Boulder Basin Outfitters

DOUG ROOTMarch 2026

★☆☆☆☆

My wife Shelly and I hunted with Carl at Boulder Basin Outfitters 10-8-22. We have a great 3.5 days on the mountain. We were hunting a herd of about 40-50 elk. The herd would have different bulls showing up every day with a trophy sized bull finally showing up on the AM of day 4. Something spooked them only allowing us a 600 yard shot so we decided to follow them for the day to get a better opportunity. They would never leave a 3 mile square area so we knew they would be back in the same meadow they usually return to at night. We were glassing the area for about 2 hours. Two other hunters came in above us and up the ridge about 400 yards. Troy our guide said its the back packers again pointing them out. They are why the elk are not here. We rode to the top of the ridge only to have one of the hunters come running at us waving his hands. Troy rode out to greet him only to find out it was another guide from our camp. He told us the our elk went thru the valley over the next mountain. I ask if the elk were gone what are they doing here? I got no response. At camp the other hunter Erick from Jackson Hole WYO. came to us and proceeded to tell us how we messed up his opportunity to harvest the big elk. We were within 500 yards of the elk before we left. The activity pushed the herd across the drainage to where we had hunted twice. We knew where the herd would likely be for day 5. Day 5 comes. Something is wrong. The warm fuzzy feeling from the guides was gone. Not knowing what was wrong I pleaded with Troy to take us back to the elk we had been hunting all week. He said we would discuss it later. We mounted our horses and headed the opposite direction. What? I was crushed. They let Erick shoot the elk we found. It was the same elk from the day before 6x6 with an extra point on his right side and the largest elk for the year. They took us to a place called bear tooth look out. It was so steep my wife would not even try to climb up. You couldn't get an elk with in 500 yards of this place. They sold us out to Mr. check book. I waited to confront Carl after we got off the mountain. He was whining for me to stop yelling at him. He didn't know we were on a bull. He didn't know where the guides were hunting. He didn't even know where they took us. Liar! I got tired of not knowing what was going on so when Troy called him on the radio I slipped in close enough to hear the conversation. Troy told Carl there were no elk up here. No response. Troy then ask if we could go after an elk on the mountain Carl was on. No. He then ask if he had any suggestions. Carl said stay up there and don't come down. Carl sold us out. He is a liar with no morals. He will sell you out to the highest bidder. He crushed our dreams and ruined out adventure.

Catherine HammillAugust 2025

★★★★★

Our group of 6 had an absolutely magical and special 8 day trip from Cody to Jackson. Our guides, led by Etta and also Riley and Jenz and chef Isabel were all fun and entertaining while always keeping safety for us and the horses first and foremost. The scenery was beyond anything we could have imagined, the horses and mules were sturdy and dependable. Was it a luxury trip - no. Was it a trip of a lifetime? ABSOLUTELY!!!!! Our whole group was just astounded for 8 days and we laughed all evening with our hosts.

Sally BissenAugust 2025

★★★★★

So as "NOT" to be long winded, my wife and I would rate the trip 5 STARS. The wranglers, Etta, Isabell, Rielly and Jans were experts at their craft. The livestock was excellent, and the scenery was beautiful. We want to thank you all for a lifetime dream Trip.

Jim BaileyAugust 2025

★★★★★

Our ride was eight days, seven nights. Two of us were in our late 70’s, two of us in our late 50’s, and two grandsons in their late teens. We were all pleased with the ride. Each member of the crew was good at his/her job, helpful, hard working, and friendly. The outfitter was always professional, friendly and ran a superb operation. The horses were well behaved, the food was good, and the coffee was ready every morning. We sometimes set up our tents, and sometimes slept under the stars. We had many opportunities to fish. The grandsons took real advantage of those opportunities. We had some long days in the saddle. I was ready to get off the horse on those days. But the pain and discomfort is the price of the ticket to see that magnificent country, to be with a great group of people, and make new friends. I highly, highly recommend Boulder Basin Outfitters!!

Richard BabcockJuly 2025

★★★★★

My cousin and l resently took a 5 day horse back/ fishing trip with BBO. The trip into Bridger Teton National Forest was awsome. The horse back trip in took about 7 hours and the senery was spectacular. My cousin and l are both in our seventy's, and enjoyed every minute of it. To be honest we were both glad to get off the hoeses when we arrived at camp. Edda the guide. Riley the wrangle, and lsabel the cook did a fantastic job getting the camp set up, including our tents so we could get settled in. Isabel had a great meal of chili and corn bread with all the fixin's waiting for us. All of this done in an hour after our arrival. My cousin and l have fun talking and busting balls wit each other, lm sure we were alot, but the crew joined right in the fun. The fishing wasn't great, but the experience was once in a lifetime. Edda, Riley and Isabel accomidated to every we wanted. They made bour trip a once in a lifetime trip. As l stated before my vousin and l are both in our seventy's and will probably not be able to this kind of trip again, thank you for as wonderful time and alot of great memory's. I want to give a special shot out to our cook, lsabel. Food always taste better at camp, and lsabel is a fantastic camp cook. Every meal l rated as a ten. She deserves a raise.

Karen LairmoreAugust 2024

★☆☆☆☆

This isn't going to be all sunshine and roses because this trip was not quite as described. First, the age of the 8 of us that went on this trip was between 62- and 76. We have all been on horses before but some of the rides were as much as 8 hours and we were all in a lot of pain by the end. No breaks except for lunch. We were told no more than 5 hours tops. No. 2. Most campsites were a long way from water. We camped near water only once. We were required to put up our own tents. We were not told this in advance. So we rode more than 5 hours every trip and then carried our gear from the camp to our tents which were no where close. At least 75-100 yards from the main camp. Our tents were never close to the main tent or the toilet that was set up somewhere behind a grove of trees. This may be fine for young people but we were quite tired after the long ride. Sometimes (except in yellowstone) the horses were close to the main camp and we had to walk around horse manure. Not very sanitary. The equipment (saddles, stirrups etc. ) were not in very good shape. The tents were filthy and had mildew on them. And just so you know the flies and mosquitoes were horrible. this was not ones fault. The horses were rough walkers. We expected the horses to be less than smooth since they are trail horses and we have experienced this before but boy were they rough. Although our guides were very nice and the food (except for lunches, the date on the cookies was expired and by the time we ate the sandwiches (lunchmeat) were hot) was quite good. These individuals were on a schedule and had little to no concern for our comfort. It seemed their goal was get from point A to Point B and take care of the horses, guests be dammed. We feel the biggest problem with this trip was not giving us the full picture from the beginning. Don't expect to be anywhere close to good fishing. Save on the license. When they tell you no cowboy boots just hiking boots there is a reason. You will be walking your horse down a steep mountain that is slippery. Take the best hiking boots you have. Several of us fell going down this mountain. It is dangerous even if you have the right footwear. It took us 1 1/2 hours to go down. I am not coming at this review from no experience on trail rides. We have done several. This was by far the hardest and had we known what to expect I doubt we would have taken it. We are not out of shape but consideration of our age should have been taken into account by Carl. OK here is the good. The mountains are spectacular and the meadows and wildflowers were the prettiest we have ever seen. If you are young and you are ok with the guides simply moving you from one site to another and you are basically in charge of your own safety go for it. This was not for me. Carl needs to be upfront about what to expect so you go in eyes wide open. I give this a 1 mostly for that reason.

Joseph KeeneyDecember 2023

★★★★★

Everything I wanted and then some for a once in a lifetime elk hunt! Carls camp and team was top notch! Thank you!

Chris KellingNovember 2023

★★★★★

I was with Carl and Marisa from Nov 14 - 18, 2023 on a cow elk hunt. This was my second visit to Boulder Basin, having hunted mule deer with them in the 2021 season. I was on my own for the trip, and I had an absolutely unforgettable experience! Clayton was my guide this time, and he was great. He was patient with me, informative about what we were doing along the way, and attentive to my "quirks". He checked in to make sure we were on the same page about targets, ranges, and general "how are you doing?" assessments. I'm no spring chicken... We rode into some drop-dead gorgeous back country. The scenery was spectacular; the ride and views alone were worth the experience. I did harvest a nice cow elk at the end of the first day. We thought we'd be hunting again the next day, but ended up spotting some game in range for me just as we were saddling up to head in. One of those elk came out with us. I've been hunting for over 50 years. One of my cherished elements of hunts like this is the camaraderie of the hunting camp. I miss trips to Wisconsin where I grew up, as those old boys (including my father) have passed over. While I was "in camp" (at the lodge) with Boulder Basin, I got to renew that experience with Carl, Marisa, Clayton, Royce, and Owen. That was big fun too! It was a most wonderful experience, and I am most grateful for the time at Boulder Basin.

Randy MyersAugust 2023

★★★★★

Just finished 8 day ride with Boulder Basin Outfitters. Worked with Carl and Marissa to setup an eight ride with my wife and myself and they work above and beyond to make it a perfect ride. The crew, Etta trail boss, Riley wrangler, Lucas camp Jack, and Jack cook took very care of all of us and took very care of the horses and mules. Which means a lot to me. Etta showed very good leadership skills and great decision making. Words don't describe Jack's cooking, it was fantastic! Hope to see all again soon. Thank you so much!

Zachary EaganJune 2023

★★★★★

The BBO Team and staff made all my wildest dreams, and then some, come true. They were the ultimate professionals, guides, and back country hosts. This trip allowed me to share some fantastic back country experiences with my parents, not outdoors people, who would have never otherwise been able to see and experience so much. Our lead guide Edda was so knowledgeable, patient and accommodating. I cant wait to do another trip and will be telling all my friends to do the same.

Jacob WaltersOctober 2022

★★★★★

They are an absolutely epic team over at Boulder Basin Outfitters. They will work their butts off to make sure that you have an outstanding experience. From the wranglers and cooks to the guides, everyone was so awesome and made the experience even better than it already was. Carl is a true expert at what he does, and the results show. I would highly recommend them for any outdoor adventure!

BMS LogisticsAugust 2022

★★★★★

Just finished an eight day, Cody to Jackson trip with Boulder Basin, trip of a life time! The crew, Clayton Edda, Jack and Riley were the best. They worked daylight to dark making sure everything was taken care of. If a trip like this is on your bucket list, Boulder Basin should be your first stop.

Karon WellsSeptember 2021

★★★★★

I had always wanted to ride and camp in this area. It was amazing! The guide and cook were friendly, respectful, knowledgeable and very professional. The camp was organized and neat. The food was wonderful. The horses were healthy and well suited to each rider and were well cared for. The tents were clean and roomy. My trip was all I had anticipated and nothing short of awesome!! The staff were loyal to the outfitter and always attentive to our needs.

Richard AndrewsJuly 2021

★★★★★

Just finished up a pack trip with Boulder Basin and it was fantastic. Clayton, Edda, Hunter and Riley were all great. Good food, great people, wonderful horses and amazing countryside.

Mike ZahrowskiNovember 2020

★☆☆☆☆

I wouldn’t recommend Boulder basin for a hunt. They advertise great success but seem to lack the drive to scout before a client arrives. I realize these are public land hunts and weather pushes animals to area of food and water. Not seeing any game for the duration of a guided hunt is poor. If there is no game most guide services will contact prior and reschedule later or if they can not deliver on finding game invite you back at no charge. It lacked what I feel a Wyoming on horse should be. If you have an apparel line or a big name you might get the effort out of them but roll the dice good luck to you. All we seemed to get was excuses and tag soup.

Dewey DixonOctober 2020

★★★★★

Hunted with Boulder Basin this past week. And what a week it was. Carl and his entire crew went above and beyond. Had a great time and will be returning as soon as we can accumulate the points! Buster was my guide but I left with him being a friend. Took care of me, looked after me and even though we didn't deal the deal it was on e of the best hunting experiences I've ever had. Thanks again Carl. See you in Nashville!!

Matthew MoffittSeptember 2020

★★★★★

I had a blast on my first elk hunt. Royce was an excellent guide and took care of everything. Great equipment and horses and very experienced guide. I would not have had a successful hunt without Royce. Carl was always available to answer questions prior to my arrival.

Aaron FrazierOctober 2019

★★★★★

Outstanding experience with Carl and his team on a public land wilderness archery elk hunt. The crew took in over 20 head of horse stock for 3 hunters in camp the week we were there - the preparation, planning, and effort was a sight to behold. The wranglers (Justin and Colt), cook (Kate), and our guide (Royce) made this a world class experience. We hunted hard, laughed a lot, and walked away with long lasting memories and new friends. Could not ask for more.

Mark MelsonSeptember 2019

★★★★★

My 15 year-old son and I just returned from a 6 day, 5 night trip down the South Fork of the Shoshone River with BBO guides/cooks/wranglers Royce and Kate. In short, we had a blast. While the original purpose of the trip was to flyfish for backcountry trout in the Washakie Wilderness, our plans were thwarted by unusually late runoff and high, often muddy water. Not to be deterred, our guides showed us a great time anyway. We had amazing horseback rides, beautiful vistas, wildlife, a great hike up a spectacular waterfall, and a lot of fun around camp. We even cleared a trail that had been partially blocked by an avalanche (hard work, but great fun). The food was much better than expected and we really just enjoyed our time in such a remote place. My son has already asked to do it again so I guess we'll be back sometime in the future!

Beth BischofAugust 2019

★★★★★

The best of everything with very impressive guides!!!! Good fishing and exactly what we were looking for! Mike Bischof 10 of 10

Josiah DeeganAugust 2019

★★★★★

Phenomenal trip start to finish. Our crew went in with two goals - fly fish and see the country from the back of a horse. Boulder Basin Outfitters delivered in both areas. Our guides, Justin and Colt were professional and took great care of us. They were very knowledgeable about the area and kept things running smoothly the entire trip. If you want to fish request Justin - he knew the water well and put us on a ton of fish. I highly recommend booking a trip with this outfit.

thomas a hafemanJanuary 2019

★★★★★

I have hunted with Carl and boulder basin outfitters on and off for the last 12 years, my daughter Tess shot a 173 class Mulley her first buck with carl plus her first antelope and yes we paid a trespassing fee which carl made it vary clear from the beginning. My brother has also shot elk and mule deer and antelope with carl as well. in fact we book back with carl every 3 years. next year will be our 4th time elk hunting riffle 3rd season. I cant tell you how I am just biting at the bit to go. The experience we have had with carl and his professional staff has been over the top. food is outstanding the guides are great people with a ton of experience, horse are good and safe for most anyone, everthing is laid out for you, you know exactly what to expect. There is no B.S. with Carl. its all straight forward. If you are looking for a great wilderness hunt away form everyone and want to shoot 300 plus bulls with a highly respected outfitter like Carl. I would call Carl. I did many times. I have a 330 class 5x6 and a 340 6x6 on the wall along with a 160 class mule deer and nice big pronghorn..(see pic in carls album 2 years ago for elk pic go back even farther and see johns and tess's mule deer). The only reason you would be disappointed is either you didn't sight in your gun or the weather did something like snow or ice to cause you to not get where you wanted to go. other than that carl gets you to the animals and then its up to you. Tom

Tom DoughtyAugust 2017

★★★★★

On our 3rd trip with Boulder Basin Outfitters we packed up the South Fork of the Shoshone River for 5 days of fly fishing. Our cook, guide, wrangler Justin Armacost was great. Spectacular views, great fishing and good company. Couldn't be better!

Rich CalvertNovember 2016

★★★★★

Haven't seen Carl since we were 14yrs old and glad to see he's doing well. His mother Virginia used to make the best Rocky Mountain Oysters for us when we were kids

Richard HallsNovember 2015

★★★★★

I truly appreciated the hunting and the preserve. After my overall experience I would highly suggest going on a hunting trip with Carl to friends and family members.

Kara HowardOctober 2015

★★★★★

The whole experience was great, from the fishing to the wildlife it was really something else. I would highly suggest people to go on one.