When two Southeast outdoorsmen head west in search of puddle ducks and honkers, you can bet they’re chasing more than just birds. They’re chasing space, solitude, and something that feels a little like magic. That’s exactly what Joe Baya and Butch Thierry found on their trip to Wyoming with 157 Outfitters—an waterfowl hunting outfitter that didn’t just meet expectations, but provided more than expected.
What started as a simple itch to hunt turned into an unforgettable adventure filled with greenheads dropping into decoys, giant Canada geese crashing into fields, and plenty of belly laughs shared over bowls of camp-cooked chili.
Why Wyoming?
For Joe, the draw was clear. “I don’t live in a major flyway,” he said. “So being able to hunt puddle ducks and geese—especially mallards—was a rare opportunity.” Plus, the chance to spend time out West? Irresistible. “Being west of the Mississippi feels like outer space to me. I just love it out there.”
Butch, on the other hand, was checking off a new state. “I’d never hunted in Wyoming before,” he said. “I knew there were ducks and geese, and we had some buddies recommend 157 Outfitters. That was all I needed.”
First Impressions: Beyond Expectations
The lodge, perched quite literally on the banks of the North Platte River, delivered immediate “wow” factor. “You walk out the back door and there it is—the Platte. Sunrise lighting up the river. That’s hard to beat,” Joe said.
Rustic but comfortable, the lodging struck a perfect balance. “It had everything you needed. Not too fancy, just easy,” Butch added. “You could cook your own food or run into town. It was low-stress.”
And forget freezing mornings wading through marshes. “When they said we didn’t need waders, I was in,” Joe laughed.
The Hunt: Easygoing, But Serious About Birds
Despite being their first (or one of the few) guided waterfowl hunts, both Joe and Butch immediately noticed the difference a top-tier outfitter makes.
From pit blinds—yes, heated—to the massive, well-planned decoy spreads, the guides at 157 were pros. But it wasn’t just the gear. It was the how.
“These guys could call like nobody’s business,” said Butch. “There were times when whole flocks would start to pass, and the guide would start working that call, and just turn the entire group right back to us.”
The guides also made sure clients understood what was going on—how decoys were set, where birds were coming from, and why the blind was positioned just so. “They weren’t just getting us on birds—they were teaching us the why behind it.”
The Birds: Big, Bold, and Plentiful
The variety of birds was a highlight. Joe shot his first Canada geese on this trip—both greaters and lessers. “It was like watching a wild turkey fly across the sky,” he joked. “When they hit the ground, you felt it.”
And the mallards? “Big, green-headed mallards dropping down the North Platte with tumbleweeds rolling by—it’s a scene I’ll never forget,” he said.
Some waterfowl hunts started slow, but that didn’t last. The 157 team scouted nonstop, sometimes relocating clients midday to ensure success. “They weren’t married to one field,” Joe said. “If the birds moved, we moved.”
Camp Life: Chili, Camaraderie, and the Bronco
Back at camp, the vibe was as good as the hunting. “We went with our brothers, and it gave us time to just hang out and reconnect,” Butch said. “We’d cook up a big pot of chili or steaks, and if we didn’t feel like cooking, we’d go into town to the Bronco—killer food.”
What stood out to both was the flexibility. You could keep it simple or opt for the chef-prepared experience. “Next time, we might splurge on the chef for a couple of nights,” Joe said.
The Scene: Big Sky, Endless Views
Southeast Wyoming surprised them both with its beauty. Rolling plains, distant peaks, and wide-open views gave the whole trip an almost surreal quality. “You can’t see the end of what you’re looking at,” Joe said. “It’s like being on the ocean—only dry and wild.”
Game was everywhere—mule deer, antelope, whitetail, and even elk. “If I did anything different next time,” Butch said, “I’d try to pair the waterfowl hunt with a big game tag. We had the time.”
One Shot, One Memory
Every trip has a moment that gets etched into memory. For Joe and Butch, one came during a massive goose volley.
“We pulled the doors back and just stood there stunned. There were so many birds, you didn’t even know where to shoot,” Joe said. “And somehow, nobody dropped a single one. We’re still blaming the shells.”
But there were hero shots, too—like when Peyton, down to his last shell, dropped a goose from at least 70 yards with a boss round. “That’s the one we all still talk about,” Butch said.
The Wrap: Would They Go Back?
In a word: absolutely.
“We’re already planning our next trip,” Joe said. “The hunting was awesome, but the ease of the experience—that’s what really set it apart. It’s something anyone can enjoy.”
Whether you’re planning a trip with buddies, your kids, or a multi-generational family getaway, 157 Outfitters hits the sweet spot between hardcore hunting and relaxing adventure.
“You’re not going to wear yourself out,” Butch said. “It’s a hunt for all ages and all skill levels. And if you want to add a little more, it’s all there.”
