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Buffalo Creek Outfitters runs guided upland bird hunts across central Wyoming, specializing in authentic wild bird hunting on public lands. Founded and operated by husband-and-wife team Mitch and Danielle Schoenwolf, the outfitter focuses on custom-built hunts that match your experience level, fitne...
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Full description and what we offer
Buffalo Creek Outfitters runs guided upland bird hunts across central Wyoming, specializing in authentic wild bird hunting on public lands. Founded and operated by husband-and-wife team Mitch and Danielle Schoenwolf, the outfitter focuses on custom-built hunts that match your experience level, fitness, and goals—not cookie-cutter trips.
Four primary species available:
| Species | Season | Bag Limit (Daily/Possession) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sage Grouse | Sept 19-30 | 2/4 | High-demand, limited dates |
| Chukar | Sept 15 - Jan 31 | 5/15 | Rocky terrain, technical shots |
| Hungarian Partridge | Sept 15 - Jan 31 | 5/15 | Fast, wily birds |
| Dusky (Blue) Grouse | Sept 1 - Dec 31 | 3/9 | High-country challenge, stunning views |
All hunts operate as day hunts. Your guide picks you up from lodging at a prearranged time (typically 5:30 AM) and transports you to the hunt area. Expect 45 minutes to 2 hours drive time depending on species and location. The terrain includes sage flats, rocky draws, and wide-open basins in Wyoming's high desert and forest.
Typical day: 5:30 AM pickup → 7:00 AM hunt start → 12 noon field lunch → 1:00 PM continue hunting → 4:00 PM return to lodging.
Each hunt is paced to your fitness level, but expect to be on your feet all day. This isn't a casual stroll—you'll cover miles through uneven terrain with potential significant elevation gain.
The Team: - Mitch Schoenwolf: Lifelong hunter who knows Wyoming's bird country intimately. Handles terrain reading, backcountry roads, and shot calling. - Danielle Schoenwolf: Passionate about getting women and families into hunting. Ensures every client feels confident and welcome, handles trip details and bird processing.
Max hunter-to-guide ratio is 4:1. Multiple guides available for larger groups. You can bring your own dogs, mix them with theirs, or hunt just their dogs.
Hunt Rates (inclusive of meals, snacks, beverages, tax): - Single hunter: $1,400/day - 2+ hunters: $800/gun/day - Observer: $25/day - Youth hunters (17 and under): $100/day - Youth observers: Free
For best shooting opportunities, hunt in a pair. The $800/gun rate works out to $400/person when two hunters go together.
What's Included: - Experienced guide(s) - Well-trained gundogs - Field transportation (up to 3 people) - Locally sourced lunch, snacks, and beverages - Bird processing upon request
What You Pay Separately: - Game bird license (non-resident daily $22, annual $74; youth $40) - Conservation stamp ($21.50) - Ammunition - Firearms (or shotgun rental at $50/day) - Lodging - Trip insurance - Gratuity (average 10-15% or $100/gun/day)
Hunter Safety: Wyoming requires hunter safety completion for all hunters unless participating in the mentor program. Wyoming accepts certificates from all U.S. states and Canadian provinces meeting IHEA standards.
Firearm Requirements: - Any shotgun gauge you shoot well (20-gauge with modified choke and 6 shot recommended for all upland birds) - Semi-autos must have a plug and accept only 2 rounds in magazine to be legal in Wyoming - Blaze orange not required for bird hunting, but recommended during concurrent big game seasons on public lands
Fitness & Altitude: You don't need to be in peak shape, but fitness determines ground coverage. Hunting involves miles of hiking through hills, canyons, basins, and mountains with potentially significant elevation gain on dirt, grass, and rocky terrain. Arrival elevation is Casper at 5,150 ft; hunt elevations reach 8,200-8,500 ft. Arrive 24 hours early to acclimate. Stay hydrated and eat light, nutritious meals.
Vehicle Requirements: Most roads are rough dirt or two-tracks. If driving your own vehicle, expect off-road travel and half-tank gas consumption per day. Buffalo Creek Outfitters is not responsible for vehicle damage.
Buffalo Creek Outfitters actively recruits the next generation of hunters in a family-friendly environment. Youth hunters 17 and under hunt at special rates with a paying adult: $100/day for hunters, free for observers.
Client testimonials highlight the Schoenwolfs' knowledge of Wyoming upland hunting, their accessible teaching style (especially for first-timers), the quality of their dogs, beautiful terrain, and lack of crowds. One client described the experience as "core memory locked," and multiple hunters are already back on the waitlist for next season.
Central Wyoming offers fly fishing on the North Platte River, scenic backcountry drives through iconic landscapes, and classic Western dining in downtown Casper. Bundle your bird hunt into a full Western adventure.
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