As we enter February there are many things to look forward to. The best thing is that we are one month closer to hunting season. I'm sure many of you have already started checking your gear and maybe you've even started working with your rifles. However, there is something every hunter needs to begin today to be prepared for their hunt this fall: conditioning. 

Conditioning is one of the most important parts of hunting that is often overlooked when prepping for the trip of a lifetime. You've invested in this trip so it is vital you put in the work to make it an enjoyable experience. When I say conditioning I don't mean that you need to go to the gym and do thousands of squats. In fact the best exercise to prepare for your hunt is to start walking. If you live in a place that has winters, like us, start at your local gym on the treadmill. When walking on the treadmill it is vital that you do it on an incline to simulate walking up hills. Once the weather warms up get outside. While treadmills are wonderful there is nothing like actually walking outside. When you are out in nature and on trails you will be working on going up and down and stepping on uneven surfaces. When you are on your hunt there will be limited trails and lots of sage brush to walk around and over when on the stalk. 

Today we are taking a look at SNS’ most popular species to hunt, pronghorn antelope. You may keep close tabs on them during the hunting season, but how much do you really know about them the rest of the year?

We may as well begin by addressing their name. Are they antelope? Are they pronghorn? Are they pronghorn antelope? Technically speaking, the Latin name for the species found here in North America is Antilocapra Americana, or American Goat Antelope. They are neither a member of the goat family or related to antelope found in Africa, however. The herds found in western and central North America are indeed Pronghorn. At least now we know where their nick name “speed goat” came from!

Winter feeding of wildlife is a hot button issue and often pits wildlife lovers, hunters and conservationists against one other. Elk are fed each winter by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department and the National Elk Refuge. As townships and ranchers established themselves out west, elk were left with very little intact natural winter range.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission has tasked the department to hold a series of public meetings to educate the public as to why elk are being fed in Western Wyoming. These public meetings will be held in a virtual format starting December 1^st. Click here to view the schedule of this week’s meetings https://wgfd.wyo.gov/events

The preference point application period has once again come around. While many of the hunts offered by SNS do not take years to draw, we highly recommend the purchase of points to help ensure successful draw results. 

Wyoming’s preference points are species specific rather than area specific. The application period to buy preference points in 2021 is July – November 1. Points must be purchased prior to the year you apply for a draw.

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.

This week we’d like to feature one of our specific hunting camps and provide a virtual tour around this beautiful location in northeast Wyoming. Sometimes known as “Camp Envy” for its amenities, it’s also known as Hunt #2 if you refer to our website or the printed brochure. Most importantly, this camp serves as the home base for an outstanding Wyoming combo hunt.

The landscape in north central and northeast Wyoming is a patchwork of sage hills, plateaus studded with ponderosa pines, grassy plains, and shallow canyons lined with junipers. It’s perfect habitat for trophy quality antelope and mule deer bucks.

Our hunting camp sits atop a hill with views overlooking long creeks lined with cottonwoods, vast expanses of sagebrush, and an escarpment of pine-covered hills. The camp itself contains several buildings that include guest quarters, guide rooms, a 24 by 32-foot dining room, a shower building, permanent outhouses and a meat cooler.

The guest rooms are comfortable, sleeping two to four hunters each. Bunk beads are furnished with covered mattresses. Baseboard heat keeps things cozy, no matter what the weather decides to do. A hot shower is a perfect way to start or end each day. And the dining room provides the perfect place to gather for a hot breakfast each morning, and then a home-cooked dinner each night.

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An antelope and mule deer combo hunt is a classic, spot-and-stalk experience. After a hot breakfast, you and your guide will leave camp before daylight. These ranches offer good 4x4 access and the hunt typically begins by glassing these large expanses of open country for a mature buck. In some cases you will be glassing from the vehicle but in other situations, your guide might park and hunt on foot.

After harvesting your mule deer or antelope, your guide will field dress your trophy. Back in camp, it can chill in our meat cooler. Processing and taxidermy is your responsibility. But if you choose to have your meat processed locally, our local meat processor can pick your animal up from camp. This is an easy and hassle-free way to have your meat processed before your departure. We also have a couple of outstanding local taxidermists that we recommend.

With good numbers of antelope and mule deer, the hunting here is action-packed. From this camp, we are fortunate to hunt on private ranches that encompass more than 62,000 acres of big game habitat. We have been carefully managing these ranches for over two decades and the trophy quality is excellent. An antelope and mule deer combo hunt is a classic-spot and stalk experience. This is everything you’d want and expect in a western hunting adventure.

For more information, you can check out Hunt #2 on our website. Or you can request a free copy of our brochure. For details or availability, give us a call at 307-266-4229.

[caption id="attachment_1653" align="alignright" width="300"] P.C.: SNS Guide Jim Bernardin.


In a decision that should come as a welcome relief to hunters, the United States Court of Appeals has finally removed Wyoming’s wolves from federal protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Wolf management is now in the hands of the state.

This is a major victory for wildlife management in Wyoming. Federal protections were originally lifted in 2011 when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service determined that ESA listing was no longer necessary. But in 2014, against the recommendations of biologists and wildlife managers, activist pressure and a federal judge’s decision returned wolves to Federal protection.

Finally, six years since they were originally deemed recovered, science has prevailed over emotional outcry and Wolf management is now under Wyoming’s control.

In most parts of the state wolves will be managed as a predator like coyotes, and can be harvested on site. In the Trophy Game Management Area of northwest Wyoming where the majority of Wyoming’s wolves reside, hunting seasons will eventually be re-established.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is currently responsible for managing Wyoming wildlife like deer, elk, antelope, mountain lions, bison, black bears and more. Regaining the ability to manage wolves in context with the rest of Wyoming’s wildlife and habitat resources will prove to be a major benefit. No longer run without regard to local circumstance by Washington bureaucrats, all of Wyoming’s wildlife is poised to benefit from this change.

For more information on wolf management in Wyoming, please visit the Game and Fish Department website.

On August 15th, new pricing for our 2018 hunts will go into effect. So if you’re thinking of booking a hunt for next year, this is your chance to lock in your spot at the current rate! But you must book before August 15th. 
Our 2018 season still has plenty of openings. Our Wyoming antelope hunts, spring and fall black bear hunts, the Wyoming and Montana mule deer hunts, and our Wyoming elk hunts have some great spots still available. But many of our most popular hunts fill up by the holidays. Locking in your spot now guarantees you the best dates, plus the best possible price. 


And if you’re thinking of a hunt next year, this is also perfect timing to grab a preference point while they are still on sale. Wyoming preference points are available for elk, deer and antelope. Purchasing a point now will help ensure you draw the best possible tag next year. 
Our preference point program makes the whole process easy. We handle licenses, points and applications for you. Best of all, we deduct the cost of your preference points from the cost of your hunt. So when it’s all said and done, your points don’t cost a thing. 
Wyoming preference points are only on sale for a limited time. And you must book before August 15th if you want to lock in a hunt at our current rates! For more information on booking or purchasing points, call us now at 307-266-4229. Or you can contact us on our website. 

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.

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.

It’s hard to believe that we’ve wrapped up our 40th season here at SNS—time flies. It’s been another year of outstanding trophies, unforgettable memories, and first time hunters. We are thankful for all of the hunters who chose to experience their Wyoming (or Montana) hunts with us.
As usual, we kicked off our 2017 season at the Box Y Lodge in the Grey’s River Valley. The Spring Bear hunts are a favorite of ours. As expected, the bears are slowly withdrawing from their hibernation, and there is typically still snow on the ground. This makes for an anticipatory hunt, both for the hunter and the guide. Our Spring Bear hunts also begin at the perfect time: we’re typically getting antsy for hunting season, and this relinquishes our hunting fever (at least until the fall)!
Every year, as the leaves begin to change, the meat of our hunting season begins. Between the memories that will be made, the stories that will be told, and—of course—the animals that our hunters will go home with, SNS is proud to offer a unique hunting experience. Year after year, some things simply stand the test of time: the smile on our clients’ faces as they head out for a hunt, the memories they come back to share, and the pride they feel. This season, we had first time hunters on our antelope and elk hunts; we truly love seeing the hunt through their eyes. And, of course, we had veteran hunters and returning clients—a true testament to the experience we offer.
Finally, we wrapped up our hunting season with our Montana Deer hunts, hunt 11, on November 19th. This makes for a long season, but it’s totally worth it! So, thanks again to all who hunted with us this year, as well as the previous 40 seasons!
As a quick reminder for you, the Wyoming Elk application deadline is January 31st. Please contact us with any questions you may have. You can request a brochure here.

If you are lucky enough to attend a Spring or Fall Black Bear hunt, maybe even an elk or deer hunt at the Box Y Lodge, you’ve hopefully been lucky enough to taste the mouthwatering, home-style dishes created by Meagan Haberberger. As the daughter of Tim and Cindy Haberberger, Meagan has been a great addition to the SNS crew for her popular collection of gourmet recipes.  
There is no question that Meagan knows her way around the kitchen. A typical day for her consists of starting the coffee on the stove around 6:30 am and diving into her preparation for the 8:00 am breakfast. Once the hunters and guides have left for the day, she will start to tackle the dinner prep. Dinner is served at 3:30 pm for the bear hunters to get out to their baits at an early hour. She then savors a few hours to herself before serving 'appetizers' and treats around 8:00 pm for the returning crew.

Each guest on an SNS trip is lucky enough to indulge in a homemade meal every day. It is important for Meagan that all the breads, cakes, appetizers, dinners, and desserts are made from scratch since the guides and hunters are burning several calories throughout each trek. “I want to serve them what they crave - fresh fruit, vegetables, and home cooking!” Whether is it 5 people or 20 people, Meagan likes to offer a variety of meal options, with some fan favorites being biscuits and gravy, enchiladas, corn casserole, and carrot cake. These mouthwatering dishes are served as big, home-style meals.

Meagan’s menu is worth its own paragraph. To start the hunt off on the right foot, she designs a full breakfast around the essentials; eggs, a breakfast meat, country potatoes, baked goods, and fruit. Appetizers can vary from meatball sliders to jalapeno poppers and what she calls cowboy queso! To wrap up the day, her hungry hunters are served a large meal of either steaks or prime rib, baked potatoes, steamed veggies, homemade bread, garden salad, and dessert. Additionally, she serves turkey dinners, BBQ ribs, lasagna, and ham.  Meagan’s motto – “The guides tell me what they want or would like to eat, and I try to recreate it.”
Like any of us, there are always a few challenges that come along with the successes. For Meagan, getting out of bed on time by week four is the first on her list. She laughs about the struggle of always keeping picky-eater Dave Dandrige fed and finally, the struggle to design a varied and creative menu that last the four weeks.

For the elk, mule deer, and bear hunts through SNS - the Box Y Lodge is the perfect destination. This spot is the only lodge along the Greys River and offers an idyllic mountain setting where hunters enjoy individual heated sleeping cabins and private baths. The lodge has a large commercial kitchen, spacious dining area, and a relaxing living room. This might be one of the most comfortable hunting camps you’ve ever experienced. More importantly, it’s surrounded by trophy big game country. Book your trip today!

Benny Tillerson started hunting deer in Alabama in 1964 and to this day he gets the same thrill that he did when he shot his very first animal.

A retired firefighter captain from Montgomery, Alabama, Benny has hunted for much of his life.

He has trekked to several other States and countries for his hunts and has had the opportunity to take home a variety of animals.



One hot Alabama day, Benny was posted up in the firehouse reading a magazine and on the back page he came across an advertisement about a firefighter who owned a hunting outfit in Casper, Wyoming. When he called the number listed, the founder and current owner of SNS Outfitter and Guides, Sy Gilliland, answered. Quickly those two built a strong friendship and Benny began taking trips out west to hunt with Sy and the other SNS guides.  
The three years following were packed with Sy and Benny hunting most seasons together for wild game and exploring the old west with the outfitting crew. When his passion for hunting trips caught up with him and Benny couldn’t resist it anymore - he become a guide himself. As an avid outdoorsman, it only made sense he would join his kind. When Benny returned to Wyoming on his 4th year, he guided his first group of hunters and did quite well. Over the years, he would pack up his gear, leave Alabama and head to Wyoming to guide hunters on various hunts that SNS offered. In 1991, he retired from firefighting and was brought on full time as a hunting guide with SNS. Unfortunately, a few months into guiding he was thrown off his horse and broke his shoulder.  But that injury didn’t slow him down, well maybe just for that season it did. To this day Benny remains a valued member of the SNS team landing him his current title of, Camp Manager and Professional Guide.

When looking back on fond memories of guiding, Benny recalls when he took a 20-yr-old girl on her first hunt in 2017 and she went home with a fantastic antelope. She was SO excited. Needless to say, it made Benny’s day and season. As Benny has mentioned a few times, he gets just as excited when he has a hunter take an animal as when he does, that’s a true passion for hunting!

We asked Benny what his favorite camp to guide from is and simply replied, The Orchard. His favorite camp to hunt is the Orchard because this is where his career began. He describes the area as breathtaking.

We also took a second to find out about one of his favorite hunting experiences. Benny replied with “my favorite Wyoming hunt was Elk hunting with Sy.” He described it as the blind leading the blind. They would talk, stop, hunt, laugh, and repeat.  Finally, on day eight of the hunt Benny decided that he had given up on a trophy and just wanted to have his Wyoming elk. It was on that day when he took a “little” 5-point. Sy will never let him live that one down. But the fun doesn't stop there. As much as Benny loves Wyoming, he has also enjoyed hunting throughout England, Spain, Lima Peru, and nearly every state in the United States over the years.

Benny has three grandsons that are crazy about hunting and when he is home in Alabama, they spend 3 - 4 days a week doing something hunting oriented. Projects could be planting food plots, building new hunting blinds, or working on equipment.

Benny loves working for Sy, SNS Outfitters, and spending time in Wyoming. “The company is just amazing - truly a big family. Everyone (the guides, the cooks, and the camp hosts) are all really great friends and really enjoy one another's company.” He explains how Sy is a great businessman and has organized the company into a great outfitting business. Currently, Benny has been with Sy and SNS Outfitter & Guides for 36 years and is now slowly transiting into being Sy’s “gopher” in town (Casper, Wyoming).

As a guide, Benny talks shop about the playful competition each guide has with one another. “When we’re guiding there is a lot of competition between the guides, because you cannot come into camp with an animal smaller than another guide. But no matter how the day ends up, you have to hunt what's best for your clients and you’ll always tell the other guides about ‘that really big animal you saw out there’.”
There are a few pieces of advice that Benny shares with a new hunter. It is recommended to be in good physical condition and you need to be able to shoot your rifle. Hunting is worthless if you cannot perform. When you are new to hunting and booking with SNS, or any outfit, Benny recommends doing your research to find an operation that fits your style, since the trips are expensive. If you’re a veteran to the sport, Benny recommends going on an antelope / mule deer combo hunt, this is a fun and unique hunt to Wyoming.

“It's been quite a ride. I remember the day that Sy sent me a paycheck. I was so shocked that I was getting paid to do something that I love so much. For a person that really loves the outdoors and hunting - this is the way to do it. You get to do your favorite activity every day of the season,” Benny said. “The day I can watch a deer walk through the woods and not get excited will be the day I quit,” he said.

The outfitting community in Wyoming is reeling at the loss of one of our own. On September 14, Mark Uptain was guiding a client in the Teton Wilderness when they were attacked by two grizzly bears. The client sustained minor injuries, however Mark’s injuries were fatal. The two grizzly bears involved in the attack have since been trapped and killed. A Go Fund Me account has been set up to help his wife Sarah and their five children. Please take the time to share and donate if at all possible. We at SNS Outfitter & Guides offer our heartfelt condolences to Mark’s family and friends.

To Donate: 

• GoFundMe

• Bear Spray Article
• JH News

Fall hunting — in both Wyoming and Montana — can mean variable weather and hunting conditions. With dynamic weather in mind, here are a few packing recommendations for those October and November hunts. First and foremost, you should pack layers. Layers are a critical element to hunting in the West. We typically experience cold mornings and warm afternoons, so having the ability to add (or shed) layers is key. In times of movement —  either when you’re hiking or on horseback — you'll want to shed a layer because your body will generate heat. While sitting and stalking though, you'll want to layer your gear to mitigate cooling down.

Secondly, pack to be prepared. Whether you’re hunting during one of our beautiful summer like days, or the weather dramatically shifts and begins to snow, having the proper gear is crucial. Suggested gear to pack: long johns, down jackets, rain gear, gloves, beanies, hats, extra ear warmers, second layer gloves, and be sure to have waterproof boots that are warm and practical. For that matter, having the correct footwear can be a game-changer. You want to be able to trek all day, without issue. Prior to heading to camp, make sure you’ve broken in your shoes and they’re ready for use.



Upon arrival, have your binoculars ready as well as your gun sighted in. Your guide will do a quick overview to make sure he or she feels confident with your shooting abilities. Your guide will also ensure that your gun is adequately set up for your hunt. If you have any specific "game day fuel," we recommend that you pack that along as well.

That said, our camps will feed you two delicious and satisfying meals. We also have an assortment of lunch offerings to pack for your day of hunting. So long as you follow the above recommendations, you'll be prepared for a great day in Wyoming! As a reminder, the weather here can be fairly unpredictable this time of year, so come prepared with your layers. Cheers, friends! Happy hunting.



If you have any questions about western hunting with SNS Outfitter and Guides you can contact us by clicking here or calling us at: 307.266.4229. You can also request a free brochure by clicking here.

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.

One of the most important aspects of hunting is the food value of what we hunt. Knowing exactly where our food comes from — and for those hunters who process their own meat, exactly how it’s aged and taken care of — is the most satisfying and rewarding part of the hunting experience. Wild game is known as some of the healthiest meat on the planet. It is also some of the most delicious! Many on the anti-hunting spectrum would counter with, “You can buy meat at the grocery store — why don’t you leave the wildlife alone?” Well, a hunter’s counter argument is that just because you choose to purchase processed meat (from a domesticated animal) in a grocery store, does not make you morally superior to those who fill their freezers in a different manner. Whether it’s cattle or mule deer, they all walk on four legs. However, wild game is able to roam freely and eat what they choose.

Hunting also allows families and friends to spend valuable time together in the wilderness. These memories transcend generations. For that matter, some of my earliest memories involve bouncing around in a single cab pickup with my dad, mom, and brother hunting antelope, elk, and deer. I can also vividly remember the first time I heard a cow elk calling her calf while hunting with my grandpa in a patch of downfall timber. From an early age, hunting instilled in me the importance of family and friends as well as the importance of spending time outside enjoying everything that nature has to offer. There is nothing more exciting than being in close quarters with a bugling bull elk or quietly sneaking within a stone’s throw of a bedded muley buck!



As human encroachment on natural wildlife increases, we come to another very important part of why we hunt and why hunting is necessary: wildlife management. Every wildlife ecosystem has a carrying capacity and without proper management, the wildlife populations are at risk of uncontrolled population growth and massive die-offs. That is where we — as hunters — come into play. We are the world’s first and most diligent conservationists. And while it may be difficult to comprehend, hunters get just as much thrill viewing wildlife as non-hunter do. For us hunters, it isn’t just about wanting healthy wildlife populations so that we have more animals to aim at. We live where we live 


because of the abundance of wildlife and the endless opportunities to watch them in their natural element. Whether it’s witnessing a doe antelope nursing triplet fawns or a bachelor group of mule deer bucks on a summer afternoon, the joy is in the entire experience.

The simple truth is that we hunt because it’s deeply rooted in our blood and our family traditions. We have the utmost respect for any animal we harvest, as that animal provides food for our families. It’s not about the thrill of taking a life, it’s about all the experiences leading up to that point. It’s about learning the skills that are handed down from previous generations that allow us to make the hunting both clean and ethical. That is — at the very least — what we owe the elk, deer, or other wild game that graces our dinner tables.

Admittedly, selecting
the right hunting outfitter is not an easy process. With hundreds of thousands
of outfitters around the world, there are numerous aspects to take into
consideration. First, what species are you interested in hunting? Once you have
that figured out, which state do you want to hunt in? Are you looking for an
area where tags are easy to draw? Furthermore, are you looking for a trophy or
simply want to fill your freezer? You’ll also want to consider the length of
the hunt and whether or not you prefer a horseback hunt. As you can see, there
are a plethora of factors to take into consideration.

Once you
narrow down your preferences — or at least have a fairly solid idea of your
likings — you take to the Internet. Between interactive websites, great trophy
photos, and testimonials that make you feel like you were on the hunt yourself,
it’s difficult to choose. So, here is what we suggest:

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.