★★★★★Book with confidence! O’Brien Creek Outfitters is exceptional. I engaged O’Brien Creek Outfitters (“OCO”) in 2024 for my first ever elk hunt for the 2025 season. Prior to reaching out to OCO, I had contacted several outfitters across multiple western states (WY, NM, MT, & CO). While I came very close to booking with a very large outfit and a very small outfit in WY, they ultimately fell short of instilling a sense of confidence that they could deliver the hunt I was looking for. However, after my first consultation with Tyler and all subsequent communication, I knew that I had found the right outfit. The following is an inexhaustive list of what OCO did to provide an exceptional experience, from start to finish. Communication: Tyler immediately responded to my inquiry and confirmed availability for the hunt that I was seeking. During my preliminary consultation with him, Tyler had answers to all questions posed. Afterward, he promptly sent references so that I could make a better-informed decision on whether to book the hunt. Once I decided to proceed, Sara promptly sent all necessary documentation pertaining to payment, hunt information, travel, etc. OCO handled this aspect of the hunt like true professionals and as a result, very few follow-ups were necessary. Accommodations: OCO’s bunkhouse in the booming metropolis of Edgerton, WY was well-stocked and comfortable, providing an excellent starting point for the adventure. Basecamp in the mountains was no different. All accommodations were clearly set up well in advance of arrival. The wall tents were sturdy and comfortable. The food was exactly what you would want – hearty breakfasts before the hunt, and flavorful, filling dinners upon return to camp. Most importantly for me, good coffee was readily available. Expectations: My guide, Nick, was professional, capable, and a good hang throughout. He set clear standards of the caliber of bull we would be targeting on the hunt and effectively tempered the desperation of this excitable flatlander who would have been content to chase every raghorn we glassed up. By clearly communicating the “how” and the “why” of the hunt strategy, Nick inspired confidence that we would be successful over the span of the hunt and relieved any lingering anxieties. Simply put, Nick’s confidence became my own confidence. OCO provided me with an absolute dream hunt, separate and apart from any success I enjoyed. While I did manage to harvest my first bull, a beautiful 6 x 7, the hunt was so much more than that. Throughout the experience, I was filled with overwhelming gratitude to be sharing such a beautiful, peaceful place with such high-character people. At hunt’s end, I didn’t want to leave. I even had moments of existential crisis where I contemplated bailing on my modern existence in favor of something more real and more closely connected to the land. I will be forever grateful to OCO for the forever memories created on the hunt. Tyler, Sara (and Wyatt!), Nick, Brandon, and Owen are a fantastic crew, and I can’t wait to spend more time with them in the near future!
