Private Elk & Mule Deer Combo Hunt - Wyoming
Private Trip
Big game hunting
Nine-day guided elk and mule deer combo hunt in WyomingPack-in horseback hunting with spike camps and hotel lodging optionsMeet at Jackson Hole Airport with safety orientation included
This 9-day guided combo hunt with Saddle Horn Outfitters puts you right in the heart of Wyoming's premier big game country. You're looking at a serious hunting adventure that covers both Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer in some of the state's most productive units. Whether you're glassing ridgelines for that trophy bull or working creek bottoms for a heavy-horned muley, this hunt gives you the full Wyoming experience. The outfitter handles everything from lodging to meals, so you can focus on what matters most – filling your tags with quality animals.
Your hunt kicks off with a meet-up at Jackson Hole Airport or one of the designated towns like Pinedale, Alpine, or Daniel. Right away, you'll go through safety orientation and get your rifle sighted in – no rushing into the field unprepared. Depending on where you're hunting, you might be staying in comfortable hotels and motels, or you could be heading into remote spike camps for that true backcountry experience. The Teton Basin hunts are pack-in style, meaning you'll be riding horseback into some seriously remote country with lightweight camp setups. Expect early morning departures and full days in the field using whatever it takes to get on game – 4x4 trucks, UTVs, or good old-fashioned boot leather. Evenings bring you back to camp or lodging where you can rest up, share stories, and plan the next day's strategy. All meals are covered, so you're well-fed and ready to hunt hard every day.
Wyoming's landscape throws everything at you – steep mountain faces, thick timber, open parks, and brushy creek bottoms. Your guide will read the country based on weather, hunting pressure, and animal movement patterns. Early season elk might be bugling in the high country, while later hunts could have them pushed down into the timber. Mule deer love those transition zones where open slopes meet cover, especially during their rut when bucks get careless chasing does. You'll be using quality optics to glass long distances, then closing ground carefully to get within shooting range. Some days you might cover serious miles on foot, other times you'll set up in prime spots and let the animals come to you. The varied terrain means your rifle needs to be ready for everything from close timber shots to longer range opportunities across canyon country. Wind reading becomes crucial in this open country, and your guide will help you make those longer shots when the opportunity presents itself.
Rocky Mountain elk are the crown jewel of western hunting, and Wyoming's herds are among the healthiest in the country. These animals can weigh 700 pounds or more, with mature bulls sporting antlers that'll make your heart skip a beat. September through October is prime time when bulls are bugling and working their harems. They're creatures of habit but also incredibly adaptable – they might be feeding in open parks at dawn, then disappear into thick timber once the sun comes up. What makes elk hunting so addictive is their intelligence and the challenge they present. One minute you're closing in on a screaming bull, the next he's gone silent and moved his cows to entirely different drainage. The meat alone makes this hunt worthwhile – nothing beats elk steaks and roasts to fill your freezer for the year.
Mule deer bring their own brand of excitement to this combo hunt. Wyoming bucks are known for their heavy antlers and blocky frames, with mature animals sporting wide spreads and deep forks. These deer love the broken country where they can use terrain to their advantage, bedding on points where they can watch their back trail. During the rut in late October and November, bucks that normally stick to the nastiest country start showing themselves as they chase does. Mule deer have this habit of stopping and looking back when spooked, which can give you that critical second chance if you're ready. They're tough animals that require good shot placement, but a mature Wyoming muley is one of the most impressive trophies in North America. The combination of their impressive headgear and the challenging country they call home makes every encounter memorable.
This combo hunt delivers exactly what serious hunters are looking for – quality animals, experienced guides, and access to prime Wyoming hunting country. With only one hunter per trip, you're getting personalized attention and the flexibility to hunt at your own pace. Saddle Horn Outfitters knows this country inside and out, from the best glassing spots to where animals move during different weather patterns. The fact that wolf hunting might even be on the table adds another dimension to an already packed hunt. Remember to factor in your license and tag costs, and don't wait too long to book – Wyoming's best hunting units fill up fast, and quality outfitters like this one are booked well in advance. This is your chance to experience world-class hunting in some of the most beautiful and productive big game habitat left in the lower 48.
Mule deer in Wyoming are tough, smart animals that'll test your hunting skills. Bucks average 150-200 pounds with those distinctive large ears and white rumps. They love broken country - rocky draws, sage flats with scattered timber, and ridge systems where they can spot danger. Peak rut hits late November when bucks get careless chasing does. Early season finds them high, but cold weather pushes them to winter range. Hunters love muleys because they're challenging - they'll bound away at the first mistake but can be patterned if you're patient. The meat's fantastic too, especially from high-country bucks. Pro tip: focus on saddles and benches where ridges connect. Muleys use these travel corridors religiously, especially during morning and evening movement periods.
Wyoming's elk are impressive animals - bulls can hit 700 pounds with antlers spanning five feet. They prefer high country during summer, moving to lower elevations when snow flies. You'll find them in timber, aspen groves, and meadow edges where they feed morning and evening. September brings the rut when bulls bugle and get aggressive, making for exciting encounters. October and November offer solid hunting as herds gather for winter. What draws hunters back is the challenge - elk are smart, have great noses, and cover serious ground. Plus, you can't beat elk steaks around the campfire. Key tip: glass the dark timber edges at first light. Elk love to slip into heavy cover just as shooting light hits, so position yourself between their feeding areas and bedding spots.
Preston, ID