2025 Outfitter of the Year: Bill Wilson, Knight Canyon Outfitters
The Colorado Outfitters Association (COA) is proud to recognize Bill Wilson, owner and operator of Knight Canyon Outfitters, as our 2025 Outfitter of the Year. This award represents more than professional success, it honors a lifetime of dedication to Colorado’s land, wildlife, traditions, and the ethical standards that define the outfitting profession.
A Life Rooted in the Outdoors
Bill Wilson’s journey into outfitting began long before permits, pack strings, or guided hunts. In 1977, he moved from Ohio to Colorado with little more than determination and a passion for the outdoors. Living in a cabin on Lone Cone Mountain and trapping beaver and small game to make ends meet, Bill fell in love with the rugged landscape and the demanding lifestyle it required.
He eventually settled in Norwood, Colorado, where he and his wife Kathleen raised their sons, Wade, Nathan, and Zane, instilling in them a strong work ethic, self-reliance, and a deep respect for wildlife. From an early age, the Wilson boys learned the art of trapping and preparing high-quality fur, selling it each spring and gaining firsthand experience in earning a living from the natural world.
Building Knight Canyon Outfitters
As big game opportunities expanded in the mid-1990s, Bill transitioned into guiding, gaining valuable experience alongside respected mentors before launching Knight Canyon Outfitters in 2003. What began as a small operation offering big game hunts on private land and Bureau of Land Management acreage has grown into one of Colorado’s most respected outfitting businesses.
Today, Knight Canyon Outfitters operates across Forest Service permits in Southwest Colorado, BLM lands reaching the Utah state line, and select private properties, including designated Wilderness and National Forest areas. The operation offers guided hunts for deer, elk, bear, mountain lion, and desert bighorn sheep, along with big game packing and drop-camp services.
Craft, Tradition & Unforgettable Experiences
A skilled horseman, houndsman, trapper, and hunter, Bill takes pride in preserving the traditions of the outfitting way of life. His guiding philosophy is simple yet powerful: every hunt should become a lifelong memory. Clients don’t just experience Colorado’s backcountry, they experience it through the hands of someone who has lived, worked, and stewarded the land for decades.
A Leader Within COA
Beyond his business, Bill is a deeply committed member of the Colorado Outfitters Association. He has volunteered extensively over the years, serving on committees and dedicating countless hours to educating the public and policymakers about the importance of science-based wildlife management. From county commissioner meetings to testimony at the state capitol, Bill consistently shows up to protect the outdoor heritage he loves.
His commitment reflects the very heart of COA’s mission: protecting, maintaining, and enhancing opportunities to hunt, fish, and experience Colorado’s remarkable outdoors—now and for future generations.
Honoring Excellence in Our Membership
The Outfitter of the Year Award is a source of immense pride for COA because it represents the caliber of professionals within our membership. Bill Wilson exemplifies the values, integrity, stewardship, and leadership that define Colorado’s outfitting community.
We are honored to recognize Bill Wilson and Knight Canyon Outfitters as the 2025 Outfitter of the Year, and we are equally proud of the outstanding outfitters who make up the Colorado Outfitters Association, professionals who continue to protect Colorado’s outdoor heritage while creating unforgettable experiences for those they guide.
