Wyoming Archery Elk Outfitter Recommendations

Joined
Jun 26, 2018
Messages
521
Location
Highlands Ranch, CO
I’m starting to research outfitters for an archery elk hunt in 2026 and would love some first hand (or second hand) recommendations.

I’ll have 7 points in WY so easily can draw a general tag as well as some of the draw units. At this stage I’m not married to an area. Bears aren’t a dealbreaker but overcrowded areas are

I’m not necessarily looking for a 5 star experience, I’m frankly just concerned about the quality of the hunt and the opportunity to learn from the outfitter. I definitely can’t afford an outfitted hunt very frequently so I’m looking at this as an opportunity to learn as much as I can that I can apply to my DIY hunts to make them more successful. I’m not afraid of a difficult hunt (physically)
 

GasMask

FNG
Joined
Aug 21, 2019
Messages
9
I just rifle hunted the Thorofare with Horsetrack Outfitters. Never saw a soul once inside. Legit operation. Absolutely wild place! Would love to do an archery hunt with them.
 

GasMask

FNG
Joined
Aug 21, 2019
Messages
9
I got a pretty decent 6x6. 4 of the 6 guys in camp killed. Other 2 guys were on bulls everyday but just never had the opportunity to seal the deal (1 had a very close but iffy shot opportunity). The ride in & out is long but worth it. Place is wild & incredible.
 

Clrems77

WKR
Joined
Nov 29, 2019
Messages
418
I’ve hunted with Rough Country Outfitters and for the price I don’t think it can be beat. I got in with 4 points which they say is pretty common. Not huuuge bulls when I hunted but we did see a few nice 320ish.
Extremely comfortable and beautiful lodging, home cooked meals, great guides, lots of bulls and 5 out of six of us tagged out within 3 days. The 6th hunter was able to tag out but missed several shots. I believe where we hunted was all leased land minus a few very small spot so there was not a soul in site for 99% of the area.

I’ve also hunted with Extreme outfitters and they are super dedicated and hard core. Killed a very nice 320 day one and should have held out for bigger but needed to head home early. They’ve pulled some monsters out of the areas they hunt. Will take several more points but worth the wait!
 

mnhoundman

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 19, 2013
Messages
208
I’ve hunted with Rough Country Outfitters and for the price I don’t think it can be beat. I got in with 4 points which they say is pretty common. Not huuuge bulls when I hunted but we did see a few nice 320ish.
Extremely comfortable and beautiful lodging, home cooked meals, great guides, lots of bulls and 5 out of six of us tagged out within 3 days. The 6th hunter was able to tag out but missed several shots. I believe where we hunted was all leased land minus a few very small spot so there was not a soul in site for 99% of the area.

I’ve also hunted with Extreme outfitters and they are super dedicated and hard core. Killed a very nice 320 day one and should have held out for bigger but needed to head home early. They’ve pulled some monsters out of the areas they hunt. Will take several more points but worth the wait!
What area did you hunt? I see they hunt alot of units?
 

csatt90

FNG
Joined
Oct 13, 2016
Messages
13
Location
Washington
Are you looking for a horseback style hunt? I rifle hunted with Wilderness Trails Outfitters last September. You drive to camp, then hunt from horseback from there, and back to camp each night. Had a great experience in tough hunting conditions. They are worth a look depending what style of hunting you are looking to get into.
 

mnhoundman

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 19, 2013
Messages
208
Talk to Ross Adney with Beavertrap Outfitters in Dayton, WY. He has an archey option that runs around 7 pts . It is a physically demanding hunt though. I guide it every year.
Are they usually booked out for a couple years??
 

wyoguy307

FNG
Joined
Sep 16, 2024
Messages
7
Depending on your experience level, I would suggest DIY or holding off until you have more preference points. Highlands Ranch is fairly close to some pretty decent general areas. Def doable for extended weekend trips. You will be hard pressed to find general areas that aren't overcrowded (unless you have access to private). Basically just need to be careful to stay out of wilderness areas as non-res (wardens are finally cracking down on this) or hunt with a resident.

Nonetheless, I wouldn't recommend hiring an outfitter for a general area, especially since you can hunt the entire month of September with your bow. If you're going to spend coin for an outfitter, at least wait until you can draw a trophy area.
 
Joined
Jan 31, 2022
Messages
7
Currently I am at 14 non resident points for elk and deer both. Enough for some decent units anyway. Being several states away from Wyoming and being self employed it’s expensive and hard to take multiple trips away for scouting or just the extended time away from work to put in the foot work for a DIY hunt in a quality unit. I’ve always been a DIY hunter and I agree cost of outfitters are high but after 14 years of waiting and limited time available I’m thinking my best bet is to use the knowledge of an outfitter whose been on the ground daily.


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wyoguy307

FNG
Joined
Sep 16, 2024
Messages
7
Currently I am at 14 non resident points for elk and deer both. Enough for some decent units anyway. Being several states away from Wyoming and being self employed it’s expensive and hard to take multiple trips away for scouting or just the extended time away from work to put in the foot work for a DIY hunt in a quality unit. I’ve always been a DIY hunter and I agree cost of outfitters are high but after 14 years of waiting and limited time available I’m thinking my best bet is to use the knowledge of an outfitter whose been on the ground daily.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
14 points is vastly different than OP with 7. With that said, an outfitter would be a better option for you.
 
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