What Our Clients & New Found Friends Have To Say

80% of the hunters I met were repeat customers. I’ll be going back as it was an amazing experience, the stock was also amazing. Bruce did say he had few guys had got hurt, horses are animals and crap can and does happen to anyone using or owning stock.

I think the main issue is people with lack of experience around stock going on these hunts as I could see why people would be scared riding in the dark, off trails through blow downs, trails with cliffs on one side, sliding in the mud, snow and ice but this is just reality when hunting off stock. Animals can and do spook, my horse spooked a few times and slipped and went down on it’s knees a couple times as well.

They took amazing care of their stock, always rotating them out, giving them a day off or more and picking stock based on one’s abilities. I rode a different horse every day that had been rested, pretty amazing the investment he made to be able to even rotate stock and not just abuse his stock.

My experience was nothing but amazing.

I made fun of the guides and Bruce, the outfitter, often and felt like I was around old friends, the food was amazing just don’t piss off the cook, she’s tough and all the employees in camp made for a great experience. Everyone I talked to had a great experience even if they weren’t successful. My guide never once put me in a situation I felt unsafe and I got the same feeling the others I shared camp with would agree with me.

Tim Hanses

I wanted to take a minute to tell you what a fantastic job your entire staff did for us on our Pack Trip. As you may remember I took our 13-year-old grandson on this trip along with his dad as a special vacation that we take each of our grandkids on when they turn 13. This vacation is the choice of the grandchild to explore their interest, Johnny Jr chose a trip out west want to do some riding and fishing. We had booked a trip with another outfitter months in advance of our August trip only to be told in early July they had sold their ranch and suggested we find a new outfitter that had experience in the area. Your name was mentioned, and you called me within hours of my email informing me you had availability for the dates we needed. We originally booked the trip for South Fork River but found out due to air quality from fires we had to move it to Lake Alice. At first, I was a little disappointed, but turned out to be the perfect trip.

The mule ride in was amazing just enough challenge to make it very exciting and the fishing on Lake Alice was outstanding. I think this camp it perfect and would be great as you spend time there and continue to improve it and build on the old camp that was there originally. I can’t say enough about your staff, Max was so great with my grandson he worked with him on fly fishing, took him out in the Kayak and onshore. Finally hooked up with a trout and was able to land it see pic. My son said the Kayak fishing on the lake was the best, kept saying it was a game changer allow us to fish areas that were hard to get to from shore. I’d say the decision to add Kayaks to the camp was a great option and will pay big dividends for your guest. Within the first hour of arriving to camp we quickly forgot we were on a pack trip, it seemed immediately like we were camping with extended family. Jodie was a great organizer and the best camp chef ever. Jodie made sure it was impossible for us to go hungry, breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks kept us all happy and full. Neely you would have been so proud of her, she worked very hard carrying water, washing dishes, and keeping kitchen area cleaned up. I could tell this was a new experience for her and she did a great job never complaining just kept forging ahead😊 Will was a great wrangler to have along taking great care of the mules, he shared many stories of his experiences with us giving us a glimpse into a cowboy’s life. Can’t forget the camp watch dogs Willey, Nate and Gotcha kept us all entertained and was great companion for JD my grandson. Garrett who helped us unload and load at the trial head like the others was very helpful. We asked about website and Facebook page and Garrett was extremely knowledgeable, might be a good person to put in charge of updating your social media. I will leave you with a couple of thoughts, as a small owner myself, for summer trips build pack trips for 3-5 days to Lake Alice with the focus on families. Ask Jodie about the ongoing discussion during the trip that involved a purple fish on our drive out of the trial head the subject game up about her dog Gotcha’s food dish that was purple and the design on the bottom of the dish😊 Great Trip thank you so much for being part of the memories my grandson will carry with him throughout his life.

Ronald Buss
Angola, IN 46703
260-908-2802

I cannot say enough good things about Best of the West, Bruce and my phenomenal guide, Skinner.

My dad and I met Bruce at the Dallas Safari Club show in January. We talked with him about booking a hunt and he was able to get us booked that day. We were worried we wouldn’t get drawn, but we were lucky that we did! Excitement set in as we started preparing and planning for our hunt! From booking to after the hunt, Bruce was very responsive and helpful with all questions we had.

October finally arrived and it was time for our first hunt in the Teton wilderness area. We stayed at Brooks Lake Lodge before packing out on our mules to camp.

We had a great experience with every aspect of our hunt. Guides, Jodie the cook, and the camp jacks were all beyond accommodating and friendly. I really enjoyed getting to know each of them. The guides and camp jacks were always willing to help me with my mule or getting on my mule, which I really appreciated. Jodie is a phenomenal cook who made sure we were always well fed! The accommodations were very nice and comfortable.

My dad was able to harvest his trophy 6×6 bull on the first morning of our hunt. We hunted for the next 3 days, fought through the snow and bad weather and got on my elk the 4th day at sunset. The terrain was difficult for me to hike at times, because of a hip problem, which really had me feeling defeated at times. But my guide, Skinner really helped and motivated me along and adjusted the intensity levels of where we were hiking for me. It was hard for me to let that get in the way because I wanted to do whatever I needed to, to make sure I got on a bull. Sure enough, modifications and all, Skinner got it done for us!!! I was able to harvest my first elk, a 6×6 herd elk! Words cannot truly express my emotions of the hunt and the joy felt in my heart of being able to harvest my first elk with my dad. Without Skinner, this would not have been possible. My dad told me before we even packed out to camp for the first time, “I think we have the best guide.” He definitely held true to being a phenomenal guide and I can’t imagine how a guide could’ve been better. Skinner has hunted in the area for his whole life and knows the land exceptionally well. He also had lots of facts I enjoyed learning. One thing I really enjoyed about having skinner as our guide is how he made me feel safe, knowing his experience with the area and the wildlife. I was quite worried about the grizzly bears, the whole time, but knowing of Skinners knowledge and past experience made me feel more comfortable or as comfortable as one can feel! We had multiple encounters with the bears and Skinner was prepared to protect us every time.

The day after I got my elk, Jared – another guide, took my dad and I fishing at Upper Brooks Lake! We had so much fun and both of us caught a fish. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip.

10/10 recommend hunting with Best of The West. My dad and I were very pleased with every aspect of our trip and our hunt. It was a trip of a lifetime and one I will cherish forever. Huge thank you to Bruce and Skinner for making this possible!

Sarah Dockery
Kerens, TX

Best of the West Outfitters is the real deal!!!  A genuine, bona fide western elk hunt had been on my bucket list for years.  Best of the West Outfitters made that happen by providing the true wilderness experience.  Great staff, wondrous scenery, pure and fair chase hunting, delicious food, extremely competent, hardworking guides, and service after the sale.  It was the kind of hunting that your great grandfather experienced.  The setting and game availability is unsurpassed.  7 of our 8 hunters harvested beautiful bulls and I killed a 340” bull!  You name it and Best of the West provided it. Truly the hunt of a lifetime!

Tom H. Cox
(870) 382-1217
Dumas, AR

Our family has booked several hunts over the years with Bruce. They were truly the “The Best in the West” and we could not have had a more memorable adventure.

Linda

Hunting with Best of the West is the Best!!! Bruce is not only a true professional but one of the finest human beings that I have ever had the privilege of knowing! We are planning our next trip…

Mike McCaffrey
(925) 321-3122
Byron, CA

Unbelievable experience with second to none hospitality. A trip like this the animal was just a bonus! My father and I did the trip out of Big Piney and was not disappointed. The crew is unreal, Bruce definitely does a outstanding job putting a group of hard working, experienced and accommodating folks together to make it unforgettable!! I was able to harvest my best bull to date thanks to my guide Jacob and my only complaint is now I have a big taxidermy bill 😂😂👍 . Big thanks to Bruce, you for sure go the extra mile to keep the success rate up and that takes a lot of work. I will be going back!!!!

Dwayne Kahler
(925) 550-4397
Knightsen, CA

My wife is interested in horseback riding so we started looking around in our area for riding stables. Not finding what we were looking for we expanded our search area and soon were looking at multi-day pack trips in Wyoming.
We discovered Best of the West Outfitters on the internet and were soon in contact with Bruce.
We booked a three day trip starting at Brooks Lake Lodge, about 30 miles west of Dubois, WY. My wife and I packed in with Bruce, Austin, Casey, Jarrod and Bob and a large string of mules. The campsite was about a three hour ride from the trail-head. We stayed in comfortable 2 man tents with cots and air mattresses. They had a camp kitchen set up where we ate like kings.
We were surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks, lodge pole pines, streams and green grass. We were able to take a long day ride on mules where we enjoyed different scenery and received some expert guidance on horse and mule handling.
Some of these guys are rodeo stars and all grew up or worked on ranches where just a little bit of their knowledge rubbed off on us.
After seeing their intense preparation for the upcoming Elk hunts, my son and I will most likely be hunting with them next season. Bruce also has a long range hunting clinic during the winter months in Wyoming and Oklahoma. We will be looking into that also.
As you can see, I will be a returning customer because this is really a class act. Honest, hard working, knowledgeable and fun loving people.

It was awesome (5) day mule deer hunt in the mountains. The camp was top notch will organized and set up , very comfortable accommodations . All the equipment & all the horse & mules were top notch . All the guides , wrangler , camp-jack & cooks that work for Best of the West outfitters r top notch . It was an awesome experience . If you get the opportunity to hunt with Them it will be well worth it. They also make an awesome custom gun. Can make whatever caliber you won’t . I’m a well satisfied client.

Paul Lee (General)
(307) 699-9400
Pinedale, WY

What an amazing trip!! Bruce & all the guys are class acts, I highly recommend!

Adam Cole
(580) 916-1274
Durant, OK

I’d give 10 stars if I could! Best of the West Outfitters offers the adventure of a lifetime. Bruce is a top-notch guide, stock-man and cowboy! An absolute top hand! They also offer customized long-range rifles. Check out their Facebook page. They are the best way to experience the Tetons.

Melanie Wilfong
Weatherford, TX

Got to give a shout out to Best of the West Outfitters for a great 2 weeks up in the mountains. Great guides, great cooks, and great wranglers made for an awesome back country elk hunt. If anyone is looking for an awesome experience in the mountains in Wyoming go check these guys out whether it’s elk or mule deer hunting or fishing, they can fix you up!

Mike Bracksieck
(405) 740-6777
Elmore City, OK

Best of the West Outfitters!

If you are looking for the hunt of a lifetime. You have come to the right place!

Over the years I have talked to numerous hunters that had always dreamed of a horse back Elk hunt out west , staying in wall tents and eating from cast iron pans . Everyone is looking for “The Real McCoy”. Best of the West Outfitters is exactly what you have been looking for!

Best of the West Outfitters are true professionals and have seasoned guides and staff that have a true passion for hospitality as well as hunting trophy game.

Best of the West Outfitters has horses and mules that are sturdy, gentle and friendly for beginners as well as seasoned riders.

When I tell folks about Best of the West Outfitters and the great time we had on our trip the first thing they ask is was it on private ranch? I say nope,it was on public land. That is a testament of what true professionals can deliver!

If you are ready for true adventure in some of the finest country in North America , call Best of the West Outfitters and reserve your spot today.

James Patrick
(989) 387-3748
Sugar creek ,Ohio

Great environment, good food, competent hard working guides. They treat you like they care. We had a great hunt and still didn’t score!! Had 3 good bulls at 400 yards, just wasn’t up to the task. No ones fault except too old and to out of shape to be prepared. Loved the whole time. I highly recommend you let Bruce and his guides treat you to the hunt of a lifetime.

Larry Admire
(405) 620-5923
Edmond, OK

Best of the West Outfitters is the real deal! Unbelievable trip of a lifetime! The country is absolutely amazing as is Bruce and his staff. I highly recommend them for any western adventure! Top notch guides and professionalism! Don’t look any further than Best of the West, it’s all here!

I just had the most unbelievable trip ever! I can’t put it into words. Too many pics and stories for FB! Here’s my 6×6! Just got out of the mountains tonight. I’m speechless. Try Best of the West Outfitters! 5 Stars!

I can’t resist! Group picture. Thank you Best of the West Outfitters and everyone involved in this lifetime dream of mine! What a great bunch of guys! Special thanks to Eric Mittlestadt for putting this dream hunt together!

Troy Wilkins
(715) 556-4868
Menomonie, WI

Was an awesome (5) day hunt! Bruce has top notch horses & mules & equipment, the guides were awesome people to hunt with , top notch camp cook , the food was five stars, just awesome trip!!!

Randy Lee
Pinedale, WY

I had a Helluva great hunt in 2017 and enjoyed everyone that made our visit so enjoyable!! Can’t wait till next season!!!

Bruce Andrews
Rowena, Georgia

Great Guides Top notch staff, Unbelievable country… If you are looking for a back country Hunt with the chance to Kill a Bull of a lifetime, this is your destination!

Brad Sneed
(580) 371-1926
Tishomingo, OK

Hunting with Bruce Lindsey at Best of The West Outfitters has delivered many great experiences. The morning brings high hope and anticipations, the day brings excitement and stalking into place for the shot and the evening brings comradery, laughter and great stories.

Jesse Ornelas
(805) 575-6136
Santa Paula, CA

I was able to experience the hunt of a lifetime this last week. We rode many miles horse back in the Western Wyoming hunting for elk.That area is some amazing country. On October 12th we found this huge bull laying in his bed. We set up on a high ridge and was able to harvest him at 240 yards. It turned out he had about 30 cows with him and had been busy this fall. I could of never been able to have had the dream become a reality with out the help of a great friend and professional guide Blaine Mathews.
Miss Piper and our good friends at Best of The West Outfitters where instrumental in the success.
If you are ready for western adventure in some of the finest country in North America look them up today!

James Patrick
Sugarcreek, Ohio

If you want a great horseback hunt with quality horses/mules “Best of the West Outfitters” is the place to go.  Bruce’s guides are top notch and also top notch cowboys who often frequent the rodeo circuit.  This is a great plus in coaching us flat-landers on what we need to know about horsemanship.

Best of the West camps are in great condition with quality wall tents and cots.  The cook tent is spacious and the food is plentiful and great tasting.  The wranglers had our beasts of burden ready to go when the time came.  The guides knew the area and where to set up for glassing to locate the elk.

Bruce provides a variety of camps from camps that you can drive to the tent, to wilderness camps where you can get used to the saddle on your way in.

The guides put us on elk every day, then the shooting decisions were on us.  We were asked about our shooting abilities so the guides knew what we were comfortable with.

I have already scheduled my next hunt with Bruce.  Schedule yours today!

Lyle E. Swift
(513) 702-9161
Harrison, OH

Best of the West Outfitters (BOTWO) provides a variety of tent hunting camps for elk and mule deer throughout west central Wyoming.  On occasion BOTWO will have access to camps in northern Wyoming.

These camps range from a drive-in camp where you can unload your gear from your pickup within a few feet of the tents to the typical campsite where access occurs via a horse or mule ride from a trail head a few hours away.  In either case, the camps are designed to provide the ultimate wilderness hunting experience whether you are on a once in a lifetime hunt or a repeat hunter in the wilderness areas of the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming.

The South Piney camp is about 35 miles west of Big Piney, WY., and it provides hunting access to all of Unit 94.  Because it is the drive-in camp, it is easy to load horses and mules into trailers in the predawn and transport them to the north end of the hunting area.  In 2017 this occurred on two separate days during one hunting season and generated success for a different hunter each time.  Clearly this was a unique opportunity for those hunters.  Other hunters were successful within 1-2 hour direct horseback rides from the camp.

In all cases, different herds of elk provided opportunities for all of the hunters.  In 2017, 36 rifle hunters for elk were successful out of 36 hunters who accepted the challenge.  Of the 5 archery elk hunters, 3 were successful.  Although this success rate may not happen every year, the staff of BOTWO will make every attempt to provide any hunter with the opportunity for success.

The camps are set up with wall tents for the hunters, guides, in-camp staff, and a cooking/meal tent. An important feature of all of the camps is that the horses and mules are owned by BOTWO.  Further, the guides and camp staff have worked with Bruce for several years.  In addition, the guides grew up on ranches, have extensive guiding experience, and many have rodeo experience which is valuable when dealing with the horses and mules.  This background will provide any hunter, regardless of horseback or wilderness hunting experience, with the assurance that your hunt will be provided in the most efficient, safe, and enjoyable manner.

Whenever you wish to hunt, BOTWO will provide an ultimate hunting experience for you.  Although hunting does not come with promises of fulfillment, you will enjoy the experience of hunting with Bruce at Best of the West Outfitters.

Ernie Swift
(404) 307-8400
Atlanta, GA

My son and I hunted a camp hunt with Bruce in 2014 the area we hunted had lot’s of elk and we both harvested nice archery bulls. Hunts like this are what memories are made of. We enjoyed ourselves beyond compare.

Shawn Dorr
Gillette, WY

Having experienced all there is with outfitters from good to bad, Best of the West is definitely top notch. From the first conversation Bruce and his staff make you feel welcome and at home. The staff spent 12-14 hour days making sure all my needs were met and that my hunt would be memorable. Even though I did not harvest an elk like I was hoping, they did everything and then some to try to make it happen. Even with out punching my tag this was one of my most enjoyable and exciting hunts I’ve been on. I highly recommend them and will be booking for 2017.

His & Hers Outdoors TV
Jon Sissney
(405) 833-3444
Oklahoma City, OK

My Hunt was for Wyoming bull elk in a National Forest camp. Bruce picked us up at the airport and he drove us to his lodge. After a great breakfast we hit the trail on mules hunting for elk. We choose to hunt with calls and decoys during archery season. We had never hunted elk with mules before, so we gave it a try. After about a half hour we ran into a nice herd of elk. We harvested a big 6×6 bull elk. Archery elk using calls and decoys are fun and exciting to hunt with. What a rush! We ended up with 4 bulls and great meals everyday. I will definitely do it again!!!

Chris Roemer
(510) 908-2031
Danville, CA

If you’re looking for a trip into the past where the wild life is untouched and scenery is as beautiful as it was 1000 years ago then this is the place to be. If you’re looking to catch trophy cutthroat trout in the only place in the world you can find them stacked up awaiting your arrival then this is the place. If you enjoy riding rather than packing and love good company and great food around the camp fire then this is the place. Worth every penny Bruce and his team truly are the real thing and this truly is a genuine experience. I highly recommend this trip for the fishing enthusiast, the horse enthusiast and the nature enthusiast. Two thumbs way up to Bruce and his team. Great job!

Aaron Aylworth
Tuttle, OK