Boulder Lake - Experience Wyoming

1. Are Elk tags available?

Wyoming Game and F ish offers leftover elk tags valid for any elk bull or cow for non residents in July 2008. Before applying please have your hunt dates confirmed.

2. Do I need to hire an outfitter?

Yes, Boulder Lake Lodge is a licensed outfitter, Eric Sechrist BG-175. Non residents in wilderness areas must be accompanied by a licensed guide which Boulder Lake provides at a ratio of 1 guide to 2 hunters to assure your success and safety.

3. What size elk to you harvest?

Typically 80% of our hunters are successful in 5 point or larger bulls that would be excellent specimens for mounting. Last year a 340 class bull was taken on October 18th with many great 6 point bulls in rifle season and a 6X5 taken with compound bow.

4. How long are the hunts?

The hunts are scheduled for 6 days of hunting with additional days included for your arrival and departure day. If you are successful you have the option to stay and enjoy the hunt experience or we can take you back out usually within 24 hours notice.

5. Are hunt dates available for 2008?

A limited number of hunt openings are available during archery season September 1st to September 19th and rifle season September 20th to October 31st. Subject to Wyoming Game and Fish season finalization.

6. What about trophy fees?

At Boulder Lake Lodge there are no trophy fees, You pick the animal you desire in consultation with your guide. However, the choice is yours. Our philosophy is that this is YOUR hunt and any elk can be a trophy or not taking an elk can still result in a great hunting experience.

7. Are these hunts physically demanding?

All fair chase elk hunts are demanding as elk are large animals who live in rugged remote country. Being in the best physical shape possible will help assure you harvest the trophy of your dreams. We use the horses and pack mules to do the heavy work- carrying gear and gaining elevation. However, you need to be able to walk, climb hills, mount your horse and so forth to hunt effectively.

8. Is alcohol allowed?

For gun safety no alcohol is allowed before or during hunting or handling firearms. Responsible alcohol is allowed but moderation is strongly encouraged because the effects of alcohol are intensified at high elevations.

9. What gear do I need?

We provide all the equipment for camping and the horses including saddle bags, you provide your sleeping bag, clothing, binoculars, hunting license/tags, firearm and ammunition.

10. Do the elk bugle?

Elk are vocal animals and we utilize bull and cow/calf sounds to locate and call elk closer. The peak of the elk bugling and the rut are often unpredictable. September and October are the prime calling times with lull periods of quiet punctuated by frenzied bugling from every direction.

11. What about refunds?

No refunds can be given unless you are unsuccessful in drawing the license for your intended specie.

12. How many hunters in each hunt?

Bridger Teton Forest Wilderness regulations limit group size, so usually wecan only take 6 to 8 hunters along with guides, cooks, wranglers, and camp support staff such important personell as firewood cutter/starter.

13. How comfortable is it in camp?

Our deluxe base camps are in designated Wilderness areas so no motorized vehicles or equipment are permitted- thus allowing for better hunting. We pack in everything on mules and horses. Separete large wall tents for sleeping, cooking, and dining. Cots, and foam pads, Wood stoves, lanterns, chairs, hot shower tent, latrine tent make it very comfortable.

14. What do we EAT?

Great meals are served including hot breakfasts such as pancakes, french toast, eggs/bacon, sausage and biscuits with gravy. Dinners such as steak, pork chops, bar-b-que, lasagne, fish, chicken, ham and all the fixins including delicious pies and cakes. Lunch is usually prepared TO-GO so you can hunt all day long. Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.

15. What kind of gun and shots are common?

We like to have all shots under 200 yards and verify the sight in upon arrival at the lodge. Occasionally a longer shot would be taken again in consultation with your guide. Any caliber .270 and larger is effective if the high quality bullet is placed properly in the vitals. Last year we had almost 15% of our hunter use the 300 Remington Ultra Mag, with the 7MM WSM, 300 WIN MAG., and 300 Weatherby other common choices. Accurate bullet placement is paramount so bring the rifle and ammuntion you have practiced with and can shoot well.

16. What about archery?

Archery hunts are available starting September 1st and we often see and hear many bulls each day in a undistrurbed state. Wyoming Game and FIsh allows all types of archery equipment including crossbows, long bows, recurves, and compounds. An additional archery license is required and can purchased for $25 over the counter. Type 1 tags are valid for both rifle and archery.

17. What about bears?

We have black bears and while grizzly bears could be present they are extremely rare. We utilize the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem bear proof electric fence in our base camp.

7 wire bear fence around cook tent