Getting the proper outfit

In Wyoming, hunting is big business. A report released in 2017 by Southwick Associates estimated that outfitters and guides in Wyoming collected nearly $45 million from big game hunters in 2015. It was also estimated that, in total, both resident and non-resident hunters contributed over $300 million to Wyoming’s economy. In just the Laramie region alone, there are approximately 20 outfitters according to the Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association.

What can someone interested in having a guided hunt do to prepare? It depends on the outfitter and the type of hunt.

“Antelope hunting is generally ride around on the four-wheeler or in the truck and everything stays in the truck most of the time whereas elk hunting we’re out all day and it stays on our back,” said Johnny Bergeson, owner of Trophy Room Outfitters.

Bergeson grew up in Encampment and guided for Warden Patzer, former owner of Trophy Room Outfitters, before purchasing the business 10 years ago. Unlike some outfitting companies that may own the land, Bergeson takes his hunters onto public lands. Over the decade that he has been operating his outfitting business, he said that many of his clients ask questions about hunting in Wyoming.

“I’ve hunted with a lot of clients that really ask a lot of questions. They’re really wanting to be informed on how this works or how that works as compared to where they hunt. They just really want to know more information,” Bergeson said. “I try to show them as good a time as I possibly can. I make sure all my gear is in good shape, I make sure all the meals are good depending on the type of hunt that we’re doing. I’ve had some hunters, all they want to eat was peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I’ve had others that we’ve cooked pork chops and steaks and hamburgers and all that good stuff.”

Many of Bergeson’s clients come from lower elevations while most of his elk hunts begin at 10,000 feet. While a hunter wouldn’t be able to prepare for the higher elevation, he said that one of the things that they can do is begin exercising.

“It doesn’t necessarily mean go out and become a bodybuilder. Just get your mind right, start working, start walking around with a backpack every day or every other day. Get used to the long miles. That’s the biggest thing,” said Bergeson. “The best they can do is exercise to the point where their body is able to help itself recover when it does get tired. They exercise, they get in shape. Even when they’re in phenomenal shape and they came to this altitude, it still wears them out the first couple days, but that getting in shape helps their lungs and helps their body to be able to recover when they need to.”

In addition to exercising, Bergeson advises his clients to bring their sleeping bags, pads, rifle, ammo and any special needs they have.

“Some of them like to bring their own little gummy bears or something like that,” Bergeson said.

He also advises his clients to dress in layers due to the changes in weather throughout the day.

“They got to dress in layers. Western hunting requires layering because it gets hot during the day and cold in the morning and sometimes it’s the extreme one way or the other. A lot of it’s exclusive to the hunt,” said Bergeson.

While there is much that is exclusive to the hunt and the outfitter, Bergeson said one thing he has seen quite often is hunters skimping on shoes. In some cases, clients have purchased shoes at a sporting goods store upon arrival and spend the time of the hunt breaking in new shoes.

“You can’t break a boot in while you’re hunting,” Bergeson said.

He also advised that hunters check with their outfitter of choice as to the type of hunt to determine what shoe or boot to wear. If it will be an antelope hunt, there’s likely no need for an insulated boot or one that’s waterproof. If they’re hunting for late season elk, however, they may need a boot that is both insulated and water resistant.

Proper preparation on the part of the hunter will ensure a good time, if not a successful hunt, from the outfitter.