There’s no doubt that interest in western mule deer hunting has grown steadily over the past decade. From the high plains to alpine basins above timberline, mule deer continue to capture the imagination of big game hunters across North America.

At SNS Outfitter & Guides, we’ve seen this trend firsthand. With Wyoming offering some of the best and most accessible mule deer hunting in the West—from the rugged peaks of the Greys River to the open prairies—we’ve guided hunters through nearly every terrain mule deer call home.

When it comes to North American big game, few species are as iconic—or as challenging—as the mule deer. With bucks tipping the scales near 300 pounds and antlers pushing over 200 inches, these animals are the dream of many western hunters.

Mule deer are incredibly adaptable. From high alpine basins to sagebrush prairies, they thrive in a wide range of habitats. Here in Wyoming and Montana, our guided mule deer hunts span the open plains east of the Rockies to the steep terrain of the Greys River. No matter the location, one thing remains the same: success requires patience, preparation, and sharp glass.

The American pronghorn antelope is one of the most challenging animals to hunt in North America. Known for its exceptional vision and speed, the antelope is incredibly skittish and thrives in wide-open terrain. Getting close enough for a shot—especially on a trophy-class buck—takes patience, strategy, and skill.

We sat down with several of our seasoned SNS guides to get their #1 tips for successful antelope hunting in Wyoming. Whether you're chasing your first pronghorn or returning for a record buck, these insights can make a big difference in your hunt.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission (WGFC) has released new hunting regulations, now in effect. These updates expand the list of legal calibers and ammunition, clarify requirements for archery equipment, and officially legalize the .17 HMR rimfire cartridge for turkey hunting.

These changes aim to simplify regulations while maintaining Wyoming’s commitment to ethical and effective wildlife management.

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! As we finish organizing gear and closing up camps for the winter, we thought we’d share some helpful tips to ensure your hunting equipment stays in top condition and is ready to go next season.

Don’t put your gear away without giving it a little attention—mud, dust, and moisture can cause corrosion, wear, or damage during the off-season. With a few simple steps, you can keep your gear performing its best for years to come.

Benny Tillerson is a perfect example of the skilled and dedicated guides that make SNS Outfitters & Guides one of Wyoming’s most trusted names in big game hunting. With nearly 25 years of guiding experience and more than four decades of hunting antelope and mule deer in the West, Benny now serves as a camp manager, specializing in mule deer and pronghorn antelope hunts.

We recently sat down with Benny to learn more about his background, favorite aspects of guiding, and his top advice for hunters coming to Wyoming. Here's what he had to say:

Physical Conditioning for Your Wyoming Antelope Hunt

When it comes to preparing for a Wyoming pronghorn antelope hunt—or any western big game adventure—our guides emphasize two key areas: shooting practice and physical conditioning. In Part 1 of our series, we covered shooting tips. Now, we’ll share our top recommendations to help you get in shape and maximize your experience in the field.

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Why Fitness Matters for Antelope Hunting

Antelope hunting in Wyoming often means covering vast, open country with rolling hills, sagebrush flats, and uneven terrain. You might spot a buck from a mile away—but getting into shooting range requires speed, agility, and endurance.

Why Shooting Practice Matters Before Your Antelope Hunt

For many hunters, a Wyoming pronghorn antelope hunt or any western big game adventure represents a major investment—and often, the opportunity of a lifetime. In this three-part series, we’ll break down the essential steps for preparing for a successful hunt.

Part 1 focuses on one of the most critical elements of hunting success: shooting practice.

After spending quite a bit of time researching different outfitters throughout Wyoming, I landed on SNS Outfitter & Guides. While I was researching Wyoming Outfitters, I had a few things in mind – these made for fairly specific wants and needs. Most importantly, I wanted an outfitter that offered hunts for big game animals. This is simply because I want to continue building preference points for trophy animals; however in the meantime, I will be hunting animals, like antelope, that do not require points to draw. These animals will fill our freezer full of wild, organic meat.

My first priority for 2019 is an antelope hunt. I've never gone on an antelope hunt personally – I have only tagged along with my husband. I have always been intrigued with antelope and their overall demeanor, which makes for a more challenging hunt. Antelope are a unique animal in the sense that they spend much of their time at a far distance from anyone. They are North America’s fastest land animal and have exceptionally keen vision, all of which play into the difficulty of the hunt.

Today we are taking a look at SNS’ most popular species to hunt, pronghorn antelope. You may keep close tabs on them during the hunting season, but how much do you really know about them the rest of the year?

We may as well begin by addressing their name. Are they antelope? Are they pronghorn? Are they pronghorn antelope? Technically speaking, the Latin name for the species found here in North America is Antilocapra Americana, or American Goat Antelope. They are neither a member of the goat family or related to antelope found in Africa, however. The herds found in western and central North America are indeed Pronghorn. At least now we know where their nick name “speed goat” came from!

SNS Executive Administrator Ambrosia Brown recently had the opportunity to experience her son Gavin’s first antelope hunt. Taking a kid hunting is something special for any parent or grandparent. In fact, we’ve had a number of hunters this season bring their kids or grandkids.

An antelope hunt is a great way to introduce youth hunters to the world of western big game hunting. We recently spoke with 14-year-old Gavin about his experience on his first antelope hunt. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: Gavin, had you been on any antelope hunts before this?

Gavin: I have gone along antelope hunting with my stepdad and grandpa in the past. But this was the first antelope that I’ve killed myself.

Q: What other hunts have you been on with your family?

Gavin: I have had the opportunity to go on hunts for elk, deer, pheasants and upland game. This weekend I will be hunting for sandhill crane.

Q: What was the most memorable part of this antelope hunt?

Gavin: The stalk was a great part of it. The buck was kind of spooked when we first found him and he led us on a good chase. It took two hours of driving, hiking and crawling around before I finally got him.

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Q: Tell us about your overall experience and favorite part of the hunt.

Gavin: It was a lot of fun. It was really windy the day we were hunting. I missed him a couple times because the wind was so bad. But the best part was the last time I shot and saw him rear up and I knew I hit him. I was relieved and happy.

Q: For anyone wanting to hunt antelope, what tips would you give them?

Gavin: Be patient and make sure you take good shots.

Q: What is your favorite wild game dinner?

Gavin: Elk steak with garlic parmesan noodles.

Thanks to Gavin for sharing about his first Wyoming antelope hunt. And congratulations on his first buck!

If you would like more information about our antelope hunts or other hunting opportunities in Wyoming or Montana, please explore the rest of our website at HuntWyo.com. You may also request a free brochure or call us at 307-266-4229.

There are antelope hunts. And then there’s a trophy antelope hunt on some of Wyoming’s most incredible big game habitat where the action never seems to stop. There’s nothing quite like the experience of a free-range, spot-and-stalk antelope hunt in an area with high game density and excellent trophy quality.

That’s exactly what we offer here at SNS Outfitter and Guides. We love hunting North America’s fastest land animal and our expert guides will be your tutor in the field, as you learn everything from pronghorn behavior and defense mechanisms, to judging trophy quality and planning the perfect stalk.

Back in our comfortable camps, you can spend the evenings enjoying the camaraderie and laughter of hunting camp life. Or many of our hunts give you the option of staying at a hotel in Casper, allowing you to save on the cost of your hunt and have the freedom to arrange your own meals. Either way, rest well. Because at first light you’ll be up for another day of antelope hunting on the high plains!

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If staying at one of our hunting camps, hunters will arrive the day before their hunt begins. This gives you time to check your rifle, settle in and enjoy the scenery around camp. The next morning, we’ll serve a hot breakfast before you and your guide head out to begin glassing for antelope. If you are staying in town, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you’ll be off to the ranch.

We lease well over a half a million acres of some of Wyoming’s most impressive big game habitat for antelope and deer hunting. These sprawling ranches allow our hunters to experience giant swaths of beautiful Wyoming country without public hunting pressure. These ranches are home to hundreds of antelope. And because antelope bed at night and are active throughout the day, you can expect action all day long.

All of our guided hunts, whether you’re hunting from camp or from town, include a lunch in the field. In the evenings, camp hunters will return to camp for a home-cooked dinner. Each of our camps has a dedicated cook to make sure you have everything you need. Those hunting from town will head back to Casper to explore the town and find dinner on their own.

Here at SNS Outfitter and Guides, we offer rifle antelope hunts. Or archery enthusiasts may choose the challenge of hunting antelope with a bow. Tags are easy to draw even if you don’t have any preference points. But you must book before the application deadline in March!

To learn more about our Wyoming antelope hunting opportunities, check out our website or you can request a free brochure. If you’d like to check availability for the 2017 season, please call us now at 307-266-4229.

This week we’d like to feature one of our specific hunting camps and provide a virtual tour around this beautiful location in northeast Wyoming. Sometimes known as “Camp Envy” for its amenities, it’s also known as Hunt #2 if you refer to our website or the printed brochure. Most importantly, this camp serves as the home base for an outstanding Wyoming combo hunt.

The landscape in north central and northeast Wyoming is a patchwork of sage hills, plateaus studded with ponderosa pines, grassy plains, and shallow canyons lined with junipers. It’s perfect habitat for trophy quality antelope and mule deer bucks.

Our hunting camp sits atop a hill with views overlooking long creeks lined with cottonwoods, vast expanses of sagebrush, and an escarpment of pine-covered hills. The camp itself contains several buildings that include guest quarters, guide rooms, a 24 by 32-foot dining room, a shower building, permanent outhouses and a meat cooler.

The guest rooms are comfortable, sleeping two to four hunters each. Bunk beads are furnished with covered mattresses. Baseboard heat keeps things cozy, no matter what the weather decides to do. A hot shower is a perfect way to start or end each day. And the dining room provides the perfect place to gather for a hot breakfast each morning, and then a home-cooked dinner each night.

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An antelope and mule deer combo hunt is a classic, spot-and-stalk experience. After a hot breakfast, you and your guide will leave camp before daylight. These ranches offer good 4x4 access and the hunt typically begins by glassing these large expanses of open country for a mature buck. In some cases you will be glassing from the vehicle but in other situations, your guide might park and hunt on foot.

After harvesting your mule deer or antelope, your guide will field dress your trophy. Back in camp, it can chill in our meat cooler. Processing and taxidermy is your responsibility. But if you choose to have your meat processed locally, our local meat processor can pick your animal up from camp. This is an easy and hassle-free way to have your meat processed before your departure. We also have a couple of outstanding local taxidermists that we recommend.

With good numbers of antelope and mule deer, the hunting here is action-packed. From this camp, we are fortunate to hunt on private ranches that encompass more than 62,000 acres of big game habitat. We have been carefully managing these ranches for over two decades and the trophy quality is excellent. An antelope and mule deer combo hunt is a classic-spot and stalk experience. This is everything you’d want and expect in a western hunting adventure.

For more information, you can check out Hunt #2 on our website. Or you can request a free copy of our brochure. For details or availability, give us a call at 307-266-4229.

[caption id="attachment_1653" align="alignright" width="300"] P.C.: SNS Guide Jim Bernardin.


In a decision that should come as a welcome relief to hunters, the United States Court of Appeals has finally removed Wyoming’s wolves from federal protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Wolf management is now in the hands of the state.

This is a major victory for wildlife management in Wyoming. Federal protections were originally lifted in 2011 when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service determined that ESA listing was no longer necessary. But in 2014, against the recommendations of biologists and wildlife managers, activist pressure and a federal judge’s decision returned wolves to Federal protection.

Finally, six years since they were originally deemed recovered, science has prevailed over emotional outcry and Wolf management is now under Wyoming’s control.

In most parts of the state wolves will be managed as a predator like coyotes, and can be harvested on site. In the Trophy Game Management Area of northwest Wyoming where the majority of Wyoming’s wolves reside, hunting seasons will eventually be re-established.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is currently responsible for managing Wyoming wildlife like deer, elk, antelope, mountain lions, bison, black bears and more. Regaining the ability to manage wolves in context with the rest of Wyoming’s wildlife and habitat resources will prove to be a major benefit. No longer run without regard to local circumstance by Washington bureaucrats, all of Wyoming’s wildlife is poised to benefit from this change.

For more information on wolf management in Wyoming, please visit the Game and Fish Department website.

On August 15th, new pricing for our 2018 hunts will go into effect. So if you’re thinking of booking a hunt for next year, this is your chance to lock in your spot at the current rate! But you must book before August 15th. 
Our 2018 season still has plenty of openings. Our Wyoming antelope hunts, spring and fall black bear hunts, the Wyoming and Montana mule deer hunts, and our Wyoming elk hunts have some great spots still available. But many of our most popular hunts fill up by the holidays. Locking in your spot now guarantees you the best dates, plus the best possible price. 


And if you’re thinking of a hunt next year, this is also perfect timing to grab a preference point while they are still on sale. Wyoming preference points are available for elk, deer and antelope. Purchasing a point now will help ensure you draw the best possible tag next year. 
Our preference point program makes the whole process easy. We handle licenses, points and applications for you. Best of all, we deduct the cost of your preference points from the cost of your hunt. So when it’s all said and done, your points don’t cost a thing. 
Wyoming preference points are only on sale for a limited time. And you must book before August 15th if you want to lock in a hunt at our current rates! For more information on booking or purchasing points, call us now at 307-266-4229. Or you can contact us on our website. 

This is our third post in a series on mule deer hunting tips. In the first article, we shared our keys to glassing on a mule deer hunt, and in the second article, we offered a few tips on where to locate mule deer. In this post, we'd like to share with you some of our tips on stalking mule deer.

As we mentioned in the previous posts, we have seen a steady increase in the popularity of mule deer hunting over the last several years. Wyoming is one of the best places on earth to chase these magnificent animals and we continually receive questions about mule deer hunting opportunities. Their size, the challenge, and the spectacular country that they inhabit all combine to make for an unforgettable big game hunting experience.

After more than 30 years of hunting mule deer in Wyoming, we have see our share of successes and mistakes along the way. Mule deer are notoriously difficult to get close to. Stalking these animals requires a great deal of patience and care. Here are our top 5 tips for stalking mule deer:

1. Avoid unnatural noises.

You can often get away with natural noises like stepping on sticks or rolling a rock. But try to minimize any unnatural noise. Zippers and Velcro are the worst offenders. They will announce your presence to anything around. If you've never hunted in the high country, you will be shocked how far sound carries across these western landscapes. It's sometimes possible to listen to a conversation on the next ridge a half-mile away. In Wyoming, we see our fair share of wind. While that decreases the noise factor, it only makes game even more alert and nervous. Hence, the next two points...

2. Don’t skyline yourself.

Whenever you’re on the move, make every attempt not to skyline yourself on a hilltop or ridge. Travel below ridgelines and conceal your movements with hills, ravines or vegetation as much as possible. Mule deer have good vision and will pick out your silhouette on a skyline in a heartbeat.

3. Pay attention to the wind.

Wind isn’t as critical when rifle hunting as it is when hunting with a bow, but it’s still a factor. Pay attention to the wind and plan your stalk accordingly. Remember that unless there’s another prevailing wind, thermals will be dropping before sunrise and after sunset. When the sun is up, thermals will be moving uphill.

4. Be patient when you don’t have an approach.

If you spot deer but you can’t get within range because of a lack of cover or bad wind, don’t rush in. If you don’t bump them, they are likely to hold the same pattern and be in that area the next day. Mule deer are creatures of habit, much more so than elk. If you blow them out, you probably won’t see them again. But stay patient, and you'll likely get another shot.

5. Don’t bump the does.

If you find a group of does, act just like you would if it were a giant buck. Do everything you can to avoid bumping them. Even well before the rut, you never know when a buck will appear. When the run begins in November, this becomes even more critical. Glass long enough, and you might spot a buck hanging with the does. By keeping does in the area, there's a good chance a buck will turn up.

For more information on Wyoming mule deer hunts with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please visit our Mule Deer Hunting Page. For information on hunts for pronghorn antelope, elk, black bear, whitetail deer and other opportunities in Wyoming and Montana, be sure to visit our Home Page. You may also request a free color brochure or call us anytime with questions at 307-266-4229.

One of the most exciting things about hunting in Wyoming is the widely varying range of opportunities. From the plains to the peaks, this is a state that offers everything. Some of our favorite hunts each year are the mule deer and antelope Combo hunts.

These combo hunts offer everything you could want in a classic, western hunt. There’s nothing like being able to spot and stalk trophy Wyoming mule deer and then go after North America’s fastest animal and one of its most beautiful, the pronghorn antelope.

We conduct these mule deer and antelope combo hunts on nearly 200,000 private acres of incredible big game habitat. This is a unique opportunity to pursue two iconic western trophies.

These hunts take place from early October to late October, depending on the location. The terrain on these ranches varies from plains to rolling hills, to steep canyons, and pine-covered foothills. Perhaps the only things better than pursuing these great big game animals is the incredible Wyoming scenery and the fun hunting camp experience.

We offer three different camps for these combo hunts. On our website or in our brochure, you can refer to Hunt 2, Hunt 5 or Hunt 10 for details. Whether you prefer to hunt from camp or from town, we can help plan a hunt that’s perfect for you or your group. For more information, give us a call at 307-266-4229.

We hope to see you here at SNS Outfitter and Guides soon on this incredible western combo hunt!

Whether it’s open country antelope hunting, a high country mule deer hunt or archery elk, we spend a great deal of time each season looking through the glass. When hunting in Wyoming’s vast landscapes, having quality binoculars provides a clear advantage. Here are three of our tips on selecting binoculars for a western hunt.

1. Consider Quality
Binoculars can be a confusing item to shop for. Everyone has a different opinion and you’ll find options that range from a couple hundred dollars to thousands. However, don’t let it make your head spin. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

Higher quality glass allows more light, which is particularly noticeable at dawn and dusk and can extend your glassing time at both ends of the day. High quality glass will also improve upon sharpness, distortion and color, reducing eye fatigue on hunts that require a great deal of glassing.

You don’t have to purchase an ultra high-end bino to find good quality. But there is a difference in quality at different price ranges. Like anything, you get what you pay for. When looking at binoculars, decide on the best budget you can afford and use that as your starting point.

2. Consider Size and Power
When selecting optics for western hunting, you want binos that are going to be versatile enough for any type of adventure. You also need a balance between lightweight portability and sufficient power. We typically recommend something in the 8x30 to 10x40 range.

If you were to ask 10 different guides, you’d get a variety of different answers on the pros and cons between 8x and 10x binos. But most will probably agree that either will work just fine. Both will give you enough power and field of view in a lightweight and compact package that’s easy to carry around on a mountain hunt.

3. Consider Durability and Warranty
Finally, your binos are going to get jostled, rained on, shoved in backpacks and generally abused. So durability is also critical. Be sure and select quality binoculars that are waterproof and tough. Alongside durability, make sure you ask about the warranty. When all other things seem equal, sometimes it’s the warranty that will tip your decision one way or another.

For more information on hunting in Wyoming with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please call us anytime at 307-266-4229 or send us a message.

Your Best Chance at a Wyoming or Montana Antelope Hunt We're back in the SNS Outfitter & Guides classroom for our next installment; Random Antelope Application Program. If you've ever dreamed of hunting pronghorn antelope in Wyoming or Montana but weren't sure how to navigate the draw system, you're not alone. With demand at an all-time high, getting a license can feel like a challenge—but that's where SNS Outfitter & Guides comes in. Our Random Antelope Application Program gives hu...

The SNS office has been receiving calls and emails from concerned hunters who have heard rumors about changes to how the Wyoming Game & Fish Department (WGFD) manages non-resident hunting licenses.

To set the record straight, we sat down with SNS Outfitter Sy Gilliland, a member of the Wyoming Wildlife Task Force (WWTF) and a key voice in shaping Wyoming hunting legislation. Below, you’ll find insights directly from Sy about Wyoming’s preference points, license fees, and upcoming changes.