bears are getting very active! 
During early September, black bears enter a period of hyperphagia, which is their fall feeding frenzy. They begin a constant foraging, looking to put on calories before the winter hibernation. 
Unlike the summertime when bears are mostly nocturnal, black bears begin feeding all throughout the day during this hyperphagia period. It is a great time to target trophy black bears in Wyoming. Boars are big and fat, and their coats are typically in great condition. 
Our fall black bear hunters have had a wonderful time this season, staying in the comfortable Box Y Lodge along the Greys River. The Greys River valley runs south of Jackson, Wyoming and is home to the largest concentration of black bears in Wyoming. This area produces mostly color phase bears with outstanding hides. 
Here are a few photos from the fall black bear hunts this year: 




From the SNS staff and the staff at the Box Y Lodge, we’d like to thank our hunters who joined us on a Wyoming black bear hunt this fall! It was a pleasure hunting with each of you. 
If you’d like more information about Wyoming black bear hunts with SNS Outfitter and Guides, please visit our Black Bear Hunting Page or refer to Hunt number 9 in our Brochure. You can also call us for specifics and availability at 307-266-4229.

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:

Don’t Overload Your Daypack
Ask most hunting guides, and they’ll tell you that hunters’ daypacks are always heaviest on the first morning of the hunt. Excited and sometimes not sure what to bring, hunters tend to over pack the first day. But after carrying a heavy backpack through rough western country, those items quickly get paired down. A few days into the hunt, most hunters are carrying only the essentials. 
On a big game hunt, shouldering a heavy backpack can take a toll. Be very careful about how much you intend to carry in your daypack.



 Listen to Your Guide’s Advice 
Every guided hunt is different. But in most situations, the guide will be carrying essential items, like field dressing equipment. If your guide has those things covered, there may be no reason to carry duplicates – especially bulky items like game bags. Most importantly, pay attention to your guide’s advice. If he says you don’t need it, don’t put it in your pack. 




Invest in Lightweight Hunting Gear
If your gear is heavy to begin with, you’ll have trouble keeping the weight down on your daypack. Items like rain gear can be one of the biggest culprits. Rain gear can spend a lot of time in your pack, but you don’t want to be caught without it. 
Wherever possible, invest in lightweight hunting gear. There is a higher price for gear that is both highly functional and also light weight. But on a tough, multi-day western hunt, it can be well worth the investment.

Part 1: Shooting Practice -

For many hunters, a Wyoming pronghorn antelope hunt, or any western big game adventure represents a significant investment. For some, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. In this three part series, we will cover some of the most important things hunters can do to prepare. In this first installment, we’d like to stress the importance of shooting practice, and offer our tips on the subject.

As hunters and sportsmen, we believe in taking only ethical, high percentage shots.  And in order to do this, we need to be practicing with our weapons year-round. Both rifle and archery hunters need to spend serious time at the range in order to hone their shooting skills and truly dial-in their weapons. Spending a couple days at the range in the weeks leading up to your hunt is no way to prepare.

In addition to the ethics of shooting, just think about your investment in a hunt. You’re investing in license fees, travel costs, equipment and more. The last thing you want to do is blow a shooting opportunity. If you’re investing in everything else, you should be investing your time at the shooting range as well.

There is certainly more to shooting than sighting in your rifle at a shooting bench or your bow at a 20-yard hay bale the week before your hunt. Antelope hunting, as well as mule deer and elk hunting in Wyoming and across the west, frequently requires shots of 200 to 300 yards or more for rifle hunters. Being a proficient shooter at these distances requires patience, practice and time.

We recommend starting your practice at short distances. This might be 50 yards for rifle hunters and 10 yards for archers. In these early sessions, work on your breathing, posture and trigger squeeze or release. When you feel very confident, move to incrementally longer distances, taking your time and focusing first on the fundamentals.

Next, begin shooting from different positions, first from short distances and then, progressively longer. Practice shooting from kneeling, sitting and offhand positions. Take your time and continue focusing on fundamentals, but from more realistic hunting positions.

When you begin to feel very confident in your shooting from a number of positions, begin to add layers of difficulty. Sprint 25 yards, then pick up your weapon and shoot. Do 20 pushups, then get into position and shoot. We recommend that you even wear the clothing you’ll be taking on a hunt, including jackets. Make sure that you can maneuver in your hunting clothes.

Finally, in the weeks leading up to your hunt, we recommend that you mix these types of exercises with a steady focus on fundamentals and basic shooting. When it comes time to leave on your big hunt, you want to feel extremely confident in your abilities to execute an ethical shot – even under difficult conditions.

Keep an eye out for our next article on preparing for a pronghorn antelope hunt. In the meantime, please let us know if you have any questions. For more information on pronghorn antelope hunts with SNS Outfitters & Guides, please visit our antelope hunting page or request a free brochure. To check remaining availability for the upcoming season, please call us immediately at 307-266-4229.

 

Part 2: Physical Conditioning -
When it comes to preparing for a Wyoming antelope hunt, or any western, big game hunt, our guides have two clear recommendations: shooting practice and physical conditioning. In a previous article, we covered shooting. This time, we’ll take a look at some of our guides’ top tips when in comes to getting in shape for the big hunt.

First, why is conditioning important? Because when it comes to open country antelope hunting, you can be the best spotter, the best field judge, a great marksman and have the best gear. But if you can’t get to where the animals are quickly enough for an ethical shot, none of it matters.

Being able to move across large distances through varying terrain can be very important. Can a guy who is out of shape do it? Sure, we can usually make it happen. But will the experience be more enjoyable if that same guy is in better shape? Absolutely! Simply put, the better shape you’re in, the more enjoyable the experience will be.

When it comes to getting in shape, time can be your best friend or your worst enemy.  If you’re trying to cram workouts in the weeks leading up to your hunt, you will have a difficult time, and the experience will be more painful. However, if hunters make an effort to stay in decent shape year round, you won’t have to put yourself through that painful crunch just before the season. Starting well in advance and giving yourself time will help tremendously.

Start by setting goals for yourself that are realistic and attainable. Don’t burn yourself out in the first few weeks. If necessary, get some help at your local gym to come up with a well-rounded exercise plan. A good plan should include a combination of weight lifting and cardiovascular exercises. In your weight lifting, focus primarily on leg strength, as that will be your best asset on a tough hunt.

In addition to exercising at the gym, get out in the field as much as possible. Put on your hunting pack and climb a nearby hill or even stadium stairs. As the season approaches, try these workouts in the actual clothing that you’ll be using on your hunt. If there are any comfort issues, you want to know it well ahead of time.

Find an exercise that you enjoy – whether that’s running, biking, swimming or hiking. Mix it up, and try to keep your workouts from becoming monotonous. Employing a variety of exercises will help work different muscle groups, and it will help you from becoming bored with the routine.

Finally, in the couple of weeks prior to your hunt, work to maintain your level of strength without pushing it too hard. Concentrate on workouts in the gym where you’re less likely to twist an ankle. The last thing you want is an injury just before the hunt. Weight lifting machines to keep up your leg strength and easy jogging can be ideal.

Have confidence in your ability to stalk or quickly move into position for a shot. Being in good physical condition can be the difference between a good hunt and a great hunt.

Keep your eye out for our next article on preparing for a Wyoming Antelope Hunt: Gear and Packing Tips. In the meantime, check out huntwyo.com for more information on antelope hunts, elk hunts, mule deer hunts and more with SNS Outfitters & Guides!

Benny Tillerson is a great example of the experienced guides that SNS is so fortunate to have on staff. Benny has been a Wyoming antelope hunting guide and mule deer hunting guide for nearly 25 years. He has been hunting big game in Wyoming for well over 40 years. Benny is now a camp manager for SNS and specializes in antelope and mule deer hunts.

We recently sat down with Benny to discuss his favorite things about guiding, his tips on hunting, and recommendations for a Wyoming hunt. Here is what Benny had to say:

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! While we were busy organizing gear and closing up our camps for the winter, we thought we’d share some tips that will help your gear stay in better condition and last longer.

As your hunting season comes to a close, there is a good chance that your gear is covered with a season’s worth of dirt, dust or mud. These elements can be highly corrosive and it is important to properly care for your gear at the end of each season. Don’t put them away for the winter without careful inspection.

Start by making sure that all of your gear is as clean as possible. For example, carefully clean your binocular and rangefinder lenses with a clean lens cloth and wipe the outside surfaces with a damp cloth or paper towel. A can of compressed air can help blow sand and dust out of the focus rings and any other moving parts.

Follow the same routine with other pieces of hunting gear like shooting sticks, game carriers, calls and so on. Use a damp cloth to wipe them clean, and let them dry completely before storing.

Of course cleaning your weapon should go without saying. Don’t forget to properly care for your rifle stock, wax your bow string and take any other steps to make sure that your weapon is in good shape following a season’s worth of abuse.

Next, do not neglect clothing and outerwear. This may require more than simply running it through the washing machine. Materials like Gore-Tex and other types of rain gear require special care.

You will want to wash them in a Gore-Tex safe detergent and then apply a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. Most waterproof and water resistant items are treated with a DWR finish at the factory. After using them each season, it’s a great idea to re-apply a new DWR coating. This is what helps precipitation bead and roll cleanly off the garment.

DWR treatments are made by a number of companies and can be found at most sporting goods retailers. Some are made specifically for hard-shell rainwear like Gore-Tex, while others are designed for soft-shell use. Make sure you choose a product that is suitable for each piece of your clothing system.

Finally, make sure your hunting boots are clean and cared for. We recommend using a boot cleaner that’s safe and specifically recommended for your type of boots, whether that’s leather, synthetic or a combination. Cleaning and treating leather boots after the season is particularly important. Dirty boots left unattended over the winter can dry and crack. This will shorten the life of your boot and will certainly diminish their performance in the filed.

If you have questions about hunts with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please visit our website. You may also request a free brochure, or call us anytime at 307-266-4229. See you in 2014 for another great season of antelope, elk, bear and mule deer hunting here in Wyoming!

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.

Start by thinking about your hunt clothing in three main categories: base layers, insulating layers and outerwear. Base layers include anything you wear next to your skin, like t-shirts and long underwear. Insulating layers may include things like sweaters, vests, and down jackets. Outerwear includes garments like pants, jacket, and rain gear.

As you pack for your hunt, try and pick a few items in each category of different weight or warmth that will allow you to adapt to the conditions. Here is a sample packing list:

Base Layers:

• Lightweight underwear and t-shirts
• Long underwear top and bottoms
• Thermal/fleece long underwear

Insulation:

• Fleece vest
• Down jacket
• Wool shirt/sweater

Outerwear

• Long-sleeve hunting shirt
• Hunting pants
• Light (soft-shell) jacket
• Rain jacket
• Rain pants

Of course any system isn’t complete without hats, gloves, socks and broken-in boots. When it comes to socks, merino wool is hard to beat. It wicks moisture well to help prevent blisters. We also ask that hunters do not bring new boots on a hunt. If you’re planning to buy new boots, make sure that you hike some miles in them before your big trip.

In general, we recommend synthetic materials and wool for hunting clothing. Cotton loses its insulating properties when wet, and becomes very heavy. On the other hand, synthetics and wool that are designed for outdoor use wick moisture, dry quickly, and maintain their insulation properties even under wet conditions.

If you have any questions about your upcoming hunt, please let us know. If you’d like more information on hunting in Wyoming or Montana with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please check out our website. You may also request a brochure or call us anytime at 307-266-4229.

The American pronghorn antelope is a notoriously skittish animal with excellent vision. Approaching them across open country can sometimes present a significant challenge to hunters. They are also one of the most difficult animals to judge on the hoof, presenting an even greater challenge to those seeking an antelope buck of trophy quality.

We recently sat down with a few of our guides and asked them for their number one tips when it comes to successfully hunting antelope. Here is what they had to say.

1. Vision is an Antelope’s Best Defense
The biggest trick to getting within range of an antelope is not being seen. An antelope’s greatest defenses are not the same as other animals. An antelope has eyesight and speed. Those are the defenses they rely on.

Hearing and smell are often secondary when it comes to antelope hunting. You can stalk antelope with the wind at your back and still be successful. And you can make noise unlike you could with an elk or a deer. But if they catch you moving, even at long distances, you’re likely to get busted.

2. Planning the Perfect Stalk
Since the most important factor in antelope hunting is staying out of their line of sight, it is critical to plan a stalk and find an approach that allows you to get close enough for a shot. Ultimately, that plan will depend on the antelope. Wherever he is and whatever he is doing, you must plan your stalk around that.

The terrain may look flat but when you look more carefully, you’ll often discover undulations and features that can allow you to get close. Use anything you can to get within range. Usually, that means having to do some crawling on your hands and knees.

3. Difficult Stalks Can Mean Long Shots
Because getting within range can be difficult, that makes shooting skill even more important. Sometimes your only shot is a long one, and the more comfortable a hunter is with their rifle at long distance, the better their chances of taking a quality antelope.

This is important with any type of big game hunting, but we stress this all the time for our Wyoming antelope hunts. You should be shooting your weapon year-round and be extremely comfortable with its performance out to 300 yards.

4. Never Give Up on a Great Buck
One of the most important things to remember about antelope, is that you can blow a stalk and still get another chance. When an antelope takes off at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour, he’ll cover a lot of ground. But to that antelope, out of sight is out of mind. Eventually he will forget about you, and you might be able to get a second chance.

For more information on hunting antelope with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please check out our antelope hunting page. You may also request a free brochure.

When it comes to big game in North America, trophy mule deer are among the most sought-after species. Weighing in at close to 300 pounds and reaching antler measurements of over 200 inches, mule deer are icons of the American west.

Mule deer are highly adaptable, ranging from river bottoms and high plains to alpine environments above timberline. From southwest deserts to coastal forests, mule deer hunting presents a variety of challenges.

Here in Wyoming and Montana, mule deer hunting is also diverse. Our hunts take place from open country on the high plains east of the Rockies, to the steep, rugged mountains of the Greys River. In any situation, hunting mature mule deer requires patience and determination. We recently spoke to some of our Montana and Wyoming hunting guides about their best tips for successfully hunting trophy mule deer. Here is what they had to say:

1. Glass Until It Hurts
Among our guides, there was one common theme when it comes to mule deer hunting: glass, glass and keep glassing. Most of our guides like to get to a high position early in the morning when it’s still dark, and set up behind their spotting scope or binoculars.

In many areas, mule deer like to feed and water throughout the night. This means that at first light, they can often be seen moving back to their bedding areas. Getting to a vantage point under the cover of darkness allows hunters to spot deer while they are still moving and plan a stalk.

Once mule deer lie down, they can be very difficult to spot, even in country that seems open and exposed. Many first time (and even veteran) mule deer hunters are surprised when a mule deer suddenly materializes on a hill covered in nothing but sagebrush. Catching them while they are moving is a major advantage, particularly when it comes to smart old bucks.

When getting into a vantage point in the morning, take special care not to skyline yourself. Even against a dark sky, your silhouette can be a dead giveaway.

2. Practice Patience
Mule deer tend to spend the middle of the day enjoying the shade. During these hours, patience and a quality spotting scope are your best tools. Even when you feel that you’ve covered the same hillsides a hundred times, stay patient and keep your eyes open.

When hunting mule deer, it’s important to stay alert and ready at all times. If you don’t see any action the first couple days of your hunt, it’s easy to let your guard down. Keeping your senses on full alert is critical, especially during a slow period when a quick opportunity might be your only opportunity. Wherever you find yourself, always be thinking about your shooting lanes, or where you’ll rest if an opportunity arises. Act like every situation will be the big one.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="241"] 2013 Wyoming Mule Deer Hunt


When you do spot that shooter buck, make sure you remain patient. If the buck isn’t already in shooting range, you will need to take your time and plan a stalk. If the deer is still moving toward his bedding area, it may require you to stay put. If you can watch where a deer beds down, it will often give you a great opportunity to plan a careful stalk.

The test of your patience may not end there either. Even after you are in range, you may have to wait on

the deer to give you a shot. If he’s lying behind an obstruction, you may be forced to wait until he stands up.

3. Be Physically Prepared
Mule deer hunting can be very physical. Once a buck is spotted, getting into position for a shot may not always be an easy task. This is particularly for hunters in the Greys River area or other steep country.  On these hunts, hunters should be ready to cover several miles a day through rugged country. All of our guides agree that the better shape you can be in, the better your chances of taking a mature mule deer buck.

Like antelope hunting, stalking mule deer may require a great deal of crawling on your hands and knees or belly. If you’re in the best shape possible, that final stalk should be fun and exhilarating, not a painful experience.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="222"] 2013 Montana Mule Deer Hunt


For more information on mule deer hunting with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please check out our mule deer hunting page. For other hunts, please visit our home page. You may also call us anytime at 307-266-4229 or request a free brochure.
SNS is Wyoming’s top outfitter and the number one antelope outfitter in North America. With more than 700,000 acres of private land, we offer more opportunity than any other outfitter in the state. We offer hunts for deer, antelope, elk, black bear and moose.

Ambrosia Brown is the SNS Outfitter & Guides office manager - a title that doesn't begin to describe the myriad of responsibilities that she handles. We recently sat down with Ambrosia to discuss her role in the SNS office and what consumes her time during the hunting season and throughout the year. Here is what she had to say:

Q: How long have you worked for SNS Outfitter & Guides and how did you begin?
Ambrosia: I have been working for SNS for four years now, but I've known Sy for about 10 years. The job started as helping in the office with filing and some other odds and ends. It just continued to grow from there.

Q: What are your responsibilities now?
Ambrosia: My primary responsibilities include sales, booking, handling paperwork and license applications for clients, preparing the schedule for the fall hunts and communicating dates and travel plans with hunters. I answer a lot of questions from clients leading up to their trips, and I now do the grocery shopping for the camps, making sure each camp is stocked with everything we need. I have also taken a greater role in designing the brochure and flyers, and I'm even working on a new website that we are planning to launch in November.

Q: What do you enjoy most about this job?
Ambrosia: I like getting to work with our clients and help them prepare for their hunts. These folks are coming from all over the country and even internationally and it's fun to be a part of their adventure.

I also enjoy the fact that every day is different. I'm never doing the same task for very long. This job certainly never gets boring and the work is rarely monotonous.

Q: What is the most challenging part of your job?
Ambrosia: Because each day is different, it is difficult to stick to an agenda. Items are constantly being re-prioritized and I have to remain flexible. Something might come to my attention that needs an immediate response, and I have to be able to adjust on the fly. That is particularly true during the hunting season.

Q: Before working for SNS, did you have experience hunting?
Ambrosia: Yes, my dad hunted and I was raised on wild game. I grew up doing a lot of waterfowl and upland hunting, and I also loved fishing as a kid. While I didn't do a lot of big game hunting, it is certainly a big part of my growing up and family culture.

Q: Are you able to hunt during the season, and what else do you enjoy outside of work?
Ambrosia: Yes, I am able to hunt despite our crazy schedule during the season. We have weekends when we can go. Fortunately in Wyoming, we're very close to so much hunting opportunity. It's right here in our backyard.

I spend most of my free time hanging out with my family and kids. I have three kids who are getting more involved in sports, so we enjoy watching their sporting events. And my son turns 12 this year, which means he can now hunt. That is a fun milestone.

Thanks to Ambrosia for taking the time to tell us about herself! For more information on Wyoming hunting opportunities with SNS, please visit our website. You can also call us anytime at 307-266-4229 or request a free brochure.

A few months ago, we featured a post about the Wyoming Hunter Defense Fund (WHDF), a new initiative to help protect sportsmen's to access hunting opportunities in Wyoming, educate the public about the benefits of hunting tourism, and to conserve wildlife habitat across the state. SNS Outfitter and Guides has been dedicated to this effort and our hunters have made generous donations to support WHDF.

We would like to let you know that WHDF has a new website at www.wyominghunterdefensefund.com. Please help spread the word about this effort to help make sure that we continue to have great hunting opportunities in Wyoming for many years to come.

Non-resident sportsmen contribute about $200 million each year to Wyoming’s economy, a number that dwarfs the ski industry and spreads to all parts of the state. And because less than 12% of Wyoming residents hunt big game, we rely heavily on non-residents for wildlife funding. Out of state hunters and fishermen represent a vital part of our state’s economy and recreation opportunities.

Despite these obvious benefits, a Wyoming House Bill was introduced earlier this year that would cut non-resident hunting license numbers in half. This would dry up Wildlife funding and damage hunting opportunities in Wyoming. It would suck $100 million from our local economy each year.

SNS is committed to making sure that HB 112 does not become law. It starts with educating others about the benefits of hunting tourism in Wyoming. We can also make sure that sportsmen have a clear voice representing them. That’s exactly why the Wyoming Hunter Defense Fund (WHDF) was started. WHDF is currently working hard to educate Wyoming’s residents and business community of the financial contributions made by sportsmen to state’s economy, while working to conserve and protect wildlife habitats.

To help support the Wyoming Hunter Defense Fund, every hunter who books with SNS makes a small donation. The funds raised by WHDF will help influence legislative issues, conduct research, communicate, and work to make sure that hunting opportunities continue to be available in Wyoming.

Again, be sure to visit the new website at www.wyominghunterdefensefund.com or keep up with these efforts on Facebook.

This is the second part in our series on hunting mule deer. With the ever-increasing popularity of mule deer hunting, we receive a great deal of questions each year and we'd like to share some of that insight with you here. Whether high above timberline or down on the sage flats, we are passionate about chasing big mulies. Wyoming is one of the best places in the country to hunt big mule deer, and we've seen our fair share of hits and misses over the years.

In the first post in this series, we shared our 3 Rules to Follow When Glassing for Mule Deer. In this installment, we'll take a look at locating mule deer. After all, mule deer county is big - really big. On this iconic western hunt, where should you begin?

Here are our 3 rules for locating mule deer:

1. Mule deer are browsers.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="301"] 2014 Wyoming Mule Deer


Elk may be grazers, but mule deer are primarily browsers. While the territory of these two prized big game animals has some overlap here in Wyoming, mule deer have their own unique requirements. While elk can sustain themselves in heavily timbered areas with only grassy avalanche chutes and small parks for feed, mule deer tend to inhabit more open spaces.

In high alpine environments throughout the summer and early fall, mule deer often concentrate in open areas above timberline with plenty of willow, mountain avens, cinquefoil and other shrubs and seasonal forbs. Not only do these areas provide plenty of browse, but in the exposed environment above timberline, shrubs like willows provide cover, even for big bucks.

At lower elevations, the open canopy of aspen groves provide sunlight, and subsequently a host of browsing options for mule deer. As you move further down slope, gambel oak, service berry and mature sage all provide these same requirements of both browse and cover.

Wherever your mule deer adventures take you, focus your glassing on brushy areas that still hold leaves, berries or nuts. Even late in the season, mule deer can still be seen stripping the last leaves and dried morsels from a berry patch, or using subtle undulations and shallow draws to move stealthily through an otherwise open sage flat.

2. Look on steep faces and hard-to-access places.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="341"] 2014 Wyoming Mule Deer


Mule deer, especially mature bucks, feel safe on steep hills or in isolated canyons, often with cliffs or rock outcrops at their back. These areas provide the perfect afternoon rest stop for a wary ungulate. With the afternoon thermals bringing scent uphill in their face, and with a barrier above, mature bucks are notoriously hard to get close to.

In the early mornings, look for bucks to be moving from their nighttime feeding and watering areas up to more secure locations. And during the afternoon, focus your glassing on these hard-to-access places. Keep movement to a minimum and use your glass more than your feet (see our first article on glassing). Everything hinges on seeing that buck before he sees you. Sometimes, spotting an antler tip or and ear twitch is enough to give them away.

3. Deer are lazy too. They take the path of least resistance.

Like most other game, mule deer prefer the path of least resistance. While they like to bed and feed in safe places, they will typically travel the easiest routes between the two. Their survival, especially if they are going to make it through the harsh winter months, depends on conserving energy. Every calorie is vital. They will certainly flee or cross great distances when necessary. But unless otherwise spooked or forced by weather, mule deer will often keep the same patterns day after day. Keep an eye on game trails, saddles, and other places that naturally funnel traffic.

This rule also applies to changes in weather. Elk will sometimes tolerate much greater depths of snow but as a general rule, mule deer are often the first to migrate when the weather turns south. Keep this in mind, especially during mid-season hunts. October in the Rockies can bring 60-degree days and sunshine or feet of snow. If possible, mule deer hunters need to be prepared to adjust their plans and locations accordingly.

For more information on Wyoming mule deer hunts with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please see our Mule Deer Hunting Page. You can also call us anytime with questions at 307-266-4229 or request a free color brochure of our hunts.

This is our third post in a series on mule deer hunting tips. In the first article, we shared our keys to glassing on a mule deer hunt, and in the second article, we offered a few tips on where to locate mule deer. In this post, we'd like to share with you some of our tips on stalking mule deer.

As we mentioned in the previous posts, we have seen a steady increase in the popularity of mule deer hunting over the last several years. Wyoming is one of the best places on earth to chase these magnificent animals and we continually receive questions about mule deer hunting opportunities. Their size, the challenge, and the spectacular country that they inhabit all combine to make for an unforgettable big game hunting experience.

After more than 30 years of hunting mule deer in Wyoming, we have see our share of successes and mistakes along the way. Mule deer are notoriously difficult to get close to. Stalking these animals requires a great deal of patience and care. Here are our top 5 tips for stalking mule deer:

1. Avoid unnatural noises.

You can often get away with natural noises like stepping on sticks or rolling a rock. But try to minimize any unnatural noise. Zippers and Velcro are the worst offenders. They will announce your presence to anything around. If you've never hunted in the high country, you will be shocked how far sound carries across these western landscapes. It's sometimes possible to listen to a conversation on the next ridge a half-mile away. In Wyoming, we see our fair share of wind. While that decreases the noise factor, it only makes game even more alert and nervous. Hence, the next two points...

2. Don’t skyline yourself.

Whenever you’re on the move, make every attempt not to skyline yourself on a hilltop or ridge. Travel below ridgelines and conceal your movements with hills, ravines or vegetation as much as possible. Mule deer have good vision and will pick out your silhouette on a skyline in a heartbeat.

3. Pay attention to the wind.

Wind isn’t as critical when rifle hunting as it is when hunting with a bow, but it’s still a factor. Pay attention to the wind and plan your stalk accordingly. Remember that unless there’s another prevailing wind, thermals will be dropping before sunrise and after sunset. When the sun is up, thermals will be moving uphill.

4. Be patient when you don’t have an approach.

If you spot deer but you can’t get within range because of a lack of cover or bad wind, don’t rush in. If you don’t bump them, they are likely to hold the same pattern and be in that area the next day. Mule deer are creatures of habit, much more so than elk. If you blow them out, you probably won’t see them again. But stay patient, and you'll likely get another shot.

5. Don’t bump the does.

If you find a group of does, act just like you would if it were a giant buck. Do everything you can to avoid bumping them. Even well before the rut, you never know when a buck will appear. When the run begins in November, this becomes even more critical. Glass long enough, and you might spot a buck hanging with the does. By keeping does in the area, there's a good chance a buck will turn up.

For more information on Wyoming mule deer hunts with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please visit our Mule Deer Hunting Page. For information on hunts for pronghorn antelope, elk, black bear, whitetail deer and other opportunities in Wyoming and Montana, be sure to visit our Home Page. You may also request a free color brochure or call us anytime with questions at 307-266-4229.

When chatting with first-time clients and hunters from across the country, we’re often asked what can be expected on a hunt with SNS. What is a typical day like on a Wyoming hunt with us?

Here’s a short photo tour, showing a day in the life at a typical SNS hunting camp.

1. Up Before Dawn
At all of our camps across Wyoming, whether you’re hunting elk in the mountains or antelope further east, we’re always up well before daylight. Hunters can expect a home-cooked, hot breakfast before departing on horseback, on foot or by vehicle.

On our horseback hunts, guides will have your animals saddled and ready to go by the time you finish breakfast.


2. The Hunt Begins
The distance from camp to the hunting area varies greatly, depending on the area and your Guide’s plans for the day. Horseback or vehicle rides of an hour or more are not uncommon. In other cases, hunting may begin right outside your door.

On many hunts, the day often begins behind the binoculars or spotting scope. As soon as it’s light enough to see, we begin glassing. Spotting those first animals of the day is always an exciting moment.


 

3. Long Days in the Field
We typically pack lunches to bring into the field to maximize hunting time. Without having to return to camp during midday, we will continue hunting through the afternoon. How we hunt the day will largely depend on the game and the weather.


 

 

4. When Game is Down
If you have an opportunity to harvest an animal, your guide will take photos and field dress the animal. If we’re hunting by vehicle, your animal will be loaded up for the trip back to camp. When hunting by horseback, your guide will quarter the animal and load it on to a packhorse for the return to camp.


 

 

 

5. A Hot Meal and Warm Bed Awaits
Upon your return to camp each day, a home-cooked dinner will be waiting. Your guide will unsaddle horses or get gear organized while you have a chance to get cleaned up. Then hunters and guides gather around tables to share their stories from the day.

After dinner, hunters are welcome to stick around and swap stories, but most will filter off to bed and prepare for another day of the hunt.

We’ve received a great deal of questions recently about a giant crack in the earth that recently appeared on a ranch where we operate in the southern foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. Thinking it was interesting, but not knowing that it would get so much attention, we posted a photo on our Facebook page. After being shared more than 7,000 times, we started receiving a flood of questions and comments.

Here’s what we know so far: we have two outfitted camps on this ranch. We hunt here every year and have been doing so for decades. Our guides first noticed the giant fissure in early October. We couldn’t tell what had caused so much earth to suddenly move, but it certainly had not been there long.

A couple of weeks later, an engineer from Riverton, WY joined us to take a closer look. We walked the perimeter and took estimates on size using a rangefinder. We estimated the crevasse to be about 750 yards long and about 50 yards wide.

According to the engineer, there was a cap rock being lubricated by a spring. Additionally there was a spring running across east to west, which then caused the entire thing to slide north. The engineer estimated about 15 to 20 million yards of movement. According to the USGS, there has been no seismic activity, so we have no other possible explanations at this time.

Since posting the photo on Facebook, we’ve received countless offers from geologists, scientists and reporters from all over the world to come and take a look at this fascinating event. It truly is incredible to look at, a canyon that formed almost overnight – a mountainside that seems to have suddenly collapsed.

As we speak with experts and learn more about it, we will share updates here and on our Facebook page.

SNS Outfitter and Guides is Wyoming’s top outfitter and the largest pronghorn antelope outfitter in North America. With more than 700,000 acres of private land and prime wildlife habitat, we offer more hunting opportunities that anyone else in the state. If you’d like to find out more about our hunts, please visit our website at HuntWyo.com. For availability and specifics, please contact us online to request a free brochure.