Western Lands Outfitters

Welcome to Western Lands Outfitters! We offer full service hunts for Antelope, Cougar, Elk, Mule Deer, Shiras Moose, Turkeys, Whitetails, Hogs, and Texas Exotics. 

Western Lands Outfitters consists of two partners: Travis Murphy and Rusty Hall. Travis Murphy has been guiding hunts since 1997. Rusty Hall owns Trophy Hunter Magazine and has been involved in the hunting industry since 1993. The partners guide most of the hunts, however, they have a few guides that are hired to help as needed. Everyone involved with Western Lands Hunting Co. is professional and has been in the business for years. 

Since the inception of Western Lands Outfitters, we have focused on trophy mule deer. The Utah ranches are huge tracts of land that hold large numbers of deer and elk. These animals are on the ranches 90% of the time, which allows us to be very selective in what we harvest. Wyoming is also similar to the Utah operation in that it is managed for trophy quality animals. 

In a very short amount of time, we have become the premier destination for trophy mule deer. Our records are impressive - we have close to a 200-inch average on our mule deer! This has been achieved through a very selective harvest. The best bucks we have taken are a 40-inch wide, 223 gross typical that nets 209 7/8 inches! The best non-typical bucks have grossed around 225 inches! 

We also guide on some public lands in Utah and Wyoming. In Utah we limit these hunts to the top producing areas in the state. Utah has produced the largest free ranging elk in the country as of late. The best bulls that are taken each year will net over 400 inches! In 2006 a typical bull was harvested that netted 428 6/8 inches and in 2007 a non-typical archery elk scored 430 6/8 inches! In 2008, Utah produced the World Record non-typical bull elk scoring 478 5/8" net B&C. 

Utah may be the top place in the USA to hunt trophy class animals. If quality is what you are after, give us a call. 

We operate the second largest private property hunting operation in Utah. The state has several systems in place to obtain a hunt. The private lands usually are in the Cooperative Wildlife Management Units (CWMU's) or in a Landowner Association. Utah allocates permits to both of these groups. The differences between these permits are as follows:

CWMU's have special 60-day seasons.

CWMU's have large tracts of land (10,000 acre minimum).

Landowner tags must hunt the state specified seasons and the applicable unit.

Both of these permits are a guaranteed license. We focus primarily on the CWMU tags. 

On our private lands hunts we harvest world-class mule deer. Record book typical bucks are taken each year. Our biggest non-typicals are in the 220" class. 

Our best elk are in the 350-360" range. We average 320" with the rifle hunt and 310" with the archers and muzzleloaders in the mix. 

The private lands moose hunt produces mid 140" class bulls on the average. They have spreads little better than 40". The best bulls will score 155" to 160". 

Location, Climate and Terrain

The elevation varies from 6,000 feet to 8,000 feet on the ranches. Most of the area is in a high desert climate. The higher elevations receive more moisture. The terrain is made up of steep, rugged canyons. The lower area's vegetation is sagebrush, oak brush and cedar trees. The higher elevations have quaking aspen and pine trees. Water is plentiful on these ranches. 

The temperatures will vary from 40F-50F in the evenings to 70F-80F during the day on the September hunts. Usually, by the end of October the temperatures have dropped to below 32F at night and around 50F-60F during the day. Be prepared because winter can arrive early bringing snow, wind and freezing temperatures for the duration of the hunt. 

The Hunt

The hunt takes place from a comfortable base camp. Each morning, hunters leave using trucks or Polaris Rangers to get around. The method of hunting primarily used is spot and stalk. The hunting area has a series of roads that we use and consequently most hunts are not very physically demanding. 

After the game is down, we will handle the caping and care for the meat. The hunter will accompany the guide to a meat locker for processing. We have a several excellent taxidermists available if required. Antlers, capes and meat can be shipped at the hunter's expense. 

Equipment and Facilities

We supply all the camp equipment, food, guides and our years of experience. Camp consists of two cabins for the hunters and a series of wall tents with wood floors in them. They each have a wood burning stove in them. The bedrooms have electric heat. The cabins have beds in them and the wall tents have cots and sleeping pads. We have electricity at camp, so we have hot showers, TV, microwave, fridge and freezer. 

The food is excellent. Meals are prepared at camp and typically we eat a light breakfast, return for a big lunch and later in the evening eat a first class meal. 

Hunt Rates & Dates:

DescriptionMethodGuidingPriceHunt DatesAvailability

5-Day Mule Deer

(Trophy)Rifle1x1CallSept. 10th -

Nov. 10thNow Booking

For 2013

5-Day Mule Deer

(Management)Rifle1x1CallSept. 10th -

Nov. 10thNow Booking

For 2013

5-Day

Premium Elk

(1st Hunters on Ranch)Rifle1x1CallSept. 11th -

Sept. 15thNow Booking

For 2013

5-Day Elk

(Rut Hunt)Rifle1x1CallSept. 17th -

Oct. 1stNow Booking

For 2013

5-Day Elk

(Late Season)Rifle1x1CallOct. 25 -

Oct. 29Now Booking

For 2013

2-Day AntelopeRifle1x1CallSept. 1st -

Sept. 30thNow Booking

For 2013

5-Day MooseRifle1x1CallSept. 11th -

Nov. 10thNow Booking

For 2013

5-Day CougarRifle1x1CallNov. - MayNow Booking

For 2013

Hunts do not include your tag and license.

Hunts are booked with a $1,000.00 deposit, 50% will be due in January and balance paid by June before the hunt.

This is a guaranteed permit. Our refund policy is no refund on the $1,000.00 deposit. Cancellations must be received by April 1 or the responsibility to resell the hunt falls on the client. There will be no refund on the remaining monies if cancellations are received after August 1 because the voucher from the state will have your name on it.

All hunts will include scouting prior to the hunter arriving.

All hunts include transportation, lodging, food, and trophy care at camp.

Most hunters will fly commercial into Salt Lake City International Airport or fly private jets to Evanston, Wyoming.

Additional Spotters for $200 a day.

Hunters may bring a guest for $100 a day.