The success of your hunt can be affected by many variables, but the most important is how well you are prepared. Preparing for your hunt is more than getting your tag, blowing the dust off your weapon and heading to Wyoming. I cannot stress enough how important it is to be familiar with your weapon before you show up out here. You need to be shooting good consistently tight groups at 200 yds. with your rifle, and 30 yds. with your bow. You also should practice shooting from several different positions (kneeling, sitting, prone, etc.). I have yet to see a shooting bench on the ridge top when looking at a big bull or buck!
Physical fitness is also important. Although we are horseback outfit, you still need to be in shape to ride in the country we hunt, not to mention the hiking that is done throughout the day. Unless you are lucky enough to live at or above 7000 ft., there is little you can do about the thin air. If you don’t already have a regular fitness regime I suggest walking a couple of miles three or four times a week along with some sort of aerobics to get your stamina up.
We are here to give you the best hunt possible and to help you go home with your trophy, but we aren’t miracle workers. The true key to your success will be how well you are prepared.
Suggested Equipment
- Two Medium Duffel Bags For Gear Not To Exceed 30# Total Per Bag. No Exceptions*
- Warm Sleeping Bag (Rated To Minus 10 Or Lower Suggested)*
- Therma-Rest Style Pad (For Sheep Hunts Only)
- Day Pack
- Hunting License
- Conservation Stamp**
- Rifle & Two Boxes Of Ammunition (Rifle Hunters)
- Bow W/12 Arrows And Tools (Archery Hunters)
- Canvas Game Bags
- Sharp Hunting Knife (Your Guides Is Always Dull!)
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Matches & Lighter
- Chapstick & Sunscreen
- Personal Toiletries (Unscented),
- Towel & Washcloth
- Canteen/Water Bottle
- Warm Long Underwear
- Underwear & T Shirts
- Wool & Wicking Type Socks
- Hunting Pants (1 Wool, 1 Lightweight )
- Flannel Or Wool Shirts
- Down Vest
- Wool Sweater
- Neck Scarf Or Gaitor**
- Warm Cap
- Gloves- Wool Or Waterproof. (2 Pair)
- Sorrel Type Packs W/ Good Traction (For The Late Hunts Only)
- Waterproof Leather Hunting Boots W/ Vibram Or Air-Bob Type Sole.
- Lightweight Camp Shoes
- Medium Weight Noiseless Hunting Coat
- Good! Rain Gear
- Blaze Orange Hat Or Vest
- Bear Spray**
- Flashlight Or Headlamp (w/ Extra Batteries)
- Ear Plugs (Someone Is Bound To Be Snoring!)
*Not Needed For Lodge Hunts
** May Be Purchased Locally
I highly recommend Sitka Gear for your hunting clothes. Although it is pricey, I think it is the best out there. Kenetrek Mountain Extreme is my favorite boot.
Important Notes about Your Hunt
Horses
Horses and mules are the backbone of our business. Some outfitters see them as just a mode of transportation, but we consider them as partners in the outfit. You will be assigned two mounts for the duration of your hunt. This allows you to be on a well-rested horse each day. The horses and mules you will be riding are pros and have been doing this for years. However you have to keep in mind they are still animals. Pay attention when you are around and on them and you won’t have any problems. You will be given a lesson/orientation prior to your hunt, but don’t hesitate to ask questions during your hunt.
Firearms
Firearm safety is first and foremost so please don’t be offended if we are continually asking you if your rifle is on safe or loaded. All of us in the guide industry can relate at least one close call or death due to a firearm accident. Rounds may and should be carried in the magazine while in the field, but while in the immediate vicinity of your guide or other hunters please don’t chamber a round until it is safe to do so. Always check for empty before placing your rifle in the saddle scabbard. While in camp it is a good idea to keep your rifle empty and outside your tent to minimize condensation.
Alcohol
Sometimes a drink with the guys is enjoyable after a hard day’s hunt, but alcohol use while afield is not allowed. Loud partying in camp is also discouraged. If you do plan on bringing alcohol, pack your hard liquor in unbreakable containers and bring your beer in cans. Large amounts of beer may not get packed in depending on pack-horse room.
Camp Life
We pride ourselves in providing a great hunt not only in the field, but in camp as well. Everyone involved is working hard to make sure your hunt goes well, but if you see something that needs attention please talk to the camp staff.
The hunt days can be long and tiring and sleep becomes a precious commodity. We ask that you please be considerate of others and keep the noise down at night.
Every piece of firewood in camp has been cut and split by hand. While we want you to be comfortable, please don’t load your stove up and leave it unattended. Not only is this wasteful of the wood it can result in a burned downed tent. It only takes a small amount of wood to warm your tent.
Bears
You will be hunting in prime Grizzly Bear habitat and might see one during your hunt. We have never had a serious bear encounter and want to keep it that way. In most cases the only time you will have a serious bear encounter is if you surprise one or try to take a kill that they have claimed. Paying attention to what is going on around you will minimize your chances of surprising one and in most cases we will pack your animal off the mountain the same day you kill. If it does have to be left overnight we will do everything possible to minimize the chances of a bear hitting it. If it has been hit it will be the guide’s decision whether or not to recover it. Safety is the main issue here for both humans and bears. We might have the occasional bear pass through camp at night. If this happens, let the camp staff deal with it.
Gratuities
Tipping has been a tradition on guided hunts since the beginning. It’s a way of saying thank you for a job well done. Your guide and the camp staff are all professionals and I’m sure you will be extremely pleased with the service they provide you. Many times a hunter will leave a gift along with money. If you are uncertain of an appropriate tip, please ask us.
Communication
This is probably the most important thing about your hunt. Good communication with your guide and camp staff is paramount to a good hunt. If something isn’t right, let them know. If you need something, ask. Talk with your guide about what you expect during the hunt. We will do everything we can to accommodate you.
Wound Policy
No one likes to see it happen, but occasionally an animal is wounded and not immediately found. If blood is drawn, that is your animal. It’s not fair to the game you’re hunting, or others in camp, to continue to hunt after wounding an animal. We will do everything within reason to find your animal, and often times we do.
FAQs
Arrival & Departure from Cody, Wyoming?
You need to be here no later than the evening before your hunt starts and plan on leaving no earlier than the morning after your hunt ends. We suggest you try to add a day onto either end if possible. By being here a day early it helps you acclimate and get a few things taken care of, like shooting your rifle. Also it is good to have a day on the end to take care of processing and taxidermy.
Should I drive or fly?
We strongly suggest driving if at all possible. With everything going on with the airlines today, other than the time factor, driving is by far the better option. You won’t have to worry about your luggage getting lost, and if you fill out, transporting your meat and trophy home is easier and less expensive.
What about processing?
Basic processing for an Elk is around $400 and $300 for Deer and Antelope. If you are flying, and unable to take it with you, shipping can get very expensive. This is one of the arguments for driving. The other option is donating the meat. You will pay a basic processing fee and the meat will be donated to a local charity.
What about taxidermy?
We have several good taxidermists in the area and will transport your trophy from the field to them if you choose so. If you desire to take it to a taxidermist back home we will assist you in getting it prepared for shipping and shipped home. Because of CWD, some states are now requiring that all heads be boiled out and all capes be fleshed and salted dry before they will be allowed in. Check with your local Game and Fish Dept. to be sure.