Stockton Outfitters

We hunted with Stockton Outfitters for archery elk 2025 season, and the entire experience went far beyond my expectations. Our guide, Anthony, had us in elk every single day and taught us more about elk hunting in one week than I could have learned in five years on my own. Coming from Wisconsin, I quickly learned that elk hunting is a completely different world than whitetail hunting. The camp was fantastic. Cole, the camp chef, prepared meals that were outstanding. The food, comfort, and hospitality were well above what I imagined for a hunting camp. Jay and the entire crew were professional, hardworking, and committed to giving us the best possible chance at success. We did not put all the pieces together this time, but that is part of the experience. This is real, free-range country, not high fence or private land. The memories I have from this hunt will stay with me for a lifetime. One piece of advice for anyone booking this hunt: come physically and mentally prepared. The guides will hunt as hard as you are able, and the better shape you are in, the more of the views, spots, and opportunities you will get to enjoy. I have already booked another hunt for 2028. If you want to learn, hunt hard, and have an unforgettable adventure, I highly recommend Stockton Outfitters. This was a five-star experience from start to finish.

A bear hunt with no bears is the reason for this rating. Before I booked I was told that they average an 80% shot opportunity. Clearly that was not the case as no hunters this week even saw a bear. That's the bad part. Now for the good part. We stayed in the "Broken Arrow Lodge" which is one building in the Sugar Loaf Campground resort complex. This is a newer building with multiple private bedrooms spread over both the main floor and second floor, two bathrooms with 4 showers, a high quality kitchen and nice dining and living room areas. As far as the staff, there is a camp chef (not a camp cook) that serves you a high quality breakfast at 4:30 AM. Lunch is served at 3:30 PM after everyone returns from the morning hunt. Supper is served at 10:30 PM after the evening hunt is completed. As far as the guides, it's hard to tell how good they are, but one thing is certain, they give it a 100% effort. All of the ones I talked to were very personable. They are all very nice people, but with no bears in the area, it's hard to measure their skill level.

The Stockton experience is absolutely top notch. Mark Shutey and his team are honest, hard working and push as hard as they can to give their clients the experience they pay for. I went on an archery hunt in early September and a gun hunt with my dad in October. Both hunts had encounters, and I took home an archery Bull. Dad took home a rifle cow. Filled our freezer both years which is no small task! There's definitely critters running around these parts, Stockton can't control the weather but they can certainly control their efforts and it's 100% from day one. Both tent camp (archery) and lodge (gun) had excellent accommodations. At both locations you slept comfortably and ate meals fit for a King...or Queen! Highly recommend if you're looking for a great overall experience with an honest team of guides.

I just concluded a hunt with Stockton Outfitters and it was the trip of a lifetime. Jay and his team went above and beyond in every aspect of the hunt. My good friend and I planned this archery hunt 3 years ago and Stockton delivered! We were paired with Anthony Hoyd, who was phenomenal. The elk weren’t being too vocal, but Anthony was committed to putting us on a bull, hunting 14+ hours every day, putting in the miles and the effort to get it done. His drive was incredible. On the morning of day 3, our efforts paid off. Anthony set us in our spots on a large meadow at 6:55 am. He set out a call and a bull quickly responded with a chuckle, thrashing in the trees about 200 yards away. Within a few minutes and some additional cow calls from Anthony, the bull chuckled again before emerging from the trees across the meadow at 110 yards. He continued to move across the field towards my setup, stopping at 70 yards. Anthony sent another cow call out, I drew my bow, and the bull moved in to 24 yards. I took my shot and the bill dropped at 68 yards at 7:10. What a rush! We couldn’t have had a better experience with this team! Hunt hard!

Great archery camp. 5 star breakfast-lunch-dinner. Incredible hospitality/customer service. Jay Winfield and his family treated me like family. All guides were very knowledgeable and experienced. My guide, Anthony Benes, was able to give me an opportunity that we will both remember for the rest of our lives. He deserves all credit.