Rodney Smith, a long-time friend and hunter with SNS Outfitter & Guides, sums it up perfectly:

"There's just no reason to go anywhere else! They take care of the details. I've never had a complaint with SNS, and that's what keeps us coming back!"

Rodney Smith

Rodney's journey with us started in 2002 after spotting an ad in a hunting magazine. Having grown up fishing, squirrel, and rabbit hunting with his grandfather, and eventually becoming an avid waterfowl sportsman, he was ready for big game. His first trophy came on a Montana antelope hunt with SNS out of Miles City, and after filling his tag on the final day, he was hooked.

He soon returned for a Montana mule deer hunt during the rut, only to encounter a fierce blizzard.

The hotel called to confirm he'd still be needing his reservation, as icy roads were deterring other travelers. His response? "I wouldn't miss this for the world! I'm on my way." Rodney came solo and was paired with a hunter from California. After taking the back seat to avoid the chilly task of gate-opening, everyone had a good laugh as his hunting partner started to notice Rodney's strategic seating choice. Despite the frosty weather, Rodney harvested a fine buck with SNS guide Ken Decker by his side—a memory made even sweeter by the camaraderie.

Rodney also ventured on a horseback rifle elk hunt with SNS, taking a stunning bull on the final day of the hunt with guide Randy George, WYOGA Guide of the Year in 2022.

Rodney's sharpshooting stopped the bull in its tracks, but given the distance, it was hard to confirm. Randy advised him to load another round just in case. Rodney, confident in his first shot, followed through and fired another. As they approached the downed elk, they discovered that while his first shot was perfectly on target, his second had hit the antler directly! Rodney now proudly displays the mount in his office, antler and all—a testament to that unforgettable day.

In 2021, Rodney returned for a Wyoming spring black bear hunt, joined by his friend Cliff.

True to form, Rodney filled his tag on the last day, bringing home an impressive cinnamon-toned black bear thanks to guide David Cardinal. Although Cliff wasn't as lucky that year, Rodney and his wife turned the bear hide into a rug, humorously dubbing it "Cliff." Rodney jokes that if anything ever happens to him, his wife has promised to pass the rug down to Cliff.

Their trip was full of wildlife sightings—moose, elk, mule deer, and snowshoe hares—as well as the hospitality of Box Y Lodge, a comfort even in snow-dusted Wyoming springtime. 

In 2023, Rodney decided to switch things up and came back for a prairie dog hunt with his friend Gary. They relished the wide-open Wyoming landscapes and the unbeatable shooting opportunities. Guide Benny Tillerson added some extra flavor to the trip, showing them historic sites and teepee rings while playfully teasing Rodney about his Alabama roots and passion for Roll Tide football.

Most recently, in 2024, Rodney and Cliff returned together, both successfully harvesting quality trophy antelope bucks. Reflecting on Rodney's apparent habit of tagging out on the final day, I asked him about it. He laughed and said, "It's not about racing to the finish; it's about the journey—being with great people, enjoying the field, the wildlife, and the experience itself." Rodney truly embodies SNS's philosophy: 

"Hunting is about the adventure."

A heartfelt thank you to Rodney for sharing his memories and being part of our SNS family. He's one of the many clients who make it possible for us to keep doing what we love.

If you're ready to begin your own chapter of hunting adventures with SNS Outfitter & Guides, reach out to us on our website at www.HuntWyo.com, by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call our office at 307-266-4229. We'd love to help you plan the hunt of a lifetime!