I'm going to Wyoming for mule deer this Oct and putting together a group for the hunt. The hunt will be conducted on the Fortification Ranch that straddles the Campbell and Johnson County line about 50 miles East of Gillette. The ranch itself is 30,000 acres with access to another 150,000 acres of BLM. The BLM is only accessible by the public by horseback or foot as it is surrounded by private land. Point being you're unlikely to see other hunters anywhere on your hunt and all of the area is good mule deer country.

The hunt is conducted by Barry Hayden and the outfitter's license is held by his Dad Troy Hayden lic# 055. Barry's grandfather started the guide business in '58 and they've been taking hunters for elk, mule deer and antelope ever since with a maximum of 10 hunters per year and no more than four hunters on any one hunt.

The country is rough but two tracks cover most of the area making a spot and stalk hunt using 4x4 pickups and ATV's totally practical for us not in sheep shape.

Barry says the ability to shoot to 400 yards might be useful but most shots will be 300 yards or less so a long range rig is probably not necessary.

Basically everybody gets a deer and as you can see from the pix they are killing some pretty darn good bucks at some very reasonable prices. I would not plan on a Booner here but a nice representative buck in that 160-180 B&C rough score range is completely doable.

In addition to the big game there are loads of prairie dogs so Barry recommends bringing your varmint rifle along with your deer rifle.

Accommodations are in a 2 bedroom cabin with flush toilet and shower with nice food.

Season is Oct 1-20 with the opener Oct 1-4 and 10-20 open at this point.

The area does require a draw but historically everyone has drawn a tag every year. Deadline for application is May 31 and Barry will walk you through the application process.

Pricing:

2x1 4 days $4,950
1x1 4 days $5,950
Add an antelope $1,250

Includes:

4 days fully guided hunting
All accommodations and food
Field prep of game
Pick up in Gillette if necesary

Not included:

Deer lic $374 and $15 application fee
Antelope $326 and $15 application fee
Hotels as necessary before after the hunt
Taxidermy and meat butchery as necessary
Caping $100 per animal

Let's go hunting.

Mark

Guys,

There is one spot left on the opener Oct 1-4.

Mark

Hey Mark, Just so your hunters know, the draw odds in that unit are less than 50% with no points. One point or high price license will guarantee a tag!

By the way , Barry is a hell of a nice guy. We hunted with Hayden’s a couple times. We will hunt with them again!

Chuck,

Your correct but the bottom line is everyone historically going way back has drawn a tag. The license cost I posted includes $40 for a preference point.

Mark

quote:

one of us

Great area and some really nice mule deer. Hunted Johnson County 2 of the last 3 years and have taken some REALLY good mule deer. Best of luck to to the hunters who take this hunt

First 3 hunts are filled. Can take 4 hunters on the last hunt Oct 17-20. Barry says the last three years he's seen his biggest bucks during latter part of the season.

Mark

Oct. 17-20 will a very good time to hunt next year.
it's even better if there is some weather.

Lamar,

Best part is it's available for '18 and '19.

Mark