WROC Gear Review

Permits Information and Questions Regarding Hiking, Camping and Fishing on the Wind River Indian Reservation - 2024 0

The lands of the Wind River Indian Reservation are vast, beautiful beyond imagination and filled with adventure.  In fact, there are over 2.2 million acres on the Reservation which is about twice the size of either Rhode Island or Delaware!  However, visitors/users must take note that these lands are the property of the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribes and thus, one must follow their rules and regulations as provided by the Wind River Tribal Game & Fish for all those using the lands for either hiking, camping or fishing.

There are several nuances of this permit and it is important to know what is right and wrong because the Tribal Game and Fish have legal authority to cite those in violation of their rules and these violations are federal in nature.  The violations also risk the future access being granted by the Tribes so do the right thing and know the regulations and buy the permit to be 100% legal.  The tribes are gracious to grant access so please don’t abuse the privilege of it.

Trespass fee versus fishing license - which one do I need?

There is a lot of confusion regarding this topic in that the Tribal Fishing Permit is in fact the Trespass Permit for tribal lands.  So even if you only plan on backpacking on the Wind River Indian Reservation you still need the permit for every day you are either on the tribal property or traveling through the property regardless if you fish or not.  There is no gray in this matter - you need the license no matter what activity you are doing on tribal property.  These licenses may be purchased at Wind River Outdoor Company (www.windriveroutdoorcompany.com) and the One Stop Market (www.onestopmarkets.com) in Lander, WY.  Note, these businesses sit side by side and are open early and late to facilitate your purchase.

What are the fees of the Tribal Fishing (Trespassing) Permit?

Listed below is the fee structure for 2024 - both resident and non-resident anglers/users of tribal property.  Resident licenses are for those residents of Wyoming that have lived in Wyoming for at least the prior year (365 continuous days) AND have a valid, legal address in the State of Wyoming along with this address being claimed as their primary residence.  All those individuals that have lived outside of Wyoming at any point in the prior year or are not claiming Wyoming as their primary residence are hereby classified as non-resident and must purchase that permit level.

Resident

Annual Permit $ 95.00

1-Day Permit $ 35.00

7-Day Permit $ 65.00

Senior Citizen Permit (annual)* $ 45.00

Youth Permit (annual)** $ 20.00

Handicap Permit (annual) $ 30.00

Recreational Stamp (required) $ 20.00

* ages 60 and over

** ages 15 thru 17 years

Non-Resident

Annual Permit $ 135.00

1-Day Permit $   40.00

7-Day Permit $   90.00

Senior Citizen Permit (annual)* $   70.00

Youth Permit (annual)** $   35.00

Handicap Permit (annual) $   30.00

Recreational Stamp (required) $   20.00

* ages 60 and over

** ages 15 thru 17 years 

Do I need to purchase a Tribal Recreational Stamp even for a daily permit?

This question is asked often and the answer is “YES”.  Every person (non-tribal member) must have purchased one Tribal Recreation Stamp per year even if they only purchase a daily permit.  This stamp must be signed and attached to your permit(s) for that year.

Do I have to purchase permits in person?

The answer to this question is “YES”.  License vendors are required to verify residency through inspection of a legal form of personal identification, personal data and sign for the permit in person at the time of purchase.

Can I pay for licenses with a credit card?

Yes, customers may purchase Tribal Permits using a credit card at Wind River Outdoor Company, however, there will be a 3.5% convenience fee added to all credit/debit card transactions made in the purchase of licenses.  Licenses purchased at the One Stop Market must be paid for in cash only.  Please note, Wind River Outdoor Company does not accept American Express but does accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover.  Personal checks are not accepted for any purchase.

Can I float the rivers of the Wind River?

No.  Non tribal members may not float any river within the boundaries of the Wind River Indian Reservation per tribal laws and regulations.  Non Tribal members may use a watercraft on Bull Lake (but only the lake), Washakie Reservoir, Moccasin, Dinwoody and Upper Dinwoody Lakes only.  For complete regulations in this matter it is highly encouraged to contact the Wind River Tribal Game and Fish Department.

Are there areas closed to non tribal members?

Yes, there are a number of locations that are closed to the public and non tribal members on the Wind River Indian Reservation.  Please see a current set of tribal regulations for a complete listing of these locations or contact the Wind River Tribal Game and Fish Department for absolute clarification.

Are there Grizzly Bears on the Wind River Indian Reservation?

Yes, there are Grizzly Bears on the Wind River Indian Reservation and those numbers are increasing every year.  It is highly recommended to carry bear spray with you at all times and practice safe food handling in your camps.  If you encounter a Grizzly Bear or have any species of bear enter your camp then you are encouraged to contact the Tribal Game and Fish office in Fort Washakie at 307.332.7207 to report the incident.

Do I need a State of Wyoming permit plus a WRIR Tribal Permit to fish/trespass on the Reservation?

No, on the lands of the Wind River Indian Reservation, one only needs the correct form of the Tribal Fishing (Trespass) Permit.

Can non-tribal members hunt on the Wind River Indian Reservation?

No - only enrolled members of the Shoshone or Arapaho Tribes may hunt on tribal designated lands.  This applies to big game, small game and bird hunting.  Additionally, this includes the collection of shed antlers and antiquities (arrowheads and relics) as well.

I am just driving through the Wind River Indian Reservation to get to the Dickinson Park Trailhead (which is off the Reservation).  Am I still required to have a permit?

Yes - this is a common misconception that many people have since they are simply going through the reservation and all hiking or fishing occurs off of the Wind River Indian Reservation that they then do not need a permit.  However, this is an incorrect assumption.  Any time you travel through the Reservation, each person in the party (unless under the age of 14) is required to have a valid permit for that day in which they are on the tribal lands.  The only exceptions are federal, state and county designated roads for motor traffic - i.e. highways that are listed as federal, state or county.

Does the Wind River Tribal License work on lands off the Wind River Indian Reservation?

No, the license will not work on lands in Wyoming that are off the Wind River Indian Reservation.  This will require purchasing a Wyoming Fishing license.

Can I contact the Tribal Fish & Game Office?

Yes, you can contact the staff of the Wind River Tribal Game & Fish.  Please note they are a small staffed organization so be patient if you reach their answering service.  The phone number for their office is 307.332.7207 and their website is as follows:  www.windriverfishandgame.com

Conclusion

The staff of Wind River Outdoor Company have well over 60 years of aggregate experience in the Wind River Mountain Range and the lands of the Wind River Tribal Reservation.  If you are in need of additional resources, information or other pertinent information then please feel free to contact the store at 307.332.7864.  Wind River Outdoor Company is the preeminent specialty outdoor shop for all things hiking, backpacking, fly fishing, hunting and camping in Wyoming.  Our staff spend a great deal of time in the wilds of Wyoming and we have the knowledge, experience and know how to make your next outing a success.  The physical location of Wind River Outdoor Company is over 9000 square feet of awesomeness and no other store in Lander or the region even compares to the breadth of selection of quality outdoor gear for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing / fly fishing.  Thank you and have a safe and enjoyable trip!  www.windriveroutdoorcompany.com

Wind River Outdoor Company is not responsible for data that has been changed by the Wind River Tribal Game and Fish Department after their annual regulations have been released or due to emergency closures or rulings.  All those traveling to the Wind River Indian Reservation are encouraged to clarify all rules and regulations with tribal authorities before any trip.  ALL tribal license sales are considered final and may not be returned, exchanged or otherwise altered once they have been signed for by the customer.

Top Fly Rods For The Wind River Mountains 0

Top 10 Dry Flies for Wind River Mountain Range 0

The Wind River Range in Wyoming conjures up thoughts of large, granite peaks with rugged canyons and harrowing scree fields. However, between all those peaks, canyons, scree fields, and steep grades, one can find countless fly fishing waters that teem with Brook, Cutthroat, and elusive Golden Trout. Catching these species, however, can be anything but simple. Yes, the Brook Trout will generally be slamming your flies left and right, but quality Cutthroat and Golden are going to be harder to get without having the right flies at your disposal.

The window to access the Wind River Range out of Lander, WY (home to Wind River Outdoor Company) is very short, with most lakes and streams not being in fishing shape until late June, and that season runs through September. Because of this short season, one would think that the fish of the Wind River Range would feed with caution thrown to the side; however, that is anything but the case. Here are the top 10 dry flies you will want to have in your arsenal if you are headed into the Wind Rivers.

1. Parachute Adams - size 14-18 An indispensable pattern from days past that simply produces. Simply put, you cannot have enough of these for success in the Wind River Mountains.
2. Stimulator - yellow or orange - size 12-16 Another pattern with a long history of success in the Winds. This pattern mimics caddis patterns and is just a great all-around attractor pattern.
3. Lime Trude - size 14-16 One of the best patterns ever designed for Cutthroats. Slim design but floats great when treated, and a bonus is that it is easy to see in the glare of the high mountain lakes when you are chasing selective Cutthroat and Golden Trout.
4. Renegade - Size 14-18 There is nothing special about this fly other than it works when nothing else will. The peacock herl works magic when nothing else seems to move the needle, and since you have just walked miles to get where you are, have a bunch of them at your disposal.
5. Parachute Purple Haze (size 14-20) A variant of the ever-popular Parachute but works really well in small sizes for the black midges that call the high Wind River Range home.
6. Peacock Caddis (size 14-16) A simple yet highly effective caddis pattern that is durable. The peacock herl is nothing short of a silver bullet on trout, so don't leave home without them.
7. Parachute Ant (size 10-18) If you venture into the Winds without a handful of black ants, then you need your head examined. There are plenty of ants in the range, and they get big, so don't be afraid to go big.
8. Hot Spot Beetle (size 12-14) This pattern is one of my best flies for the Winds. It is buggy, and when it hits the water, the "plop" gets the attention of those pesky Cutts and Goldens. It floats low in the water and has probably brought more big Cutts and Goldens to hand than any single fly I have in my box.
9. Micro Chubby (Size 14-16) A work of art and a deadly pattern for chasing trout in the Wind River Range of Wyoming. Colors - I prefer pink, gold, and orange. For some reason, the Cutts prefer the brighter colors in my experience, but if you go after Goldens, go for a tan or light brown color. This fly floats like a cork and easily holds a small nymph below it if you have to go below the surface for action.
10. WROC Top Secret Midge There exists a midge in the Wind River Range that is unlike anything I have seen around Lander, WY (our home) and the rest of Wyoming. When all else fails, this is the pattern that saves the day. The pattern is small - size 18 to 22 and has a neon green body with a white wing over the back. Put a strand or two of crystal flash in the poly wing material and one to two wraps of a white or light dun hackle. Big Cutts and Goldens will cruise within feet of the bank on lakes, gulping this pattern down. It takes a long leader, patience, and precise casting with this pattern, but there are days when nothing, and I mean nothing other than dynamite, will work until you put this pattern on. It has saved me countless times, and I simply will not head into the Wind River Mountains without a supply of them.

Best Flies for Fly Fishing in Wyoming - 2022 0

Wyoming is home to 27,000 miles of rivers and streams, with over 4000 lakes and 14 reservoirs that house over 22 game fish species. With those attributes, it is no mystery why it is known far and wide as having some of the best fly fishing in the Lower 48. The opportunities are almost endless, and it would take someone a very long time to even put a dent in those fishing opportunities!

Many people ask what fly patterns they need to have in their fly box given those numbers. While it would seem that an angler would require thousands of patterns (and it doesn't hurt to have a lot), there are a baker's dozen that we recommend not leaving home without restocking your box. Each one is listed below:

Dry

1. Parachute Adams - a deadly pattern for mimicking the BWO or Trico hatches. Fish will eat this with little hesitation in most waters, and it has proven itself to be a "go-to" pattern for decades. Size 12 through 22 is suggested.
2. Yellow Stimulator - another oldie but goodie. I like the yellow version as this is the predominant color for the Golden Stone and a good number of the caddis species that frequent the waters of Wyoming. Fish it big and small but know that this pattern is a must. Sizes 6 through 18
3. Morrish Hopper - one of the best hopper patterns as it floats low on the water surface, yet it will never sink due to the foam construction. It can take a beating and actually get better after fooling a couple of fish. Never leave home without this pattern!
4. Fat Head Beatle - my secret weapon. This fly is responsible for more big fish than just about anything I have thrown. This is my go-to pattern when fish get spooky and selective in mid-summer through early fall—sizes 12 and 14. Trust me; you will need a good number of these!
5. Parachute Ant - from the valleys to mountain tops, Wyoming is home to many ants! If you don't have a supply of these parachute black patterns, you will miss out on some action. Sizes 10 through 18

Nymphs

1. Bead Head Pheasant Tail - Wyoming is home to a lot of BWO's and the BH Pheasant Tail is a great pattern for these either in the spring or fall. It can be tied/purchased with several different colors in the abdomen, but we prefer the all-natural and olive/brown colors. There is good reason this pattern has been around for so long. Sizes 12-20
2. Rubber legs - Big fish eat big food, and this one pattern fits the bill. Wyoming has a good population of stoneflies and crane flies. Fish this pattern deep and slow! This pattern might be responsible for your next 24" brown!
3. Hot Head Sowbug - Wyoming's tailwaters and high country lakes are loaded with freshwater shrimp and sowbugs. For years, we have slaid fish on a tan soft hackle sow bug with a bright orange head. When we fish the Big Horn or Platte River, this is our go-to pattern in almost every situation! Size 10-18
4. Zebra Midge (Black) - if you are fishing midges, then you need to have your head examined. Midges are the highest biomass of any insect group on any water, and having a good stock of black Zebra Midges will pay off handsomely for you. Sizes 12 through 22.

Streamers

1. BH Leech - another go-to fly for me in guiding and fishing independently. Leeches are common, and trout relish them everywhere around the State. Some of my biggest fish ever have come to hand with a small, bead-head leech in black/olive. Size 6-14.
2. Kreelex - this is a newcomer to this list, but for good reason because trout seemed obligated to hit this creature. I really like the copper, gold, and black combo. This pattern is durable and will handle fish after fish but remember, fish it on some stout tippet because Browns will hit this pattern with reckless abandon! Size 6-12
3. Micro Bugger - Another version of a leech or perhaps a damselfly. In any case, you need them because they work. I fish this pattern a lot on the Green River in SE Wyoming. I fish it deep, slow and dead drift it with no stripping action - just let the current do the work. There are a lot of crayfish there, and I think this is a good pattern for them. I fish this primarily in size 10 and 12 but have gone down to size 16 on them too! Colors range from black to purple and light tan.
4. BH JJ Special - deep from the archives with this one. Even better is this pattern sports the Wyoming Cowboy colors of brown and gold. This is my go-to fall streamer, and it seldom has a slow day. I have fished them big (size 4), and small (size 14), and they have all worked. Cast straight across, strip it, let it swing, and hold on! Damn...this just gave me goosebumps!

These patterns are tried and tested over the years and work in every water I have come across in the chase for trout. While having more patterns is never a bad thing, having these patterns in your box should make any angler confident that they can handle almost any situation they encounter. Best of luck and tight lines! WROC.

Wind River Tribal Fishing/Trespass Permit Information - 2022 0

Bull Lake Photo by Ron Hansen

For those adventurous souls that do not mind the bugs, the high elevation, or the effort to get there, the lands on the Wind River Tribal Reservation have long been known as some of the finest fishing, hiking, and camping anywhere in the Lower 48. Divinely placed in God's country, the location is nothing short of breathtaking. However, before loading your mode of transportation and driving to the trailhead, some crucial factors must be addressed, especially that of purchasing a Wind River Tribal Fishing Permit. There is a lot of general confusion surrounding these permits. This article is intended to keep you in the know and out of the courtroom! 

 The Wind River Outdoor Company crew has spent the last four decades all over the Wind River Mountain Range catching fish, chasing elk, and capturing the breathtaking scenery. We are passionate about providing thorough knowledge and insight, especially when it revolves around our shared love for the land and what it has to offer! This read will surely better guide the public concerning the sacred sections of the Wind River Mountain Range within the Wind River Tribal Reservation boundary. To begin, on tribal lands, anyone who is not an enrolled member of the Shoshone or Arapaho Tribes must possess a valid Wind River Tribal Fishing Permit. You read that correctly - even to be on tribal lands requires a tribal fishing permit, even if fishing is not a part of the plan. This tends to be where a lot of confusion takes root: what you are purchasing is actually a "trespassing" permit that allows you to fish. This is perhaps a head-scratcher for some, but please note that while located within US National Forest, these lands belong to the tribe and consequently require proper documentation to enjoy thoroughly. Continue reading for more on what these permits entail! 

 To continue forward, if you leave a Federal, State, County Road or Highway then proceed to travel within the Reservation's boundaries, you are required to have your Wind River Tribal Fishing Permit. For example, if you leave Lander and travel to Dickinson Park Trailhead in the Shoshone National Forest, one would travel through the Wind River Tribal Reservation and not be on a Federal, State, or County Road. Your destination is off the Reservation, but the only means of getting there are via reservation-owned land/roads. For this reason, a tribal fishing permit is needed (again, think of it as a trespass permit) to travel through the Reservation lands. Another way of thinking of it is like a road with toll fees that you are paying in advance, so you  don't have to stop and pay at a booth every time you enter and exit the toll road. Adding to this concept, if one is traveling in a vehicle with others in this situation, then everyone in the car, who is not an enrolled tribal member, would be required to have the permit as well. Every year, the number of people cited for this violation is more numerous than one would guess. That being said, riding without it is an expensive risk to take! We frequently have travelers who argue about this standard, and while we understand their frustrations, the law is simple. It states that everyone who is not an enrolled member of the tribes and who is 15+ years old must have a valid tribal permit on their person while traveling, fishing, recreating, camping, or any other activity on tribal lands. Something to also keep front of mind is hunting is not allowed on any tribal lands for non-enrolled tribal persons. 

Equally as important to discuss, there are multiple categories of licenses that can be purchased. First, the permit process begins with if the person is a resident of Wyoming or elsewhere. Residents of Wyoming do have the luxury of having a reduced fee to pay, although still not cheap! Secondly, there are many more permits to consider, such as single-day permits, 7-day permits, annual permits, senior citizen annual permits (ages 60 and over), annual youth permits (ages 14 and younger), and handicap annual permits. These categories apply to both resident and non-resident purchasers. To qualify as a resident, licensees must meet the following two benchmarks. 1.) The individual must have resided in Wyoming continuously for the previous twelve (12) months. 2.) The individual also must have a valid and legal residential address in the State of Wyoming. If those two benchmarks are not met, then the person must purchase a non-resident permit; by law, no negotiations! Another point to be aware of is that every permit purchaser must also attain a Tribal Recreation Stamp. Luckily, The Tribal Recreational Stamp is only an annual purchase regardless of which timeframe you decide to purchase for your associated permit. For your better reference, located just below is an informative chart disclosing the resident and non-resident license types and fees for 2022. Experience the Wind River Mountain Range fully, all while staying in the know!

Resident

Annual Permit $ 95.00

1-Day Permit $ 35.00

7-Day Permit $ 65.00

Senior Citizen Permit (annual)* $ 45.00

Youth Permit (annual)** $ 20.00

Handicap Permit (annual) $ 30.00

Recreational Stamp (required) $ 20.00

* ages 60 and over

** ages 15 thru 17 years

Non-Resident

Annual Permit $ 135.00

1-Day Permit $ 40.00

7-Day Permit $ 90.00

Senior Citizen Permit (annual)* $ 70.00

Youth Permit (annual)** $ 35.00

Handicap Permit (annual) $ 30.00

Recreational Stamp (required) $ 20.00

* ages 60 and over

** ages 15 thru 17 years 

Licenses can be purchased at Wind River Outdoor Company, at the One Stop Market in Lander, or at the Wind River Tribal Game and Fish in Fort Washakie. Please note licenses have to be picked up and signed for in-person, and for this reason, they cannot be purchased online. Licenses can be paid for by credit card at Wind River Outdoor Company but incur a 3% convenience fee. Licenses purchased at the One Stop Market must be paid for with cash. For store details on times of opening and closing, please visit the One Stop Market website at www.onestopmarkets.com

If additional information is needed, don't hesitate to contact Wind River Outdoor Company staff at 307.332.7864 during the hours of 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday or from 9 am to 4 pm on Sundays. Have a great trip in BIG Wonderful Wyoming!

Four (Often Overlooked) Health Benefits of Wild Game 0

Many of us crave the 4AM alarm clock during the fall and winter months, for we know that the day will be filled with adventure and a chance to put some meat in the freezer. We spend the year getting in shape, honing our shooting and stalking skills, and having every tool known to mankind. However, it could be argued that an even more visceral reason hit to the field is to fill that freezer with the highest quality protein sources available because, in the end, that is what the hunting season is all about - food. Below are 4 key reasons that wild game is healthier than our traditional protein sources: beef, chicken, and pork. Simply put, wild game should be on your menu if you're looking for a new level of healthy protein.

Leaner
Fat is vital for our bodies to function, and it should be noted that fat is not necessarily bad. However, too much fat in a conventional American diet can tip the scales to the unhealthy side. Wild game is naturally very lean due to the lifestyle they live. These animals don't live in a feedlot – they are out there surviving off what the land provides. A study conducted by Penn State shows a 3.5 ounce cut of beef has 2.7 grams of fat. Meanwhile, an identical amount of whitetail deer contains 1.4 grams. That is almost 50% less fat with just as much protein!

The Right Fat
As stated above, the human body needs fat to survive. However, the type of fat being consumed is a more significant factor than many Americans would assume. Specific fats are critical to developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The "good fats" are Omega 3 and Omega 6 type fats….in the proper ratio. Omega 6 fats are found in nuts and conventional grain-fed cattle, pork, and chicken. Omega 3 fats are found in wild fish and game, soybeans, and tofu. The problem is that the modern diet contains too much Omega 6 and not enough Omega 3 fats. Beef can have a ratio of 13 to 1 Omega 6 to Omega 3. Wild game meat has a much lower ratio – down around 3 to 1. Research shows that eating protein sources that balance this ratio lowers cholesterol and decreases cardiovascular disease and strokes. Don't get me wrong – I love a great Angus Rib Eye, but just consume in moderation and get as much wild game in your diet as possible to balance out the Omega 6/Omega 3 ratio.

Hormone Free
Wild game is just as the name states – wild. Conventional protein sources are frequently given hormones to increase growth and add weight beyond what can naturally occur. The hormones don't just magically leave the animal in a blink of an eye, and the question is – what does that do to us when we eat them? Many scoff at this notion, but it should be a discussion point for those who want or need to know their food.

Taste
The taste of wild game spans the palate. From the rich, robust, and deep flavor of a Canadian Goose breast to a mild cut of venison tenderloin, wild game has just about any taste someone is looking for…..or not looking for. Remember, how you treat the game in the field has a significant impact on the end result on the table so go to the field prepared to maximize the palatability of your harvest. Any harvest should be immediately cleaned thoroughly and cooled. People often roll their noses at Pronghorn Antelope, but this is one of the finest cuts of meat around…..when treated with care and respect from the time of the harvest to the table. Again, go prepared to quickly harvest, clean, and cool your game, and you will be shocked at the high-quality protein that you put on the menu for your friends, family, and guests!

Links:

Penn State Article: Fat and Cholesterol Content Of Wild Game

Supply Chain Woes are Here for the Foreseeable Future: Here's the Rundown! 0

Covid-19 has brought about some serious issues to our everyday lives – health concerns, shutdowns, labor, and supply chain horrors.  While some of these issues are getting better, supply chain woes continue to be an issue and will be for some time to come in the outdoor industry.

When Covid hit in 2020, the supply chain for outdoor recreational orientated products was in pretty good shape as inventory was available, prices were stable and the outlook was good.  Nobody could even imagine the storm that was brewing and headed our way as the Covid pandemic began to affect every aspect of our daily lives.  The outdoor industry saw increased participation as people were looking for activities that kept their minds at ease and lessened the chances of infection with Covid.  As a result, inventory was getting snatched up at record paces all over the Nation.

2021 saw the boom in outdoor recreation continue and quickly depleted fragile inventory stocks and with the labor issues, getting restocked was a problem.  The year was basically a mess from top to bottom and it seemed as though as one area was stabilized; other areas became a problem.  There was no question that vendors were having a hard time getting caught up but we could see that these issues were improving as we approached the 4th quarter.  Some areas never could get caught up and as a result, the prices of these items started to see a noticeable increase.  Ammunition, premium knives, and fishing-related gear fit squarely in this latter category. 

As we enter into 2022, we all know that prices are increasing at alarming rates.  On top of those, we are beginning to experience an entirely new set of problems – trucking.  Simply put, this year is setting up to be just as chaotic as 2021 but with much higher retail prices.  Trucking companies are short-staffed and demand for their services is at an all-time high.  As a result, freight rates are through the proverbial roof, and even worse, it is incredibly difficult for trucking companies to justify trips to Wyoming due to the lack of backhaul opportunities.  Production problems are persisting with vendors as well, so we fully expect more of the same even though everyone is working as hard as ever to “right the ship”.

Many are probably wondering, “when will this end, and what is the end effect going to be?”  To be quite frank, time will settle this out but it is going to take years.  Vendors are openly telling us that their supply chain issues will not be completely solved until a minimum of 2024 and that is as long as the world deals with the Covid epidemic in a way that opens production back up and that the labor participation rates reach pre-pandemic levels.  With that being said, here are the things that will continue to see chaotic activity in 2022 and beyond:

• Fly fishing patterns
• Fishing lures and terminal tackle
• Fishing rods – both conventional and fly fishing
• Footwear
• Ammunition
• Knives and multi-tools

The simple takeaway of this is to not wait if you can spare the expense for something that is in stock.  It is only a matter of time before your sought-after outdoor goods become even more expensive due to the slow supply and consequently high demand.  Also, be prepared to go to option B or C because option A may not be readily available.  Spend time in your local fly and outdoor shops to understand where their orders stand and get your name placed on the waiting list for specific products because the early bird will get the worm in this game.  Finally, everyone needs to just take a step back and realize that we are all in this together and we all want Covid behind us.  Nobody likes the stress and not knowing what tomorrow is going to bring, but only through a calm and collective approach will this series of unfortunate events get behind us.  Tight lines!

WROC Recipes: Bacon Wrapped Duck Breast with Mushroom Port Sauce 1

Wind River Outdoor Company is Wyoming's premier specialty outdoor store specializing in fly fishing, hunting, camping, and all things outdoors. Needless to say, we happen to get out in the outdoors a lot, and as we all love to cook (and eat), we thought it might be a good idea to share some of our best (top-secret) recipes for you to give a try the next time you head out and partake in the bounty of the great State of Wyoming and beyond.  

Waterfowl season is upon us here in Wyoming, and the bounty from the sky can make for some tasty eats if you treat them with some love and preparation ahead of time. This is Wind River Outdoor Company's first recipe, and we chose it over big game and upland birds, so you know it has to be good! I have to admit, though, that waterfowl can be pretty strong/gamey, and for this reason, you have to prep well in advance to minimize this fact. Serve this dish with a creamy mushroom risotto, and you will have a dish that will blow people away!

One of the keys to this dish is ensuring that the duck breasts are cleaned thoroughly and all blood, feathers, etc., are entirely removed. Try to use puddle ducks such as Mallard, Gadwall, or Teal as far as your ducks go. If you can get Pintail, then go for it, but those are pretty uncommon in Wyoming, so we generally cook this recipe using Mallards. Stay away from diver ducks as they are much too strong in flavor for this recipe, in my opinion. Next, brine the breasts in saltwater for 6-8 hours to help remove some of the gamey taste. After 8 hours, put the breast in the marinade and refrigerate overnight. This marinade will work for six breasts and is as follows:

2 cups orange juice

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons of red wine

2 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 heaping tablespoons of minced garlic

*note, you will have to heat the marinade to get the honey to incorporate fully. Make sure to chill the marinade before pouring over duck breasts and refrigerating.

Next, time to start the sauce as this takes some time. Take an entire bottle of ruby port (750ml) and pour it into a saucepan. Don't use the cheap stuff because it is too sweet and doesn't have the depth of flavor that good bottles have. I used Ficklin 10 year Tawny Port. Bring this liquid to a gentle boil and let it reduce to half of the original volume. This will take about 30 to 45 minutes (sometimes longer) so do this before cooking the duck. Additionally, DO NOT let it get too hot as it can burn and become worthless. In a separate skillet, put half a stick of butter into the pan. Slice up two containers of fresh mushrooms of your choice and brown them. Make sure to season to your liking. Remove from heat when mushrooms are browned and reduced to half their original size. Add them to the reduced port sauce when it becomes half the original volume. Next, add two tablespoons of garlic juice and stir to integrate it into the sauce. Finally, gently introduce a corn starch slurry (2 tablespoons of corn starch and one cup cold chicken broth that have been mixed very well) into the port sauce and stir until thickened. Once thickened, turn the heat off and place a lid on the saucepan.

Now for the main treat. First, get a heavy cast-iron skillet. You will need to cook 10 slices of bacon in the pan so that you can use the remnant bacon fat for cooking the duck. Don't worry - I am sure you can find a use for this bacon somewhere in your daily life! Mine did not make it ten minutes before we had devoured it.

 Next, take the boneless and skinless duck breasts, wrap them each in bacon, and include 3 to 4 asparagus spears while wrapping them up. Secure with toothpicks. Place in skillet and generously season with salt, pepper, and a dash of creole seasoning for a little zip. Turn the heat on the skillet to medium and cook the breast side of the wrapped duck breasts until they are brown, and then turn them to brown the other side. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. After the bacon-wrapped breasts are browned, place the skillet with the duck breasts in the oven to finish them out. Make sure the pan has a little bit of liquid in it before going into the oven. Cook about 5 to 7 minutes until duck breasts are just a bit more cooked than medium-rare.

The risotto is super good and extremely important in this dish. The earthiness pairs very well with the duck, and the creaminess is to die for. Take 1 ½ cups arborio rice and place them in a pot with olive oil. Once the rice begins to crackle, add one ladle of seasoned chicken stock at a time and begin to stir. When the liquid is absorbed, add another ladle of stock and continue for 15 minutes or so. When rice is full and done cooking, add a couple of pads of butter, a good pinch of pepper to taste, and some fresh parsley. Now, slowly stir in one cup of parmesan cheese and let the magic happen. That cheese will slowly melt and bring the rice together into a fantastic creamy dish. The parmesan cheese is slightly salty, so make sure you only salt the rice dish after putting the parm in; otherwise, you could make it too salty. I am drooling at this point as I could eat a wheel barrel full of this rice dish. It's SO good!

Place bacon-wrapped duck breast on a bed of the risotto and top with the mushroom port reduction sauce, and you will simply blow your family or friends away. The duck should be slightly more than medium rare - just be careful not to overcook the duck because when that happens, they become like a rubber tire and pretty unappetizing. Serve with a nice Pinot Noir wine from the One Stop Market, and you will look like an outdoor chef superstar! We paired it with Duck Pond Natural Path Pinot Noir - Oregon, and the combination was nothing short of a dream! Enjoy!