At the Hideout we do not take our resources for granted, but try to work in conjunction with the natural resources that we have been given.

Rotational grazing
For years, we have practiced rotational grazing, which can be defined as the selective use of grazing to allow the diversity of grasses, plants and herbs the opportunity to flourish. Certain areas are grazed, (or not grazed), during various periods of the year in order to respect the flowering times of different plants as well as the needs of the birds and other animals that thrive on these plants.
By constantly rotating our cattle from area to area we do not overgraze our lands and this allows us to leave plenty of forage for wildlife. We invest heavily in our irrigation and make sure that our livestock are well supplied with water in the drier regions of our lands. The combination of access to water and rotational grazing has attracted an increasing amount of wildlife to the properties we manage.
Whether riding on the range or ranch property we encourage our guests to spread out across the land, instead of the traditional form of trail-riding, often referred to as “nose to tail.” Free-range riding is often not only more enjoyable for the guests, it also means less stress on the soil.

Low stress stockmanship
Our use of low stress stockmanship, results in healthier livestock. Less stress for the animals means that we have less need for drugs and medicines.
If you are interested in learning more about this, contact The Hideout for information about our guest training opportunities in Low Stress Stockmanship.

Protecting our streams
We are working with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to keep Trapper Creek pristine by fencing off sections from livestock and horses. Cows are especially notorious for “parking” themselves on the banks of rivers and streams, destroying trout habitat. David Flitner started this initiative, which includes fencing off 35 feet of Trapper Creek and our next step is to plant indigenous shrubs and trees along the creek. We also are working on selectively placing big boulders in the stream to create rapids and improve hatching areas in the creek.

Weeds and Russian Olive Project
Over the years, certain shrubs and plants, not indigenous to the area, have invaded, thus crowding out the native plants. The Russian Olive tree was introduced in this area over a generation ago, but has now become a pest and is listed as a weed. To be certified weed free, one needs to clear the Russian Olive and other species from one’s property. This winter we will start clearing our lands of these species, both below The Hideout as well as on some of the neighboring property.

Cardboard, tin cans & bottles
At both Trapper Creek Lodge and The Hideout we recycle our cardboard and aluminum cans and are exploring other recycling plans.

Fishing
We encourage those fishing on the property to use barbless hooks and we only allow for catch and release. We teach our guests the technique of releasing a fish in such a way that the fish can survive and continue to thrive.

Environmental cleaning products
We are constantly experimenting with new cleaning products that are both environmentally friendly and healthier for our staff to use.