Wyoming Elk Hunts & More

DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS

A $2000 deposit is required to book any of the hunts above. Because of the demand from the day, the hunt is committed to with the outfitter, the client has 14 days to have the deposit on the books unless other arrangements have been made. The hunts above are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. The first week of March, a letter will be sent out regarding a $2500 second payment towards your hunt plus release forms to be read, signed, and sent back along with the second payment. The second payment and release forms will be due by March 20th (only pertain to the client who is applying for the current year application period).

The elk licenses will be drawn on May 20th. The final letter will go out to the client on the 1st week of June and will include the final invoice and the final necessary information about your hunt. The final invoice will be due July 15th unless other arrangements have been made. Listed prices are valid for 2024, prices are subject to change on booked hunts and beyond.

No refunds will be made for canceled hunts whether it be for the year you apply for a license or for hunts booked in advance. All money is refundable if the license is not drawn or you can roll funds to future hunts if there is an opening. No refunds or adjustments for late arrivals, early departures, or no-shows.

LICENSES

We handle all applications through our desk. On the first week in December, a letter will be sent out obtaining an information sheet for the client to fill out and send back by the first week of January along with proper funds. After receiving the information sheet and funds, Swift Creek Outfitters will apply your information and funds to our outfitter portal, provided by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department. We advise you to return the packet as soon as possible in case of a mail glitch. We will want the packet here by Jan. 15th so that we’re not up against the deadline on Jan. 31st.

PREFERENCE POINTS

Preference points are needed to obtain licenses in Wyoming. The regional elk areas that were passed by the Wyoming Game & Fish Commission and the special elk license price increase that was passed by the Wyoming legislature will have a major impact on preference point creep.

Swift Creek Outfitters expects to draw 100% every year. Individual preference point holders are still going to have to be very responsible in obtaining a preference point every year before the Oct. 31 deadline.

AIRPORTS & TRAVEL

We will pick you up free of charge from Jackson Hole Airport and take you to the trailhead and back. Most hunters flying into Jackson Hole will use a taxi from the airport to the suggested hotel, and that is where we usually meet our clients. It is always better to fly or drive in a day early and get some rest before your hunt begins. It is also always better to book your flights a few months earlier to ensure a better rate, especially if you are flying into Jackson Hole. The Jackson Hole Airport is the most convenient fly-in destination. Just make sure to start booking flights as soon as you draw your tag.

TAXIDERMY AND MEAT PROCESSING

We can suggest a good taxidermist if need be, but we recommend you take your trophy home if possible. Meat processing can be done in Jackson within 12 hours of your flight departure. All boxes are weighed out in 70 lb. boxes and dry iced ready for travel. Your meat will be cut exactly the way you want it and packaged for the amount of people in your family.

TIPS

All big game hunting guides have a lot of responsibility and hard work every day. They depend on tips to make guiding worthwhile and to ensure we have experienced guides each fall. We encourage 10 to 15 percent of the hunt price for your guide, $150-$200 for the camp cook, and $100 for wranglers and packers.

GRIZZLY BEAR PEPPER SPRAY

If you are booked on any of the Archery Hunts, we advise that you purchase a can of pepper spray. Rifle hunters can also have trouble with grizzlies, but we let them decide whether they want to make the purchase or not. Most pepper spray canisters with holsters cost $40-$50 and can be purchased at almost any sports store.

WOUNDED ANIMAL POLICY

If you draw blood whether you and your guide find the animal or not, that is your animal. We will do everything possible to find and retrieve it, but another animal will not be taken.