Wyoming is nuts !!!

[Short Track]

I called 8 outfitters in WY for a mule deer hunt. 2026 is booked up. 2027 is booked up early season. November is somewhat available. Prices are as high as an Elk hunt. This is for a lodge-based hunt. No horseback, no back country. No trophy unit. Just 1 or 2 points needed... Crazy !!!!
$500 deposit required for 2008 opening week.

 

[atmat]

It’s not nuts if people are paying those rates.

 

[Short Track]

I just spoke with another outfitter. They are taking deposits for 2029 !!

 

[khart_6882]

Thank your favorite social media hunting influencer for glorifying western hunting!

 

[robby denning]

were you looking statewide or the ever-famous (2) western regions?

 

[Short Track]

statewide. I'm looking for an average deer. Doesn't need to be a super-duper trophy. But I'm not giving more than a $100 deposit 3 years out.

 

[wytx]

Many folks stayed out after the big Winterkill and are now looking to go hunt.
Probably won't get any better in the near future.
Mule deer numbers are down so they want that big buck asap.
Prices, yeah that sounds pretty crazy but with a limited resource folks are going to pay it I guess.
Still some good DIY hunts to be had if you have the time and equipment to do it.

 

[robby denning]

statewide. I'm looking for an average deer. Doesn't need to be a super-duper trophy. But I'm not giving more than a $100 deposit 3 years out.

Understood

and if you haven't, be sure and contact Isaiah at Huntin' Fool or the Epic Outdoors crew. They work with a lot of outfitters.

and with all, get on any cancellation list they offer (some don't) and stay in touch right up to the seasons. Not uncommon at all for guys to cancel because they booked under self-imposed duress anyway (like the Idaho General NR tag fiasco of previous years--lots of turnbacks). This will depend on if the outfitter can still secure a tag for a client taking a cancellation hunt.

But be flexible and keep looking. Good luck,

 

[wapitibob]

Apply for a region, take a week to hunt, stay in a motel, and shoot it from the county road. No need for an outfitter.

 

[Trial153]

unless you paying for access to private property, I can't for the life of me understand why you'd even consider an outfitted mule deer hunt

 

[BRTreedogs]

statewide. I'm looking for an average deer. Doesn't need to be a super-duper trophy. But I'm not giving more than a $100 deposit 3 years out.

Gonna have to figure it out on your own or sit in the couch then.

 

[LaHunter]

I called 8 outfitters in WY for a mule deer hunt. 2026 is booked up. 2027 is booked up early season. November is somewhat available. Prices are as high as an Elk hunt. This is for a lodge-based hunt. No horseback, no back country. No trophy unit. Just 1 or 2 points needed... Crazy !!!!
$500 deposit required for 2008 opening week.

1-2 point regions are usuallly high % private land, so I’m guessing you are looking at private ranch hunts. Supply and demand at work.

 

[deserthunter2016]

unless you paying for access to private property, I can't for the life of me understand why you'd even consider an outfitted mule deer hunt

Wilderness is pretty awesome to hunt in Wyoming. Need a resident or guide to take you.


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[Oilcan]

Last month I was calling around for an Elk outfitter and one I talked to was booked through 2033.

 

[cksea]

Time to start an outfitting gig

 

[Short Track]

Last month I was calling around for an Elk outfitter and one I talked to was booked through 2033.

I actually spoke to him at the GAOS! I said I have a bunch of Elk points I want to burn. He said 2033! I said why are you even exhibiting 7 years out!!!! Anyone who gives a deposit 7 years out .... not sure what to say.

 

[KurtR]

I actually spoke to him at the GAOS! I said I have a bunch of Elk points I want to burn. He said 2033! I said why are you even exhibiting 7 years out!!!! Anyone who gives a deposit 7 years out .... not sure what to say.

People are flakes i wouldnt run a business like that with out a deposit and one big enough they have skin in the game.

 

[Short Track]

ok, you give a 25% deposit 5 years out. You can consider that money gone. You have 0 recourse 5 years out. Except to hope the outfitter is still in business and reputable.

 

[IdahoBeav]

unless you paying for access to private property, I can't for the life of me understand why you'd even consider an outfitted mule deer hunt

What is your success rate and average buck size on general season public land mule deer hunts?

 

[Laramie]

ok, you give a 25% deposit 5 years out. You can consider that money gone. You have 0 recourse 5 years out. Except to hope the outfitter is still in business and reputable.

There are hundreds of outfitters. Once you get past the high profile guys, you will find openings more reasonably priced and available sooner. Some of the best ones don't even pay for a website. They thrive on return business but occasionally can slip new hunters in.