Here is some helpful hunting information to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable hunt with Table Mountain Outfitters.
Wyoming Application Deadlines & Draw Results Dates
Wyoming Elk Drawing Application Deadline: January 31
Wyoming Elk Hunting Results: Posted in Mid-May
First WY Deer/Antelope Drawing Application Deadline: May 31
Wyoming Deer & Antelope Draw Results: Third week in June
Secondary Drawing: Last week in June
Results: Second Week in July
Wyoming Preference Point Purchase Period: July 1 – Oct. 31
- Securing Your Wyoming Tags & Licenses: We personally submit your application to Wyoming Game and Fish to ensure it is entered on time and into the correct drawing. Upon a successful draw result, the WGFD will mail your licenses directly to us. Please DO NOT submit your application on your own.
- Preference Points in Wyoming: **Important CHANGE** You no longer have the option to purchase preference points in the drawings. You are now required to purchase them between July 1 and Oct. 31 so don’t miss out! Remember, points are attached to your Sportsman’s ID (SPID). In many cases, these points must be accumulated over several years to help in the drawing process. If you want to purchase preference points or have questions about them, please email us.
- In most cases, we are completely booked prior to the application deadline. It is a very rare occasion that we can fit you in after the drawing if you are not booked with us first. This helps ensure the best quality hunting experience possible for everyone.
- HUNT DEPOSITS must be at 50% plus license fees prior to the application deadline, or you will not be entered into the drawing. This means if you have a placeholder deposit with us we will invoice you prior to the drawing to get you to 50% plus license fees. Due to the extremely limited availability of our hunts, please understand that ALL deposits are non-refundable.
- CANCELLATIONS – Due to the limited draw process, your deposit is non-refundable once we apply for your license. If you choose to cancel, regardless of the circumstances, you will not receive a refund. Once we enter you into the drawing, there is no way to replace your spot.
- TRIP INSURANCE – We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance to cover the “it won’t happen to me” and provide security for your investment. There are many insurance policies to choose from, but this is one we have suggested in the past.
- Flying To Wyoming – Please do not purchase your airline tickets until after you have successfully drawn a tag. As stated previously, we expect you to draw. However, there is always a chance that you are unsuccessful or are successful in another area that has a different date and arrival location. Table Mountain will not be responsible for airline changes due to booking flights before dates and locations are given to you.
- Airport Pickup: Due to many past complications TMO does NOT provide airport pickup. Hunters are responsible for their own travel arrangements from the airport to camp.
- Hunter Safety:
- Wyoming – Anyone born after January 1, 1966, and must carry proof in the field.
- Idaho – Anyone born after January 1, 1975, must have Hunter Safety to purchase a license. If you are in need of this course please contact your local Game and Fish office (or equivalent) for available classes and locations.
- Hunter Orange:
- Wyoming – Big Game hunters must wear, in a visible manner, one or more exterior garments of hunter orange, from the waist up.
- Idaho – No hunter orange required.
- Trophies and Taxidermists: Table Mountain Outfitters are specialists in the handling of trophies. All of our heads are properly caped and frozen to ensure they arrive at the taxidermist in excellent condition. We can deliver your trophy to our preferred taxidermist, or prepare it for your favorite taxidermist back home. If you choose to take your trophy home with you, we urge you to make sure your taxidermist does quality work and has examples of the type of animal you are bringing to them. (especially antelope)
- Meat Care: You can be assured that your game meat will be properly handled by our experienced guides. We can deliver your meat to our local meat processing facility, quarter it for you to take back home, or you can use our stainless steel tables to cut your meat and package it for transport home. (no tables offered in Idaho or at the Lodge)
- Idaho Hunting Licenses & Tags: You will purchase your license/tag when you arrive. (Cabela’s, Walmart or Sportsman’s Warehouse in Boise, no area needed) You need a Non-resident hunting license and a bear or Mt. Lion tag. DO NOT purchase reduced price tags.
- WEATHER: Weather conditions can vary considerably during your hunt so please be prepared for anything. Check the extended forecast before your trip and plan accordingly.
- Bunkhouse: For those of you who will be joining us at one of the bunkhouse hunts – keep in mind; due to scheduling, you will arrive the evening before your hunt and plan on staying in a hotel the last night of your hunt UNLESS you are still hunting that day.
- Town hunt: We will give you the location you are hunting. Please note you will still be responsible for transportation to and from the meeting location each day (ie the bunkhouse or other specified location).
- Lodge: This beautiful historic lodge is nestled in the Black Hills. We still utilize rooms bunkhouse-style and ask that you plan a hotel stay on the last night. However, this location usually provides enough space for that last night. If you have filled your tag, please ask what the schedule looks like before you make plans to stay or depart.
- Pets: While we understand that your dog (and other pets) are important to you, we cannot allow them on our ranches or at our bunkhouses.
- Trophies: All Table Mountain Outfitters’ hunts are for trophies unless you book otherwise. There are no hidden trophy fees.
- Trophy Photos: We use recent photos and references from our hunts. This gives our clients an up-to-date, honest report concerning our clients’ successes and trophies taken.
- We are full-time outfitters who work year-round to provide you with the best hunting experience and chance at a trophy animal. This is all we do, and your satisfaction and success are always our #1 priority.
- All hunts are booked on a 2×1 hunter-to-guide ratio, with the exception of archery antelope and deer seasons, when blinds are utilized. You will be alone in the blind, but we may have 3 to 4 hunters in the truck on the way out.
- While we do our best to accommodate all levels of physical abilities, we strongly advise showing up to camp in the best shape possible. The better physical shape you are in, the more we can help you be successful on your hunt.
- When to shoot: This is your hunt! We do not force you to shoot but may strongly recommend you do. Your guides are experienced in the areas you will be hunting and are familiar with what kind of animals you will be seeing. We encourage you to listen to your guide’s advice and recommendations.
- Hunt timing: Since we conduct our hunts in areas with little to no hunting pressure, you are just as likely to harvest a nice animal in the middle or later part of the season as you are on opening day.
- Alcohol: We operate a safe, family-friendly atmosphere at all times. Absolutely no drinking and hunting will be allowed! You may consume alcoholic beverages during the day, but you will remain in camp and not be allowed to hunt. At no time will wild drunken situations be tolerated or allowed. Under NO circumstances are firearms allowed out, cleaned, displayed, or shot when alcohol is being consumed. Drinking in the evening in moderation is allowed, but anyone who goes too far may be left behind in camp or asked to leave. TMO will NOT supply alcohol you must provide your own.
“Don’t pass up the first day, what you would be happy to take on the last day”
Recommended Gear List
- Warm, Quiet Jacket
- Waterproof Leather Boots
- Any Required Medicines
- Alarm Clock (your phone will work in most cases)
- Phone / electronics chargers & cables
- Good optics- (rifle scope – Trijicon, binoculars – Kowa Optics)
- Rain gear – especially for Spring bear hunts
- Thermacell – especially for Spring bear and early season Antelope hunts
- Day Pack (TMO is proud to wear & use ALPS Outdoorz)
- Hand Lotion & Chapstick – its dry in Wyoming!
- Extra Ammunition or Arrows – you can never bring too much.
- Fluorescent Orange Hat or Vest (Wyoming Rifle Hunts)
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Wool or Flannel Shirts
- Heavy Wool Socks
- Sunscreen
- Hunting Knife – TMO is proud to use and recommend Havalon knives.
- Game Bags
- Cooler(s)
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Flashlight / Headlamp
Archery Hunters May Also Consider:
- Face Paint
- Dark clothing for blind hunting
- Old Heavy Socks for silent stalking
- Safety Harness for treestand hunting
- Laser Rangefinder
- Extra broadheads
- Extra release
Hunting References
Archery
Roland Rheaume
Bud Twitty
Ashley Jenkins
Cyndie Fox
Idaho Cougar/Bear
Teri & Steve Lancaster
Todd & De McNeilage
Gary Patterson
Bill White
Deer/Elk/Antelope
Bob Rogers
Nick McCulley
Mike & Sue Wilmot
Dane Martindell
Steve Scott