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. 

All rifles should be sighted-in before every hunt using the ammunition you plan to use. A gun that was sighted-in prior to your last outing could have been knocked out of alignment by a single jolt. That misalignment could mean the difference between a successful hunt and a disappointing experience. 

Rifles should be topped with quality scopes at a minimum of 3x9 power with a 40mm objective or larger. Remember, we take longer shots out West, and often in low-light conditions.

For a detailed instruction on how to properly site in your rifle click here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rId18_lgBv0

Other than ensuring accurate shots, sighting-in a rifle has other advantages:

https://youtu.be/iJe4ADfanT8

It’s countdown time! That long awaited hunt is right around the corner. On top of getting your daily exercise so you are ready for the rigors of a western hunt, it is also time to make sure your gear is up to standard. Next, let’s not forget the importance of getting your rifle, scope, and ammo tuned up and ready. It’s vital to carve out some time to hit the rifle range and make time to practice with the rifle you plan on bringing with you. Unfortunately too many hunters put this off as a last minute item and do not make the time to get plenty of shooting practice. Time spent at the range will hopefully result in a clean ethical kill.

The first step is to check out your weapon. Be sure all screws are tight and your rifle is cleaned throughly. Pick out, and buy plenty of ammunition so you will have more than enough to shoot at the range. Your scope needs to be clear, and the scope mounts secure. It may be well worth the time and money to have a reputable gunsmith give your rifle a once over.

The Hunting industry is currently booming. Many Americans are realizing that the finest organic meat in the world roams in the wild. In the year 2020 more than 3 million American’s who have never purchased a hunting license bought their very first one. This is incredible news for the hunting industry and our future generation of hunters. As a parent or grandparent you may be wondering how to build an interest in hunting within your own children and grandchildren. This is our journey to build kids who love the outdoors and will respect the sport like we do. 

 From the time our Krew was 11 months we would throw him in a backpack every chance we had to get him out breathing the fresh air and taking in all Wyoming had to offer. We took him on these little day trips until he was 3 and joined in on his first Antelope hunting trip. My dad made the day a special one by buying him his very first “knife” a wooden toy that made him feel like one of the guys. This trip is one Krew still remembers nearly 9 years later. I am a firm believer that positive experiences early in life can shape a child in ways that will impact them greatly in the future. 

https://youtu.be/s892EgYhcyg

Every year the SNS receives questions about the equipment used on horseback hunts with our outfit. It’s often a hunter’s first time participating on a horseback hunt and the speciality equipment used can be a little intimidating. We thought it would be helpful to share with you the unique equipment used on SNS horseback hunts.

When we first started offering horseback hunts over 35 years ago, we had to invest in used saddles. We quickly learned that client comfort was imperative to a quality hunt, and therefore made the decision to upgrade all four tack. We now have an outstanding collection of high quality and comfortable client saddles. Each saddle is fitted with over sized stir ups, easily large enough to accommodate any hunting boot.

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.

https://youtu.be/vy2lohIlu4w

Interest in western hunting has seen a steady increase in demand. Competition for licenses and openings with reputable hunting outfitters is at an all time high. After months of planning and in some cases years of gathering preference points, you have successfully drawn that coveted license. You beat the odds now it’s the final countdown. It’s time to check your gear, shoot your gun and get your legs and lungs in shape.

One of the very best things about a western hunt is having an excuse to buy new hunting gear. Look over the equipment list you received from the SNS office and make sure you have the gear listed. This is a tried and true list, refined over the years and is specific to your hunt. 

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.

Boots are one of the most important things that you’ll purchase for any western hunt. Unlike items that can be borrowed from your buddies like a jacket or optics, boots are a personalized item that’s going to fit everyone differently. 
Here are 3 tips to finding the best boots for your next western hunt: 
1. Find Boots that Fit You


The very best brand of boots is the one that fits you best. A Kenetrek will fit your food different than a Danner, and a Lowa won’t feel the same as a Zamberlan. There are a lot of great boots out there to fit many different shapes and sizes of feet. We recommend trying on a number of different brands of boots until you find one that fits your particular feet best. 
2. Wear Your Boots Before the Hunt


A quality pair of boots shouldn’t require any break-in period. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear them before your hunt. Get into your boots and put some miles on them before your hunt to make sure there aren’t any issues. If there’s a problem with blisters or a bad fit, you don’t want to discover it when you’re on your hunt. 
3. Don’t Forget Quality Socks
The best boots in the world won’t perform properly if you’re wearing your old cotton gym socks. Give your boots a sock they deserve and buy a few pairs of high quality merino wool socks. A merino sock will help keep your feet in good condition on a western hunt. They move moisture away from your skin to help avoid blisters and they resist odors even after days of use. 
Before your next hunt, be sure to settle any boot questions well in advance. A bad issue with your feet is something that can ruin an otherwise memorable hunt. 


For information on hunts with SNS Outfitter and Guides, please explore the rest of our website at HuntWyo.com. You can also give us a call at 307-266-4229 or request a free brochure that includes details on our Wyoming and Montana hunts. 

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.

 

Part 2: Physical Conditioning -
When it comes to preparing for a Wyoming antelope hunt, or any western, big game hunt, our guides have two clear recommendations: shooting practice and physical conditioning. In a previous article, we covered shooting. This time, we’ll take a look at some of our guides’ top tips when in comes to getting in shape for the big hunt.

First, why is conditioning important? Because when it comes to open country antelope hunting, you can be the best spotter, the best field judge, a great marksman and have the best gear. But if you can’t get to where the animals are quickly enough for an ethical shot, none of it matters.

Being able to move across large distances through varying terrain can be very important. Can a guy who is out of shape do it? Sure, we can usually make it happen. But will the experience be more enjoyable if that same guy is in better shape? Absolutely! Simply put, the better shape you’re in, the more enjoyable the experience will be.

When it comes to getting in shape, time can be your best friend or your worst enemy.  If you’re trying to cram workouts in the weeks leading up to your hunt, you will have a difficult time, and the experience will be more painful. However, if hunters make an effort to stay in decent shape year round, you won’t have to put yourself through that painful crunch just before the season. Starting well in advance and giving yourself time will help tremendously.

Start by setting goals for yourself that are realistic and attainable. Don’t burn yourself out in the first few weeks. If necessary, get some help at your local gym to come up with a well-rounded exercise plan. A good plan should include a combination of weight lifting and cardiovascular exercises. In your weight lifting, focus primarily on leg strength, as that will be your best asset on a tough hunt.

In addition to exercising at the gym, get out in the field as much as possible. Put on your hunting pack and climb a nearby hill or even stadium stairs. As the season approaches, try these workouts in the actual clothing that you’ll be using on your hunt. If there are any comfort issues, you want to know it well ahead of time.

Find an exercise that you enjoy – whether that’s running, biking, swimming or hiking. Mix it up, and try to keep your workouts from becoming monotonous. Employing a variety of exercises will help work different muscle groups, and it will help you from becoming bored with the routine.

Finally, in the couple of weeks prior to your hunt, work to maintain your level of strength without pushing it too hard. Concentrate on workouts in the gym where you’re less likely to twist an ankle. The last thing you want is an injury just before the hunt. Weight lifting machines to keep up your leg strength and easy jogging can be ideal.

Have confidence in your ability to stalk or quickly move into position for a shot. Being in good physical condition can be the difference between a good hunt and a great hunt.

Keep your eye out for our next article on preparing for a Wyoming Antelope Hunt: Gear and Packing Tips. In the meantime, check out huntwyo.com for more information on antelope hunts, elk hunts, mule deer hunts and more with SNS Outfitters & Guides!

Benny Tillerson is a great example of the experienced guides that SNS is so fortunate to have on staff. Benny has been a Wyoming antelope hunting guide and mule deer hunting guide for nearly 25 years. He has been hunting big game in Wyoming for well over 40 years. Benny is now a camp manager for SNS and specializes in antelope and mule deer hunts.

We recently sat down with Benny to discuss his favorite things about guiding, his tips on hunting, and recommendations for a Wyoming hunt. Here is what Benny had to say:

Another Wyoming hunting season has passed and we want to thank all of our hunters for a fantastic year of elk, mule deer and antelope hunting! While we were busy organizing gear and closing up our camps for the winter, we thought we’d share some tips that will help your gear stay in better condition and last longer.

As your hunting season comes to a close, there is a good chance that your gear is covered with a season’s worth of dirt, dust or mud. These elements can be highly corrosive and it is important to properly care for your gear at the end of each season. Don’t put them away for the winter without careful inspection.

Start by making sure that all of your gear is as clean as possible. For example, carefully clean your binocular and rangefinder lenses with a clean lens cloth and wipe the outside surfaces with a damp cloth or paper towel. A can of compressed air can help blow sand and dust out of the focus rings and any other moving parts.

Follow the same routine with other pieces of hunting gear like shooting sticks, game carriers, calls and so on. Use a damp cloth to wipe them clean, and let them dry completely before storing.

Of course cleaning your weapon should go without saying. Don’t forget to properly care for your rifle stock, wax your bow string and take any other steps to make sure that your weapon is in good shape following a season’s worth of abuse.

Next, do not neglect clothing and outerwear. This may require more than simply running it through the washing machine. Materials like Gore-Tex and other types of rain gear require special care.

You will want to wash them in a Gore-Tex safe detergent and then apply a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. Most waterproof and water resistant items are treated with a DWR finish at the factory. After using them each season, it’s a great idea to re-apply a new DWR coating. This is what helps precipitation bead and roll cleanly off the garment.

DWR treatments are made by a number of companies and can be found at most sporting goods retailers. Some are made specifically for hard-shell rainwear like Gore-Tex, while others are designed for soft-shell use. Make sure you choose a product that is suitable for each piece of your clothing system.

Finally, make sure your hunting boots are clean and cared for. We recommend using a boot cleaner that’s safe and specifically recommended for your type of boots, whether that’s leather, synthetic or a combination. Cleaning and treating leather boots after the season is particularly important. Dirty boots left unattended over the winter can dry and crack. This will shorten the life of your boot and will certainly diminish their performance in the filed.

If you have questions about hunts with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please visit our website. You may also request a free brochure, or call us anytime at 307-266-4229. See you in 2014 for another great season of antelope, elk, bear and mule deer hunting here in Wyoming!

We receive a great deal of questions each year about the proper clothing to bring on a Wyoming hunt. While the elevation and terrain may vary drastically from our high country mule deer and elk hunts, to our open country antelope hunts, one thing remains true: on these high prairies and rocky mountain slopes, conditions can change in the blink of an eye. Hunters must be prepared for a wide range of conditions from hot and dry to freezing cold and wet.

With such a wide range of autumn weather possibilities here in the Rockies, how should hunters prepare? The key is dressing in layers that allow the hunter to adapt to daily changes in the weather. For example, instead of bringing one heavy winter jacket, we recommend bringing lightly insulated items that can be mixed and matched.

Start by thinking about your hunt clothing in three main categories: base layers, insulating layers and outerwear. Base layers include anything you wear next to your skin, like t-shirts and long underwear. Insulating layers may include things like sweaters, vests, and down jackets. Outerwear includes garments like pants, jacket, and rain gear.

As you pack for your hunt, try and pick a few items in each category of different weight or warmth that will allow you to adapt to the conditions. Here is a sample packing list:

Base Layers:

• Lightweight underwear and t-shirts
• Long underwear top and bottoms
• Thermal/fleece long underwear

Insulation:

• Fleece vest
• Down jacket
• Wool shirt/sweater

Outerwear

• Long-sleeve hunting shirt
• Hunting pants
• Light (soft-shell) jacket
• Rain jacket
• Rain pants

Of course any system isn’t complete without hats, gloves, socks and broken-in boots. When it comes to socks, merino wool is hard to beat. It wicks moisture well to help prevent blisters. We also ask that hunters do not bring new boots on a hunt. If you’re planning to buy new boots, make sure that you hike some miles in them before your big trip.

In general, we recommend synthetic materials and wool for hunting clothing. Cotton loses its insulating properties when wet, and becomes very heavy. On the other hand, synthetics and wool that are designed for outdoor use wick moisture, dry quickly, and maintain their insulation properties even under wet conditions.

If you have any questions about your upcoming hunt, please let us know. If you’d like more information on hunting in Wyoming or Montana with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please check out our website. You may also request a brochure or call us anytime at 307-266-4229.

The American pronghorn antelope is a notoriously skittish animal with excellent vision. Approaching them across open country can sometimes present a significant challenge to hunters. They are also one of the most difficult animals to judge on the hoof, presenting an even greater challenge to those seeking an antelope buck of trophy quality.

We recently sat down with a few of our guides and asked them for their number one tips when it comes to successfully hunting antelope. Here is what they had to say.

1. Vision is an Antelope’s Best Defense
The biggest trick to getting within range of an antelope is not being seen. An antelope’s greatest defenses are not the same as other animals. An antelope has eyesight and speed. Those are the defenses they rely on.

Hearing and smell are often secondary when it comes to antelope hunting. You can stalk antelope with the wind at your back and still be successful. And you can make noise unlike you could with an elk or a deer. But if they catch you moving, even at long distances, you’re likely to get busted.

2. Planning the Perfect Stalk
Since the most important factor in antelope hunting is staying out of their line of sight, it is critical to plan a stalk and find an approach that allows you to get close enough for a shot. Ultimately, that plan will depend on the antelope. Wherever he is and whatever he is doing, you must plan your stalk around that.

The terrain may look flat but when you look more carefully, you’ll often discover undulations and features that can allow you to get close. Use anything you can to get within range. Usually, that means having to do some crawling on your hands and knees.

3. Difficult Stalks Can Mean Long Shots
Because getting within range can be difficult, that makes shooting skill even more important. Sometimes your only shot is a long one, and the more comfortable a hunter is with their rifle at long distance, the better their chances of taking a quality antelope.

This is important with any type of big game hunting, but we stress this all the time for our Wyoming antelope hunts. You should be shooting your weapon year-round and be extremely comfortable with its performance out to 300 yards.

4. Never Give Up on a Great Buck
One of the most important things to remember about antelope, is that you can blow a stalk and still get another chance. When an antelope takes off at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour, he’ll cover a lot of ground. But to that antelope, out of sight is out of mind. Eventually he will forget about you, and you might be able to get a second chance.

For more information on hunting antelope with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please check out our antelope hunting page. You may also request a free brochure.

When it comes to big game in North America, trophy mule deer are among the most sought-after species. Weighing in at close to 300 pounds and reaching antler measurements of over 200 inches, mule deer are icons of the American west.

Mule deer are highly adaptable, ranging from river bottoms and high plains to alpine environments above timberline. From southwest deserts to coastal forests, mule deer hunting presents a variety of challenges.

Here in Wyoming and Montana, mule deer hunting is also diverse. Our hunts take place from open country on the high plains east of the Rockies, to the steep, rugged mountains of the Greys River. In any situation, hunting mature mule deer requires patience and determination. We recently spoke to some of our Montana and Wyoming hunting guides about their best tips for successfully hunting trophy mule deer. Here is what they had to say:

1. Glass Until It Hurts
Among our guides, there was one common theme when it comes to mule deer hunting: glass, glass and keep glassing. Most of our guides like to get to a high position early in the morning when it’s still dark, and set up behind their spotting scope or binoculars.

In many areas, mule deer like to feed and water throughout the night. This means that at first light, they can often be seen moving back to their bedding areas. Getting to a vantage point under the cover of darkness allows hunters to spot deer while they are still moving and plan a stalk.

Once mule deer lie down, they can be very difficult to spot, even in country that seems open and exposed. Many first time (and even veteran) mule deer hunters are surprised when a mule deer suddenly materializes on a hill covered in nothing but sagebrush. Catching them while they are moving is a major advantage, particularly when it comes to smart old bucks.

When getting into a vantage point in the morning, take special care not to skyline yourself. Even against a dark sky, your silhouette can be a dead giveaway.

2. Practice Patience
Mule deer tend to spend the middle of the day enjoying the shade. During these hours, patience and a quality spotting scope are your best tools. Even when you feel that you’ve covered the same hillsides a hundred times, stay patient and keep your eyes open.

When hunting mule deer, it’s important to stay alert and ready at all times. If you don’t see any action the first couple days of your hunt, it’s easy to let your guard down. Keeping your senses on full alert is critical, especially during a slow period when a quick opportunity might be your only opportunity. Wherever you find yourself, always be thinking about your shooting lanes, or where you’ll rest if an opportunity arises. Act like every situation will be the big one.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="241"] 2013 Wyoming Mule Deer Hunt


When you do spot that shooter buck, make sure you remain patient. If the buck isn’t already in shooting range, you will need to take your time and plan a stalk. If the deer is still moving toward his bedding area, it may require you to stay put. If you can watch where a deer beds down, it will often give you a great opportunity to plan a careful stalk.

The test of your patience may not end there either. Even after you are in range, you may have to wait on

the deer to give you a shot. If he’s lying behind an obstruction, you may be forced to wait until he stands up.

3. Be Physically Prepared
Mule deer hunting can be very physical. Once a buck is spotted, getting into position for a shot may not always be an easy task. This is particularly for hunters in the Greys River area or other steep country.  On these hunts, hunters should be ready to cover several miles a day through rugged country. All of our guides agree that the better shape you can be in, the better your chances of taking a mature mule deer buck.

Like antelope hunting, stalking mule deer may require a great deal of crawling on your hands and knees or belly. If you’re in the best shape possible, that final stalk should be fun and exhilarating, not a painful experience.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="222"] 2013 Montana Mule Deer Hunt


For more information on mule deer hunting with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please check out our mule deer hunting page. For other hunts, please visit our home page. You may also call us anytime at 307-266-4229 or request a free brochure.
SNS is Wyoming’s top outfitter and the number one antelope outfitter in North America. With more than 700,000 acres of private land, we offer more opportunity than any other outfitter in the state. We offer hunts for deer, antelope, elk, black bear and moose.

There's no doubt that interest in western mule deer hunting has continued to increase over the past 10 years. From the rolling country of the high plains, to oxygen-deprived timberline basins, the majestic figure of the mule deer has captured the imaginations of hunters worldwide. Entire magazines, websites and books have been dedicated to the pursuit of mule deer. Whether stalking them with a bow under the hot September sun, or taking to the field with a rifle during the cold November rut, there is something special about this western icon.

Here at SNS Outfitter & Guides, we have certainly seen an increased interest in hunting big mulies. Wyoming is one of the best and most accessible places in the country to hunt mule deer. From the rugged alpine country of the Greys River to the windswept plains, we love guiding mule deer hunters, and we've learned a few lessons along the way.

Over the next several weeks, we will feature a series of articles on mule deer hunting. To kick off the series, we would like to discuss one of the most important elements: glassing. Like many other western species, including antelope, hunting mule deer requires a great deal of time behind the glass.

Here are our top three rules to follow when glassing for mule deer:

1. Glass until your eyes bleed… then glass some more.
   [caption id="attachment_868" align="alignright" width="242"] 2014 Wyoming Mule Deer
   

If you aren’t looking through your binoculars, you’re not seeing enough mule deer. Of course this will feel natural when looking outside 200 yards. But even those hillsides inside 100 yards deserve a thorough combing with the glass. Don’t rely on your naked eye. Mule deer are incredibly hard to see when they aren’t moving. Even at close distances, it's amazing what you can spot behind a clump of sage. Sometimes, an ear or the tip of an antler is enough to give them away.

2. Mule deer can hide anywhere. Don’t give up.

If you glass an area and don’t see any deer, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any. Mule deer hunting takes patience, even if it means looking at the same hillside 100 times. Because on that 101^st time, suddenly there will be a deer standing there. They can hide in seemingly impossible places. Keep your binoculars up and keep looking.

3. Glass early and late.

Mule deer are habitual travelers. They may move long distances overnight between water, feeding and bedding areas. And unless bumped, they will often follow the same patterns. They generally water at night, so your best chance to catch them moving is in the first few hours and last few hours of daylight. Spend these hours behind the glass and you’ll see deer. That means getting out of camp in the dark, and returning in the dark. Those precious hours are not the time to spend hiking...or sleeping. Be set up behind your glass at that first break of daylight, and you'll significantly increase your chances for success.

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For more information on Wyoming mule deer hunts with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please visit our Mule Deer Hunting Page. You may also request a free brochure or call us anytime at 307-266-4229.

This is the second part in our series on hunting mule deer. With the ever-increasing popularity of mule deer hunting, we receive a great deal of questions each year and we'd like to share some of that insight with you here. Whether high above timberline or down on the sage flats, we are passionate about chasing big mulies. Wyoming is one of the best places in the country to hunt big mule deer, and we've seen our fair share of hits and misses over the years.

In the first post in this series, we shared our 3 Rules to Follow When Glassing for Mule Deer. In this installment, we'll take a look at locating mule deer. After all, mule deer county is big - really big. On this iconic western hunt, where should you begin?

Here are our 3 rules for locating mule deer:

1. Mule deer are browsers.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="301"] 2014 Wyoming Mule Deer


Elk may be grazers, but mule deer are primarily browsers. While the territory of these two prized big game animals has some overlap here in Wyoming, mule deer have their own unique requirements. While elk can sustain themselves in heavily timbered areas with only grassy avalanche chutes and small parks for feed, mule deer tend to inhabit more open spaces.

In high alpine environments throughout the summer and early fall, mule deer often concentrate in open areas above timberline with plenty of willow, mountain avens, cinquefoil and other shrubs and seasonal forbs. Not only do these areas provide plenty of browse, but in the exposed environment above timberline, shrubs like willows provide cover, even for big bucks.

At lower elevations, the open canopy of aspen groves provide sunlight, and subsequently a host of browsing options for mule deer. As you move further down slope, gambel oak, service berry and mature sage all provide these same requirements of both browse and cover.

Wherever your mule deer adventures take you, focus your glassing on brushy areas that still hold leaves, berries or nuts. Even late in the season, mule deer can still be seen stripping the last leaves and dried morsels from a berry patch, or using subtle undulations and shallow draws to move stealthily through an otherwise open sage flat.

2. Look on steep faces and hard-to-access places.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="341"] 2014 Wyoming Mule Deer


Mule deer, especially mature bucks, feel safe on steep hills or in isolated canyons, often with cliffs or rock outcrops at their back. These areas provide the perfect afternoon rest stop for a wary ungulate. With the afternoon thermals bringing scent uphill in their face, and with a barrier above, mature bucks are notoriously hard to get close to.

In the early mornings, look for bucks to be moving from their nighttime feeding and watering areas up to more secure locations. And during the afternoon, focus your glassing on these hard-to-access places. Keep movement to a minimum and use your glass more than your feet (see our first article on glassing). Everything hinges on seeing that buck before he sees you. Sometimes, spotting an antler tip or and ear twitch is enough to give them away.

3. Deer are lazy too. They take the path of least resistance.

Like most other game, mule deer prefer the path of least resistance. While they like to bed and feed in safe places, they will typically travel the easiest routes between the two. Their survival, especially if they are going to make it through the harsh winter months, depends on conserving energy. Every calorie is vital. They will certainly flee or cross great distances when necessary. But unless otherwise spooked or forced by weather, mule deer will often keep the same patterns day after day. Keep an eye on game trails, saddles, and other places that naturally funnel traffic.

This rule also applies to changes in weather. Elk will sometimes tolerate much greater depths of snow but as a general rule, mule deer are often the first to migrate when the weather turns south. Keep this in mind, especially during mid-season hunts. October in the Rockies can bring 60-degree days and sunshine or feet of snow. If possible, mule deer hunters need to be prepared to adjust their plans and locations accordingly.

For more information on Wyoming mule deer hunts with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please see our Mule Deer Hunting Page. You can also call us anytime with questions at 307-266-4229 or request a free color brochure of our hunts.

Having the right gear can make or break your Wyoming hunt, and this is especially true of your boots. Boots could possibly be your most important investment after your firearm or bow. You will wear them every day in the field, and they must perform well. If you are cold, wet, or get blisters on your feet, it’s not going to be a fun experience. You may not be able to spend the necessary time in the field, and you may not be able to hike to the locations necessary to get a shot opportunity. This would obviously be a huge disappointment.

General Considerations for Boots
When considering boots for a big game hunt, there are a few common features that hunters should always look for. First, a quality boot should have a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex. It should also have an aggressive outsole like Vibram. And a quality boot should be relatively lightweight. Ideally, a pair of boots should weigh no more than 5 lbs. In many cases, particularly for the early seasons, there are many boots that weigh much less.

The height of the boot is also a key consideration. In general, we recommend a boot that’s no less that seven or eight inches. This will give you the necessary ankle support for walking in rough country. Height also provides protection when traveling through snow or crossing streams. But we also recommend that hunters also pack a pair of gaiters for those situations. Gaiters keep water or snow from getting into your boots and will keep the bottom of your pants dry.

Perhaps the most important consideration for boots is the fit. Each brand fits slightly differently and some may be wider or narrower than others. Therefore, it is important to try on a few different brands of boots before purchasing. After you make a purchase, it is equally important that you put some miles on them before your hunt. You must be confident that your boots fit well and will keep you blister free.

If you purchase a quality pair of boots that fit your feet correctly, they should perform well right out of the box with no break-in period and no blisters. The reason that we recommend putting some miles in your boots before your hunt is to be sure that they fit you well and won’t cause problems in the field.

Boots For Archery and Early Seasons
Let’s now take a closer look at selecting boots for the early season. September in Wyoming brings big temperature swings. Mornings may be in the 20s or low 30s and midday temperatures may approach the 60s or warmer.

Therefore, insulated boots are not a requirement. We like to steer clients to a lightweight boot that’s 2.5 to 3.5 lbs.

A minimum height of seven to eight inches is recommended. Remember, with today’s technology in materials, lightweight doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice support. There are many good choices that provide excellent support in a lightweight package and they don’t have to be hunting specific. General hiking boots can make a great choice for an archery hunt.

Boots For the Late Seasons
During the October hunts, big temperature swings may occur with chilly mornings as low as the high teens. By midday it can be as warm as the low 50s. As we get into late October, the weather can turn to winter conditions quickly with lows in the single digits and sometimes below zero.

Snow can be a real possibility throughout the entire season, but especially late in October. Needless to say, insulation is a core requirement. We recommend a boot with about 400 grams of insulation. When snow is on the ground, an insulated rubber bottom pac boot like those made by Schnee’s or Kenetrek are hard to beat.

Ideally, we recommend that hunters bring two pairs of boots to camp. First, a good pair of insulated Gore-Tex, hiking style hunting boots that are a minimum of nine inches, and a second pair of boots like pac boots as a backup or for very cold and wet weather.

It’s easy to make the case that after your weapon, a couple pair of good boots is the highest priority for your Wyoming hunting trip in terms of gear. If your feet aren’t warm, dry and comfortable, it will be difficult to enjoy yourself in the field. Trade-offs can be made with lower quality gear in many areas of clothing. But boots and good quality rain gear is where you want to buy the best you can afford.