Our more than 40 years of experience guiding hunters in Wyoming and Montana has provided us with expert understanding of what to do to prepare yourself for your hunt so that you can maximize your enjoyment of this classic sport.
Physical Conditioning
Wyoming and Montana's diverse terrain provides scenic beauty but can test one's physical abilities. Horses and 4x4 vehicles are used to cover the country, but walking is involved on all hunts. The hunter who has prepared him or herself physically has the edge on harvesting a trophy. To make your evenings a time to relax and relay the stories of the day's events, we suggest you prepare yourself physically for the hunt. Any exercise program you undertake will help considerably during your hunt. Most of you will be coming from a lower elevation and getting acclimated to our elevation takes about 3 days, so if you are able to arrive early and see the sights this can also help. Horse hunters (Hunt 3, 7 and 8) are advised to ride at least a couple of times before the beginning of the trip. Hunt 7 and Hunt 8 Mule Deer hunters are advised to undertake a conditioning program well ahead of their hunt.
Hunter Safety Requirements
No person born on or after January 1, 1966 for Wyoming or January 1, 1985 for Montana may take any wildlife by the use of firearms, unless the person possesses and can exhibit a certificate of competency and safety in the use and handling of firearms. Wyoming and Montana both grant reciprocity to other states, countries, or provinces providing recognized hunter safety certificates. Exhibit of certificates are not required to apply for or obtain a Wyoming license; however, certificates must be carried in the field. Montana requires you to provide your hunter safety certificate number when you apply for your license. The minimum age to hunt big game in Wyoming and Montana is 12.
Shooting Skills
One of the most important factors to a successful hunt is your ability to shoot. Start preparing for your hunt well in advance by sighting in your rifle carefully. Make sure you practice from sitting, prone and offhand shooting positions. Shoot 100 to 200 rounds of ammo at distances of 50 to 350 yards, although most shots are about 200 yards with the exception of Hunt 7 and Hunt 8. On hunts that take place on the Greys River (Hunt 7 and Hunt 8) most shots are 300 yards or more. We recommend a flat shooting rifle with a 6x scope or better. Calibers need to be .243 or larger, bolt action, sighted dead on at 200 yards. We encourage the use of shooting sticks. Bi-pods can't be used on horseback hunts, as they will not fit in rifle scabbards. Your ability with a rifle is totally up to you. Lots of practice and good equipment tip the scale in your favor during your hunt. There are no shooting benches out in the field so get plenty of practice.
Equipment List
Gear Up! for your Western Trophy Hunt
Each SNS Outfitter hunt has its own specific packing list. A complete and very detailed, hunt specific list will be sent to you in July. Please pay careful attention to the hunt you book if you require electricity for a CPAP machine.
You booked your hunt. You successfully drew your license. And your long awaited western trophy hunt with SNS Outfitter & Guides is finally here! The time has come, to pack up your gear!
Horseback Hunts
Amazing Hunts by Horseback
We first started offering horseback hunts over 35 years ago and SNS is proud of the horse equipment we provide and the quality and care of the game that is harvested here in Wyoming & Montana.
Each saddle is fitted with oversized stir-ups, easily large enough to accommodate any hunting boot. Every saddle is fitted with a pair of saddle bags. Saddle bags are useful for carrying lunches, bottles of water, and extra clothing. The back of the saddle has long leather strings which is a great place to tie on extra coats and rain gear and we also provide quality leather rifle and bow scabbards. When you are hunting antelope, mule deer, elk, or even black bear, you can rest assured that this part of the hunt will be worry-free.
Taxidermy, Trophy Care, and Meat Processing
After you have harvested your animal, your guide will field-dress it for you. Local taxidermy work and meat processing services are available, but the costs will be your responsibility. If you wish, your animal’s meat can be donated to a local food bank, but you will still be responsible for the meat processing costs. Meat-cutting fees vary depending on the processor, and if you want to have your meat shipped home via FedEx, you will need to make arrangements directly with the meat cutters when you drop off your animal.
If you want to take your trophy home to a local taxidermist, that is also possible. However, if you are planning to take the head home by commercial airliner, you will need to take special care and check with the airline beforehand to find out their regulations. Note that airlines have recently made it difficult to take heads home as baggage. Alternatively, you can leave the heads to be caped, boxed, and shipped by local taxidermists, but the charge for this service will be your responsibility.We strongly advise you to check your home state's laws regarding the transportation of meat and heads back from Wyoming in relation to chronic wasting disease.
To find out more about the meat processor we use in the Casper area and the taxidermist we recommend you can check them out
here.
Weather
The weather can and will have a profound effect on your hunting experience, sometimes in a positive manner sometimes in a negative manner. Please be advised, we have no control over the weather.
No extra hunting days or refunds will be given due to lost hunting opportunities, area closures, or season closures. Any additional cost for motels, meals, travel, etc. under these circumstances is not the responsibility of SNS Outfitter & Guides.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend you consider purchasing a trip insurance policy on your hunt. Should you be unable to make your trip due to an unforeseen problem you will not lose all of your investment. Trip insurance also protects you from damage or loss to your equipment and provides medical benefits and emergency evacuation coverage during your hunt. Once you book your trip we will provide you with a flyer detailing the type of insurance offered. Information can also be obtained at https://www.ripcordrescuetravelinsurance.com/?snsoutfitters or call Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance at (415) 481- 0600.
Guarantee & Disclaimer
We guarantee to provide you with experienced, knowledgeable, properly equipped guides, and to match your expectations to the appropriate hunt. We will treat you with respect and dignity and engage in ethical, fair chase hunting methods. Our guarantee cannot extend to weather conditions, maintenance of your equipment, control over animal behavior, your physical condition, shooting ability, eyesight, or emergency or area closures. We are a hard-working honest outfit that takes pride in our reputation for customer service and high hunter success.
SNS Outfitter & Guides accepts no responsibility for the loss or damage to your personal gear. You may wish to ensure your rifle and other valuable equipment against breakage or loss during your hunt. This brochure, our website, and social media sites all contain pictures of past trophies taken by our clients. All of our hunts are for wild free-ranging animals which can be affected by weather, wildfire, area closures, distribution shifts or movement, disease, and population fluctuations. SNS Outfitter & Guides does not guarantee or promise you will harvest a trophy or any animal during your hunt.
Firearm Safety
Safety is our highest priority, especially when it comes to gun safety.
We require that firearms be carried and unloaded at all times. Your guide will instruct you when it is appropriate to load your magazine or clip. While hunting, never chamber a round until your guide instructs you to do so. Always ensure your bolt is open to verify no rounds are chambered before placing your firearm in the guide’s vehicle or back in the scabbard on your horse. In camp, all firearms must remain unloaded. Safe muzzle control is mandatory for everyone. If your guide asks you to watch your muzzle, immediately point it in a safe direction and do not repeat the mistake.
We strictly adhere to all Wyoming Game & Fish laws without exception.
Failure to adhere to these safety rules will result in your hunt being terminated. Should your hunt be terminated from failure to follow safe gun handling practices no refunds will be awarded.
Camp vs Town Hunts
Camp Hunt
SNS furnishes lodging, meals, and transportation (horses or 4x4 vehicles) during the hunt. We do not provide licenses, personal gear, rifles, bows, ammunition, or gratuities. Our full-time cooks prepare home-style meals in large enough quantities to satisfy any appetite. Camp size varies depending on the hunt booked.
Town Hunt
Town hunts are located out of a hotel where we have an office set up during hunting season. During the hunt, we furnish the guide, transportation during the hunt, field lunch, and care of the meat in the field. You may bring your own camper and stay in a local campground or motel. We do not provide licenses, personal gear, rifles, bows, or ammunition. Meals, lodging, and gratuities are at the hunter’s expense. Be aware that you will need to make your own hotel reservations.
Alcohol Policy
Preference Points & License Fees
See our page explaining Wyoming Preference Points and our preference point program.