HUNTING FAQs

How do I get to the Ranch?

The directions are in the pre-trip info on the website, including printable directions. Plan on 2 hours from Pinedale, and 3 hours from Jackson. Fill up on fuel in either Pinedale or Jackson– the last cell service is at “The Place” bar in Kendall. Please let us know if you are not on schedule (307) 203-3040.

What does my arrival day look like?

Please arrive at Darwin at 11am on the first day of your booking. (Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 9, or Oct 16). The previous group might not be out until 10am, so please don’t arrive too early. On the turnover day, it is best not to expect to be in your cabins until later in the afternoon. 

On your arrival day we will serve you lunch, then get your saddles, scabbards, and gear set up on your horse in the afternoon. We’ll go out for a short ride, so keep that in mind.  We’ll go shoot some rounds at the range before dinner to make sure everything is dialed in. We make a plan for the following morning, and have an early dinner to get going early the next day. 

What caliber rifle should I bring? What ammo? Shooting sticks? Tripod?

A .270 caliber (6.8mm) or greater is recommended. 3 boxes of ammo designed for hunting big game (expanding ammunition, copper preferred) we will shoot when you arrive to verify zero. Bring your preferred shooting aid (shooting sticks, tripod, un-aided is fine) so long as the aid fits in a small pack or scabbard and is light–as it will need to be on horseback too. A shooting aid can help in tall sagebrush. 

Should I bring a spotting scope?

Guides will have necessary optics for scouting, but feel free to bring your own. We recommend at least bringing binoculars (10x zoom or more ) to help spot game. 

What fitness regimen should I do to prepare for my hunt?

We recommend walking for at least half an hour every day before you come hunt. Stairs are the best practice. Stairs with a bit of weight on your back are even better. The more fit you are, the more successful your hunt is. Riding a horse at a walk for a couple hours, a few times, before coming will help greatly.  

What vehicle should I rent?

A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for the fall, as the road can be quite wet. A pickup truck is best for transporting meat to the processor after your hunt. If you are only able to rent an SUV, best to bring a tarp to keep it clean. 

What meat processor do we recommend?

Matt’s Custom Meats in Jackson, WY

We also recommend High Country Taxidermy in Pinedale if you would like to get anything mounted. 

What do we do in the case of a medical emergency?

All of our guides are trained in emergency medicine. Oliver is a Wilderness EMT. Three different helicopters are nearby to pick up folks in case of a life-threatening emergency. Teton Search and Rescue is free of charge, but Air Idaho, who may pick up an individual with a medical emergency, is not free. That is why we do recommend some sort of evacuation insurance. 

What size Elk do we typically see in this area?

The largest elk we kill in this area score around a 330, but that is not common. We see bull elk of all sizes, and it’s generally hard to predict what we will see in a given year. 

What are the tipping standards for a Wyoming elk hunt?

The tipping norm for this type of hunt is $500 - $1000 per hunter, going as high as $2000 for a great hunt.  Hunters should account for another 400-600 for the support crew. 

Is there alcohol served at the ranch?

We do not serve alcohol, but highly encourage you to BYOB! Don’t short yourself–big mistake!

What sort of amenities are at the ranch?

We will serve you dinner in the evening, breakfast before you go hunting, and send you out with lunch and all the snacks you’d like. All the cabins have bathrooms with toilets and hot showers. We have a sauna and hot tub that you are welcome to use when you are here. Feel free to use the fly fishing gear that we have up here– but keep in mind, you'll need to pick up a fishing license in town if you would like to fish.

What do we do if we fill our tag early?

Feel free to hang around, enjoy the hot tub and a few beers, fish in the river and eat good food! A lot of our hunters will go and drop their elk off at the processor, so they aren’t pressed for time on their departure. Of course, you are welcome to stick around, but feel free to leave the ranch whenever suits you. 

Are there additional hunting opportunities on my hunt? 

Please chat with us in regards to a trophy fee for mule deer. Time, tag availability, and guide availability are limitations. 

Can non-hunters join my hunt? 

Of course, we accept non-hunters at half-price.