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.

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.