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.

Written by Lindsey Wheeler

Whenever people find out that my dad is Sy Gilliland one of the first things they ask me is, “How many big animals have you killed?” I always look, smile, and say, “One.” This answer always astonishes people and they generally go on to ask silly questions like: Are you a bad shot? Do you not like hunting? You mean one a year? WHY? The answers to these questions are simple. No I am actually a pretty good shot, I love hunting, and no I mean one in my entire life.

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:

This week, we’re giving you a virtual tour of one of our most popular and scenic hunting camps in northeast Wyoming. Known among hunters as “Camp Envy”, this location is more than just a beautiful basecamp—it’s home to one of the best Wyoming antelope and mule deer combo hunts we offer.

A Landscape Made for Trophy Bucks

Set in north-central Wyoming, the surrounding terrain is a striking blend of sagebrush hills, pine-covered plateaus, grassy plains, and juniper-lined canyons—ideal habitat for mature mule deer and pronghorn antelope.

SNS Office Manager Ambrosia Wagner recently had the chance to experience something truly special: her son Gavin’s first antelope hunt. Taking a kid hunting is a meaningful milestone for any parent or grandparent, and this season we’ve been fortunate to see several hunters bring along their kids or grandkids to share the experience.

An antelope hunt is a fantastic way to introduce young hunters to the world of western big game. We caught up with 14-year-old Gavin to hear all about his first successful antelope hunt. Here’s what he had to say:

Whether you're glassing for antelope in the open plains, spotting mule deer in the high country, or chasing elk with a bow, one thing remains constant: you’ll be spending a lot of time behind the glass. In Wyoming’s vast and rugged landscapes, quality binoculars give you a serious advantage. Here are three key tips for selecting the right binoculars for your next western hunt.

1. Invest in Quality Glass

Shopping for binoculars can be overwhelming. Prices range from just a couple hundred dollars to several thousand, and every hunter seems to have their own opinion. But it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Having the right gear can make or break your Wyoming hunt—and nothing is more important than your boots. After your firearm or bow, your boots may be your most critical investment. You’ll wear them every day in the field, and they need to perform. Cold, wet feet or painful blisters can ruin your experience, cut your time in the field short, and possibly cost you the opportunity to harvest an animal.

Key Boot Features for a Big Game Hunt

When choosing boots for a Wyoming big game hunt, there are a few essential features every hunter should look for:

Post 3 in Our Mule Deer Hunting Series

In our ongoing series on mule deer hunting tips, we’ve already covered two essential topics: glassing strategies and where to locate mule deer. In this third installment, we’re focusing on one of the most challenging aspects of mule deer hunting: the stalk.

Thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Wyoming Hunter Defense Fund—and the generous support of those who have donated—a major victory was achieved last month in preserving nonresident hunting license allocations in Wyoming.

Senate File 0069 (SF0069) proposed a drastic cut to nonresident license allocations for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and grizzly bear, slashing them to just 10%. If passed, this would have cut nonresident moose tags by half and reduced bighorn sheep and mountain goat opportunities by nearly 60%.

This is the second installment in our mule deer hunting series, and today we’re diving into one of the biggest questions our guides get each season:
“Where do I even start when looking for mule deer?”

Whether you’re high above timberline or hunting the sagebrush flats, knowing where to look is critical. And in a place like Wyoming—where mule deer country is vast and varied—a solid strategy can make all the difference.