Wyoming
Wyoming Loves The 6.5 Creedmoor, Even If It’s The Nickelback Of Rifle Cartridges
On social media shooting and hunting forums, it’s practically inevitable that a disparaging 6.5 Creedmoor meme is going to pop up and set the comments section on fire.
It’s like the 6.5 Creedmoor is the “Nickleback” of rifle cartridges.
Just like the Canadian rock band Nickleback, the Creedmoor has become the butt of jokes and seemingly endless dissing. And yet, just like the band has, the cartridge has been wildly successful, gaining legions of loyal fans.
Jason Crotteau of Pavillion has seen it firsthand. He runs Wyoming Tactical and has offered long-range rifle shooting courses for more than a decade.
“Somewhere between 60% and 80% of my students show up with 6.5 Creedmoors,” he told Cowboy State Daily.
Part Of A Trend
For decades, hunters and rifle match shooters relied on a relatively few standard cartridges. Most of them were developed in the early-mid 20th century and gained legendary status.
Heavy hitters such as the .30-06, .300 Winchester Magnum, .270 Winchester and .308 Winchester were widely used for big game. And lighter, zippier rounds such as Remmington’s .223 and .22-250 were regarded as near perfect for varmints and predators.
But right around the early 2000s, numerous new cartridges started to show up. The 6.5 Creedmoor among them, which caused some tension between old-school shooters and folks wanting to shoot with the latest and greatest.
Outdoorsman and gun rights advocate Mark Jones of Buffalo said he recalls the wave of fancy new cartridges shaking up the firearms world. And the 6.5 Creedmoor seemed to be the most popular.
“I have all these buddies who went out and bought one, and they described it like this ‘super-cartridge.’ Like, you could go out with it and do fabulous things,” Jones said. “It’s remarkable. It was like the new thing to do – to go out and find the new super-cartridge.”
There also was some serious brain power behind the 6.5 Creedmoor, Crotteau said.
“In the early to mid-2000s, Hornady (an American ammunition company) got really smart and hired an actual rocket scientist from NASA,” he said. “And then they hired somebody from Creedmoor sports.”
Hence, the Creedmoor moniker for the 6.5 cartridge they developed, and others in that line that followed.
Crotteau still likes old standby rounds like the .308, but he’s also started shooting Creedmoors, and said that it and many of the other newer cartridges continue to gain popularity.
It Has Its Advantages
Detractors argue that the 6.5 Creedmoor fires bullets too light to make it adequate for hunting, especially elk. Or that it’s just a fancy, show-off round that can’t really do anything on the range that older cartridges can’t.
Crotteau said he was skeptical of the Creedmoor at first. But has since learned to appreciate it.
“A friend of mine got one, and he was pushing me to get one,” he said. “I was still shooting my .308, and I was like, ‘Dude, I’m still hitting the same targets that you are. Why do I need to change?’
“One of the advantages I’ve seen with it, is that for reloading, you can use either large or small rifle primers,” and that can be handy when supplies are short, he said.
The 6.5 Creedmoor also shoots well, Crotteau said, adding that, “I think the 6.5 Creedmoor is what the .308 should have been.”
Creedmoor bullets tend to be lighter and longer than those fired from the .308. And “using that longer projectile does improve the ballistics,” Crotteau said.
He was impressed by the round’s flat trajectory.
“I was calling it the ‘6.5 Cheatmoor,’ because that flatter trajectory does make it easier to hit targets,” he said.
Meme It Up
Meanwhile, Creedmoor memes, often teasing the cartridge’s fans for supposedly being pretentious or even wimpy, continue to circulate.
Crotteau said he stays out of the seemingly endless arguments over the 6.5 Creedmoor, but admits that the humor can be clever.
“I never really understood where the hate for the Creedmoor came from, but the memes are fun to watch,” he said.
One criticism is that the round doesn’t have enough punch to cleanly kill big game, particularly elk.
Jones said that humane big game kills boil down to good shot placement. And in the right hands, the 6.5 Creedmoor seems to do just fine.
“I know many people who successfully hunt elk with it,” he said.
However, he’s opted to stick with the old-school approach.
“I still hunt with the .30-06 my dad gave to me when I was a kid,” he said.
Avid hunter Tessa Fowler of Cody is even more old school. She hunts everything with a lever-action rifle chambered in .45-70, a cartridge with roots dating back to the 1870s.
She told Cowboy State Daily that she sometimes joins in the meme wars just for fun.
“I have no clue about the (6.5 Creedmoor) caliber. I don’t know anything about modern firearms,” she said. “I’m a lever action, iron sights old-school girl. I just post the memes ’cause they are funny and people get all butthurt.”
Practice, Practice, Practice
Crotteau agreed with Jones that when it comes to hunting, patience and ethical shot placement are more important than cartridge specifics.
He considers the 6.5 Creedmoor to be a viable hunting round for those who shoot carefully.
And when it comes to scoring high in target shooting matches, it’s best for shooters to find the rifle and cartridge combination that suits them best, he said; one that they’re comfortable with and can shoot well with.
Then it’s a matter of learning the skills and practicing, instead of making excuses, Crotteau said.
“You’ll see these people who can’t shit in a bathtub, and they try to blame the gear,” he said. “Good gear can make a difference. But at the end of the day, it’s still the nut behind the (rifle) butt that has to do the job.”
Mark Heinz can be reached at mark@cowboystatedaily.com.
The 2026 Wyoming prep girls’ basketball season is nearly done. Two state champions were crowned in Classes 1A and 2A last Saturday. Southeast won the 1A title for the third consecutive season, and Sundance won the 2A title for the first time in eight years. Class 3A and 4A held their regional tournaments, which qualified teams for the state tournament later this week in Casper.
WYOPREPS WEEK 12 GIRLS BASKETBALL STANDINGS 2026
These are the girls’ basketball team records for all games played through March 7, 2026. For all but 16 teams, this is the final record of the season. Those squads will play in the 3A-4A state tournament starting on Thursday in Casper.
1A Northwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Burlington 24-5, 8-0
Riverside 14-10, 6-2
Dubois 11-10, 4-4
St. Stephens 3-16, 1-7
Meeteetse 1-20, 1-7
1A Southwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Cokeville 23-4, 10-0
Little Snake River 23-4, 8-2
Farson-Eden 16-12, 5-5
Saratoga 13-11, 5-5
Ft. Washakie 8-13, 2-8
Encampment 3-19, 0-10
1A Northeast: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Upton 16-7, 10-0
Kaycee 13-12, 7-3
Hulett 12-13, 7-3
Arvada-Clearmont 9-12, 4-6
Casper Christian 4-13, 2-8
Midwest 1-16, 0-10
1A Southeast: (Overall Record, followed by Reg. Season Points)
Southeast 24-5, 40 points
Lingle-Ft. Laramie 17-11, 31 points
Lusk 15-13, 26 points
H.E.M. 13-11, 24 points
Rock River 6-14, 12 points
Guernsey-Sunrise 2-18, 4 points
2A Northwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Thermopolis 16-13, 5-1
Greybull 16-15, 4-2
Rocky Mountain 9-17, 2-4
Shoshoni 11-18, 1-5
2A Southwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Wyoming Indian 23-7, 6-0
Big Piney 8-16, 4-2
Kemmerer 2-21, 1-5
Wind River 2-23, 1-5
2A East: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Sundance 23-4, 5-0
Big Horn 21-6, 4-1
Tongue River 18-11, 3-2
Pine Bluffs 17-12, 2-3
Moorcroft 7-18, 1-4
Wright 3-23, 0-5
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3A West: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Cody 24-0, 10-0
Lander 21-4, 9-1
Pinedale 20-5, 7-3
Powell 16-9, 6-4
Lovell 16-10, 4-6
Worland 9-16, 2-8
Lyman 10-11, 2-8
Mountain View 4-19, 0-10
3A East: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Wheatland 22-4, 10-0
Buffalo 13-11, 8-2
Douglas 14-11, 6-4
Burns 16-13, 5-5
Torrington 10-11, 5-5
Glenrock 12-13, 3-7
Newcastle 1-22, 1-9
Rawlins 2-21, 0-10
4A Northwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Green River 23-2, 6-0
Natrona County 9-16, 4-2
Kelly Walsh 8-15, 2-4
Rock Springs 5-20, 0-6
4A Southwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Star Valley 16-7, 5-1
Evanston 16-10, 5-1
Riverton 7-19, 1-5
Jackson 3-19, 1-5
4A East: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Cheyenne East 21-3, 11-1
Cheyenne Central 16-9, 10-2
Sheridan 14-10, 7-5
Thunder Basin 14-10, 6-6
Laramie 12-11, 6-6
Campbell County 1-19, 1-10
Cheyenne South 1-21, 0-11
*The second Campbell County-Cheyenne South girls’ game was canceled.
Wyoming 3A Boys Swimming & Diving State Championships 2026
Photos from the 3A Boys State Swim Meet
Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Marcello Monterastelli Photography & Jared Newland, WHSAA
A pristine trail town tucked into the breathtaking beauty of western Wyoming, Dubois puts the ‘wild’ in the Wild West. Just 55 miles from Yellowstone National Park and located in the Wind River, Owl Creek, and Absaroka mountain ranges, the town is a welcoming alpine community with stunning views from every street. From enjoying the fresh powder on the winter slopes to hiking, biking, or riding through the wildflower-covered peaks in the summer, Dubois is a year-round destination that offers adventure in every season. In addition to its serene location, Dubois is a vibrant town with lots on the menu from fine dining to lively western-style saloons.
The History of Dubois
The Wind River Valley remained sparsely populated until the late 1800s, when pioneering homesteaders established the first settlements, initiating a small yet lively community. While fur traders, explorers, and some Native American tribes were familiar with the area, it was the arrival of homesteaders that helped shape its identity. This led to the emergence of a town, supported by the expansion of cattle and sheep ranching.
Dubois was officially incorporated in 1914 and grew over the years, benefiting from its logging, farming, and tourism sectors. Today, with a population of 778 as of the 2022 census, Dubois remains true to its Western heritage, offering visitors an authentic cowboy experience.
Things to Do in Dubois
Get that cowboy experience at one of the oldest guest ranches in the country, the CM Ranch which opened in 1927. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced rider, or never been on a horse, the experienced staff at this busy dude ranch will show you the ropes. Guests can choose their own adventure, from riding trails through desert badlands and mountain highlands to fly fishing in the backcountry.
Dubois is located in mountain country, possibly the only place where you can observe three distinct types of mountains: those formed by glaciers, volcano-created peaks, and ranges caused by shifting underground plates. It is a haven and playground for nature lovers. If you prefer walking over riding, numerous local guides are available to help you explore the trails and enjoy the best vistas. For those who prefer to go alone, the Bonneville Pass Trail offers a scenic climb through valley meadows, while the Five Pockets Trail provides spectacular views of Horse Creek with the Absaroka Mountains as a backdrop.
Look out for ancient carvings while you are exploring; Wyoming is home to stunning examples of rock art. In the Wind River Range, you will find the Torrey Lake Petroglyph District, which includes around 175 well-preserved petroglyphs. For more information on where to see the best pictograms or find accessible trails, speak to the staff at the Dubois Museum. This specialty museum traces the geology of the area, its early inhabitants, and its history of homesteading. They also offer custom guided tours of petroglyphs, native sheep trap and buffalo drive sites, and more.
Dubois is a favorite spot for anglers, featuring pristine lakes, streams, and rivers teeming with fish like rainbow trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout. Try casting your line at Torrey Creek. The waters aren’t just for fishing; you can also enjoy kayaking or canoeing, or relax with a float trip guided by Wind River Float Trips.
In winter, the country is even more beautiful, and there are still lots of ways to enjoy it. Go ice-fishing, take a dog-sled ride through the snowy wonderland, or try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Downtown Dubois
Many Wild West legends have strolled through Dubois, including the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy. While things may have changed over time, the town still radiates quirky character and Western charm. After a day outdoors, grab a bite at the Rustic Pine Tavern, open since 1919, or visit the Outlaw Bar and Saloon. Once called the Branding Iron Inn, the Outlaw Bar has remained a beloved Dubois gathering spot for generations.
In the summer months, the town hosts the Dubois Friday Night Rodeo, which runs through June, July, and August. The family-friendly event features Mutton Bustin, Calf Riding, Mini Bull Riding, Pee Wee Barrel Racing, and more.
What Makes Dubois Different
Dubois remains a timeless town nestled amid Wyoming’s towering mountain ranges. This cowboy haven has preserved its natural beauty and charm for centuries, attracting explorers, pioneers, hunters, and adventurers. Visitors can saddle up at a dude ranch, scale mountain peaks, fish or float on glacial rivers, and unwind at the local rodeo—offering an ideal setting for unforgettable experiences and a break from everyday life.
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — Western Wyoming Community College placed second at the NJCAA Wrestling Championships on Saturday, finishing with 188 team points and producing nine All-Americans, including four national runners-up. Their 188 points are the second-most all-time.
Indian Hills repeated as national champion with 201.5 points, the most points of all time, while Iowa Central finished third with 145.5. Western improved on last year’s third-place finish while sending four wrestlers to the championship round, the most runner-up finishes at the tournament, though the Mustangs were unable to secure an individual national title.
Zach Marrero reached the championship match at 133 pounds after earning a 4-2 decision in the semifinals. In the final, Marrero faced Indian Hills’ Olli Webb. The two were tied 1-1 after three periods before Webb secured a sudden-victory takedown to win 4-1.
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At 165 pounds, Banks Norby advanced to the finals with an 8-7 semifinal decision over Tom Stoll of Northeastern Junior College. Norby then faced Henry Dillingham of Clackamas in the championship match. Dillingham scored seven points in the third period to pull away, and Norby was unable to record a takedown as he finished second.
Banks Love also reached the championship bout at 184 pounds. Love snuck past Asadbek Fayzullaev of Northwest 10-9 in the semifinals. In the final, he fell to Jarrel Miller of Iowa Central 16-9. Love scored seven points in the final period, but Miller also scored nine in the period to secure the win.
At 197 pounds, Trevyn Gates reached the finals after pinning Samuel Montoya of Southeast Nebraska in the semifinals. Gates’ run ended in the championship match when he was pinned in 2:03, giving him a runner-up finish.
Western also had two wrestlers earn third-place finishes.
At 125 pounds, Stockton Allen dropped his semifinal match by technical fall but responded in the consolation bracket. Allen secured third place with a fall in 1:27 over Truth Vesey of Harper.
Green River’s Tommy Dalton also placed third at 149 pounds. Dalton lost in the semifinals by fall in 4:22 but rebounded with a 17-6 major decision to reach the third-place match. He then defeated Ayson Rice of Southeast Nebraska 9-3 to earn the bronze.
Francisco Ayala finished fifth at 174 pounds. After dropping into the consolation bracket, Ayala won two of his three matches to reach the fifth-place bout, where he defeated Iowa Western’s Matteo Nikolov 4-2. Trailing 1-0 entering the final period, Ayala secured a takedown with 12 seconds remaining to claim the win.
Dmitri Alarcon placed sixth at 141 pounds. Alarcon lost in the semifinals by fall before dropping a 20-9 decision in the consolation bracket. In the fifth-place match, he led 5-2 after the opening period but gave up a four-point nearfall in the second and fell 6-5.
At 157 pounds, Hixon Canto finished seventh. After advancing through the consolation bracket Friday, Canto lost a 6-4 decision Saturday before taking seventh place by medical forfeit.
Heavyweight Kort Wilkinson saw his tournament end a day earlier. Wilkinson was one point away from the quarterfinals before falling to Cito Tuttle of Rochester 3-2 in double overtime. He won two matches in the consolation bracket before losing a 5-0 decision to Naasir Edmonds, ending his season on the opening day of the tournament.
Western Wyoming’s second-place finish marks an improvement from its third-place result at the 2025 NJCAA Wrestling Championships and caps a season that also included the program’s ninth straight Region 9/Plains District title.
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