Antler Motel, in Greybull…the Hunter’s Choice for Area Accommodations!
Out-of-state hunters travel hundreds if not thousands of miles to fill
their Wyoming hunting tags. They have dreamed and schemed, scrimped
and saved, scheduled, and planned to make it happen. And rightly so;
Wyoming boasts fantastic hunting possibilities, not to mention the
added bonus of spectacular scenery at every turn!
Area merchants make a special effort to help the annual flow of
camouflage-and-ammo-toting visitors feel right at home in the north
central Basin area. Welcome signs decorate restaurant windows, clothing
and sports stores display an assortment of warm and practical hunting
apparel and camping gear, and area folks are downright friendly.
At Greybull’s Antler Motel, hunters aren’t merely welcomed - they are
embraced! Motel proprietor Matt Schafer and wife, Sharon, see to that.
Besides special rates, hunters enjoy a slew of other gratuities. For
instance, the casual (come as you are, whenever you want( atmosphere
of the backroom ‘hunter(s hangout,’ where smoking and muddy boots are
always allowed.
Whether you want to kick back and watch your favorite program on the
large 52-inch flat-screened television, enjoy cool refreshments and
snacks, play a friendly game of cards, or make new friends and share
hunting stories with other motel patrons any time of the day or night -
the door is always open.
A huge high-hanging log in the parking lot complete with necessary
hardware is available for hunters to hang their game. A large heated
room with banquet-sized tables and counters provide a convenient area
to dress and cut game for the freezer. Even freezer space is made
available.
Each motel room is outfitted with microwave ovens and small
refrigerators, as well as coffee makers. Twin beds and elevated air
beds are also available for groups that room together. Even repair
tools are kept on hand in a back room for hunters in need.
While Schafer admits hunting season is good for his business, he is
quick to add that monetary gain is far from his main purpose for the
many accommodations he makes for hunters - everything it seems short
of shining their boots.
"Hunters are a bonus to our tourist season," admits Schafer, "but that's
not why we work so hard to please them. I enjoy the guys a lot…they are
really fun to be around."
The hunters must feel the same way about the Schafers. Many who stay at
the Antler return for next season’s hunting adventure, and bring their
buddies along with them.
Schafer was unable to offer much in the way of advice to hunters who were
unfamiliar with the area the first year he was in business, because he
himself was new. Since then he has learned where the good hunting spots
are.
One area, Horse Creek Mesa, boasts good elk possibilities and big deer.
Schafer prefers using a 30.06 for its versatility and because it is
the best all around firearm for his purposes. He plans to bag game of his own
this hunting season.
© Lori S. Anton
