Elk Hunting in Cody, WY

Boulder Basin Outfitters has been guiding hunters into the mountains around Cody, Wyoming, for three generations. They operate under special use permits in the Shoshone and Bridger-Teton National Forests (permit WAP-522) and Yellowstone National Park (permit CC-YELL107-16), Wyoming Outfitter #BG164.

Hunting deep in the Washakie Wilderness on horseback for days is what they do. The elk camps book three to four years in advance because hunters know the success rates.

Elk is their most popular hunt and what many clients win awards for. They offer three different seasons:

• •Archery Elk Hunts (September)
• •3 and 7-day hunts during the rut
• •90% opportunity rate, 33% kill rate on mature bulls
• •Four hunters per week

• •Rifle Elk Hunts (October, General Season)
• •3 and 7-day hunts from wilderness tent camp
• •85% success rate on mature five and six-point bulls
• •Six hunters per week in camp
• •Heavy resident elk population plus migration timing drives success

• •Late Season Bull Elk (November-December)
• •One of the most sought-after licenses in the western U.S.
• •Hunts from their wilderness base camp on horseback
• •Location depends on where you draw your license
• •Hunters often harvest the largest bull elk here

• •Mule Deer Hunts (Late October/Early November)
• •5-day hunts on horseback
• •High success rate on four and five-point bucks
• •Average scores 150 inches and up
• •Combo hunts available with elk or antelope licenses

Bighorn Sheep Hunts - 10-day total (1 day travel, 8 full hunting days) - Hunt areas one through five - Spike camps with experienced guide, wrangler/cook, tents - Physically demanding but worth it

• •Antelope Hunts (September-October)
• •High success rate across multiple Wyoming areas
• •Both archery and rifle available
• •Public and private land access

Bear Hunts - Spring archery (April 15–30) and spring rifle (May 1–June 15) - Fall hunts available, can combine with elk hunt (+$500) - 7-day hunts from wilderness camp - Sight and stalk method only (baiting prohibited)

• •Wolf Hunts (October-December)
• •Available depending on harvest quota
• •Can add to elk hunt (+$500)

Moose & Mountain Goat - Available by special request

They also offer fishing trips to the best lakes and rivers in Washakie and Bridger-Teton Wilderness.

All traveling and hunting are done on horseback. This lets them cover more ground in the backcountry, across rivers, and to areas other hunters can't reach.

Base Camp Setup: - 16' × 40' main tent (dining and socializing) - 10' × 12' sleeping tents with cots and wood stoves - Cook prepares buffet-style meals - Large fly for weather protection - Latrine and solar shower - Camp chairs for downtime

What to Bring: - Valid hunting license and picture ID - Rifles: 30.06, .270, .280, .300 Winchester Magnum, or 7mm Magnum (no automatics) - 3 boxes of ammo minimum - Sleeping bag, pillow (they provide cots and foam pads) - Field glasses 7×35 or stronger - Hunting and pocket knives - Two wool shirts, two cotton - Waterproof hunting boots and cowboy boots - One light jacket, one heavy coat - Flash orange - Bear spray (buy in Cody if flying) - Game bags - Duffle bags (preferably two 50-pound bags)

• •2023 Nonresident License Costs (prices do NOT include preference points):

Preference Points: - Minimum 4 points required to hunt with Boulder Basin - Purchase 1 point per year, July 1–October 31 - Without this, you won't draw a license - Boulder Basin can handle your application through the Game & Fish online portal

Arrive the day before your hunt starts. Cody, WY, is the gateway:

Lodging: - The Irma Hotel (downtown, walking distance to restaurants/shops) - Holiday Inn (downtown, convenient location) - Multiple other options at codychamber.org/lodging/

Airport: - Yellowstone Regional Airport (in Cody) - United Airlines with multiple daily flights - Car rental agencies on-site

Meat Processing: If you drive, bring coolers and take your meat back (saves shipping costs). If you fly, use a local processor. High volume during hunting season means no rush orders.

• •Wapiti Valley Meats - 307-899-3363

Taxidermy: Many states require animal skulls cleaned and free of brain, spinal, and flesh tissue for CWD regulations. Check your state's rules.

• •Nature's Design Taxidermy - 307-527-6053 - naturesdesigntaxidermy.com

Boulder Basin recommends them and has used them for years.

Boulder Basin Outfitters 3348 North Fork Hwy Cody, WY 82414 307-587-3404 [email protected]

Liability waiver and refund policy required before trip.