Looking for recommendations: My buddy and I are booking a 40th birthday bowhunt for next fall (2010). We have examined Tara and it looks good but maybe not great according to intensive research on a variety of forums. Send me your recommendation for a whitetail outfitter who will not disappoint. We would select a higher probability of killing a good buck (120"+) vice a lower probability chance at a monster. Accommodations are not a big factor for us. This is a big deal/decision for us so I want to make an informed decision. Positive or negative feedback is appreciated. PM or email if necessary.
Any budget considerations? Also, how concerned are you with accomodations (lodging, food, etc.)? Are you looking for a do-it-yourself type hunt, or a hunt that's fully guided from start to finish? Or maybe something in between?
$4K max - less would be better. Not too concerned with accomodations. Something in-netween would be good. Must have lots of favorable references.
Well, if you're looking for your best chance (statistically) at a 120"+ deer your best bet is going to be somewhere in the Midwest. However, keep in mind that most outfitters (especially the good ones) have antler restrictions of at least 130", some 140". So if a 120" deer walks by and you want to shoot it, you may be better off on a D-I-Y hunt on public ground somewhere. Speaking from my own personal experience I have only hunted with two outfitters, both here in IL, and both whom I would highly recommend. Craig Neace at BowhuntingWhitetails.com offers some great self-guided (DIY) and semi-guided hunts that are well within your price range. The cool thing about Craig's DIY style hunts is that you're pretty much in charge of your own destiny. He will put you on a property that will give you a legit chance at a nice buck, but the rest is up to you. I personally get more satisfaction out of this type of hunt. The 2nd outfitter I've hunted with twice now is Campbell Illinois Whitetails (host of the Campbell Outdoor Challenge). Acre for acre I believe these guys have some of the very best ground in the entire state. They are located in SE IL which gets nowhere NEAR the pressure West Central IL gets and produces bucks every bit as big. Their hunts are a little bit more expensive but you get a full ride. Accomodations are great, food is wonderful, and the guides will help you track, drag, and dress your animal once you shoot it. Much like a DIY and unlike most fully guided outfitters they allow you to bring your own stands and move around as you see fit, which is another perk. Outside of IL you've got a few other good options like Missouri, Wisconsin, and Ohio. All three states offer over-the-counter tags for non-residents unlike Iowa where you have to apply for 2-3 years before you'll get an archery tag. Wisconsin doesn't have too many outfitters in most of the state, but there is definitely some BIG deer up in Buffalo County. And of course OH is producing some monster deer the past few seasons, so that's always an option too.
Being from MS, I would not recommend Tara. Sure, they kill a ton of P&Y deer, but they run hordes of hunters through there and the majority do not kill. Its still a great hunt if you can get in in December or early January. I most definitely would be looking the Mid-West.
The Grigsby near Ashland, Il. Now that the family has taken it back and they're running things it will be phenominal and it's within your budget. Dan
Bingo. Bluff Buck Outfitters in Buffalo Co Wi would be a great place to check out. Butch Fox not only knows his deer, but he's a hell of a great guy. I know a number of people who have hunted with him and have nothing but great things to say about his properties, set ups and accommodations. Good friends Brandon Wikman from Bas Pro's Next Generation and Nicole Jones from Driven TV hunt with him as well. I would definately give Butch a look..... http://www.bluffbucks.net/
Very true, but I believe their prices are a bit above his 4K requirment. However, if cost wasn't an object that would probably by my first pick. 13,000 contiguous acres.......drool. EDIT: A one week hunt is exactly 4K. Definitely want to consider these guys - www.grigsbyoutdoors.com
I haven't seen the property yet, but I've got a friend from my church who's going into outfitting this year... Real reasonable prices, and his land is in a very good area -- not too far from where I hunt (my biggest is 167 1/8, and I've held the rack of a 190+ that came from the area). I'm going to help him hang stands in about a month, and I'll be hunting it the first couple days of the season so I can speak with more authority about it. Here's a link to his website... I jumped you right to the "bowhunt Illinois" section... http://huntcrystalcreek.com/cgi-bin/p/awtp-custom.cgi?d=crystal-creek-outfitters&page=5682
http://mndeerhunt.com/details.php Quite an outfit that this guy runs and he does have some huge deer on his property. I have never personally hunted here but have heard good things. He may be pushing your money mark though.
I have never hunted any of these links shown, but I had good recommendations. I believe I will hunt with the Ohio outfitter this Jan. Something a little easier to drive to from NH, so we can bring the meat home... 2007 was my 40th b-day and my wife sent me to Texas, it was great! However, I was shooting deer, not hunting and more inclined to do a DIY, next time, with an outfitter to gain personal satisfaction. Three of us scored great bucks and saw a lot of bucks. I also helped with the "state" Doe tags (8 Doe's) to thin out the heard and also got 2 coyote and 4 Turkey's. Like I mentioned... I was shooting not hunting. OHIO - http://www.bowoutfitters.com/ WI - http://www.huntbuffalocounty.com/ MO - http://www.riverridgeoutfitters.com/
