Every once in a while we like to feature an interview with one of our Wyoming hunting guides or staff here at SNS. We are extremely proud of our crew. In fact, we think we’ve got one of the best in the business.

One of those great guys and great guides is David Cardinal. David has been guiding for SNS for more than 15 years. We recently asked David about his favorite things about guiding and his tips for elk or mule deer hunters coming to hunt in Wyoming. Here is what David had to say.

Q: David, first tell us about how you began guiding Wyoming hunts for SNS.

David: Well, Sy was one of my first captains on the fire department. He started SNS when he was 21 years old, so he had already been doing it for a while. That’s how I first got to know about it. Then after working with Sy for a couple of years, I started guiding hunts.

Q: Which hunts were you guiding at that time, and what hunts do you primarily guide now?

David: When I first started I was mostly doing antelope hunts, primarily hunt 1 if you refer to our brochure. And then I just progressed through every camp. I think I have now guided at every camp we have except for Montana.

Now I mainly guide the Greys River mule deer hunts (hunt 7 and hunt 8) and the deer and elk hunts on hunt 3. Basically I do the horseback hunts now. I just love hunting on horseback, so those have become my favorites.

Q: What tips or advice would you give to someone coming to hunt mule deer or elk in Wyoming? 

David: When it comes to mule deer and elk hunting, be physically fit. The more fit you are, the better your opportunities are going to be.

The other recommendation I would have for mule deer hunters is to bring good glass. I think having good binoculars can make the hunt more enjoyable. If a hunter just sits by while their guide does the spotting, they may not get the most out of the hunting experience. When hunters start glassing and seeing animals, they’ll get more excited about it.

And finally, just remember to enjoy the hunt. Soak up the atmosphere and everything you are going through. It’s not just about killing the animal. It’s everything leading up to that.

Q: What do you enjoy most about mule deer hunting or elk hunting in Wyoming?

One of the things I enjoy most about mule deer hunting is the country that they live in. I really enjoy that. Then the spot and stalk element of mule deer hunting is incredible. I believe it’s one of the most enjoyable ways of hunting there is. First you have to find them, sometimes from long distances. Then you pick your route to them. It’s like a game of chess on a huge scale.

When it comes to elk hunting, I enjoy seeing the big herds and hearing them. No matter how many times you hear a bull elk bugle it always gives you the same excitement. I don’t even know how to explain it– it’s just amazing. That’s my favorite thing about elk hunting.

Beyond the hunting itself, of course I always look forward to spending time with great people. We have a lot of return clients, some of whom have been coming for many years. I always look forward to that. Plus every year I get to meet new people. Then as guides we get to see each other. All of the Wyoming hunting guides are good friends but we don’t get to spend much time together until the hunting season, so that’s always highly anticipated.

Q: When you are not guiding hunts, what do you do?

David: I am a captain for the Casper Fire Department. I am also married and have two kids. My oldest son is now guiding hunts for us at SNS, so that is a neat experience. I also work for SNS part time during the off-season, helping with things like the brochure. But most of my hobbies are outdoors – hunting, fishing, snowshoeing and horseback riding.

Thanks to David for taking the time to share these thoughts and tips with us! One of the best parts of our jobs is getting to spend time with great people and David is a perfect example. For more information on hunts with SNS Outfitter and Guides, please visit our home page at HuntWyo.com. Or feel free to give us a call anytime at 307-266-4229. You can also contact us online to request a free brochure.