Butte Creek Outfitters

Butte Creek Outfitters operates Double R Ranch, a family-run hunting and pack trip business based 21 miles from Cody, Wyoming. With four decades of experience, they control Forest Service permits on both the Shoshone and Bridger-Teton National Forests—giving them access to virtually all of northwest Wyoming's backcountry.

"The Thorofare region is the wildest place in the lower 48 and we are proud to call it home." – Ron Lineberger, Owner/Outfitter BG 370

They operate from three distinct bases:

Located at 8,600 feet, 24 miles deep in the Bridger-Teton Wilderness Area. This is their primary rifle elk camp adjacent to Yellowstone, accessed via 7-hour horseback ride from the trailhead. Two hunters share 10×12 ft. tents with wood stoves, cots, and foam pads. Meals served in a 20×40 ft. cook tent.

Their original camp at 8,200 feet in the Washackie Wilderness of the Shoshone National Forest, 3.5 hours from trailhead. Also offers 10×12 ft. tents with 5 ft. side walls, wood stoves, and an 18×36 ft. dining tent. This location handles spring bear hunts, late-season elk, trophy deer, and sheep hunts.

A 6-person capacity lodge 21 miles from Cody and 29 miles from Yellowstone Park's east entrance. Features individual cabins with full baths and hot meals served in the lodge. Hunts conducted by pickup truck or horseback.

• •Butte Creek Camp Specifics: Last year they went 21 out of 24 hunters successful on mature bull elk, with 16 of those bulls scoring 6-points or better. They maintain 90%+ success on 5×5 or better bulls in this general elk tag area year-round.

• •Bighorn Sheep: One-on-one hunts only. Ron Lineberger reports 100% success since 1981 in areas 3 and 4, known for large-based, high-scoring trophies. Only 2 sheep hunters accepted per year.

All trips include: - Tents, cots, horses and tack - Licensed State guides - Camp cook and meals - Beverages - Application and licensing assistance

Current 2024-2025 pricing varies by residency and preference points:

• •Elk: $707–$1,965 (resident–nonresident)
• •Deer: $389–$1,215
• •Antelope: $341–$1,215
• •Bighorn Sheep: $3,017 (nonresident)
• •Black Bear: $373
• •Wolf: $187
• •Conservation Stamp: $21.50

• •Preference Points Strategy: Wyoming's drawing system rewards preference points. The application period runs July 1–October 31 annually. Points cost $150 for deer, antelope, and bighorn sheep.

Most horses and mules are born, raised, and trained at Double R Ranch. Some compete in rodeo or work local ranches. This in-house breeding and training program ensures quality stock suitable for different rider abilities and hunt demands.

Two soft-sided duffel bags, max 50 lbs. each. Essentials: - Sleeping bag (rated to 0°F) - Hunting rifle in hard case + ammunition - Binoculars and headlamp - Hunting boots + camp shoes - Weather gear (rain jacket, gloves, hat with earflaps) - Socks for every day + insulated underwear - Game bags (6 per animal) - Hunter's Safety Card - Personal items (meds, shaving gear, etc.)

You wake 30 minutes before breakfast when the camp helper lights your fire and lantern. Guides saddle your horse during breakfast. You hunt all day—hot lunch provided either at camp or as a packed lunch. At dark, lanterns and fires are lit again. Hot wash water available at all times. Permanent latrine facilities.

Success depends heavily on the hunter's fitness:

• •Start exercising consistently 6+ months before the hunt
• •Practice horseback riding as much as possible
• •Be comfortable shooting to 400 yards with a rest
• •Cut back on smoking and drinking
• •You'll be in the saddle every single day

All guides are licensed by Wyoming's State Board of Outfitters. The outfit emphasizes a "personal touch" to hunts that makes the difference between success and failure.

According to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Bugle Magazine, hunters should tip 20% of hunt cost, distributed as: - Personal guide: majority - Cook: secondly - Camp helper and wrangler: thirdly

Long-term repeat clients include: - Neil Horn (540-761-2280): Elk, mule deer, antelope - Greg Staples (515-493-6191): Elk, mule deer, antelope - Steve Woodson (307-259-6697): Bighorn sheep specialist - Scott & Michele Pleskonko (304-904-9266/304-280-9053): Elk, mule deer, antelope - Nick Belcher (276-791-4824): Elk, mule deer

Ron Lineberger, Owner/Outfitter BG 370 - Office: (307) 587-6016 - Cell: (307) 899-3877 - Email: [email protected] - Mailing: P.O. Box 2166, Cody, WY 82414

Racheal Lineberger, Outfitter BG 208