Fall 2010 Plans : Any suggestions?

[Stuart C.]

Hi guys (and gals),

I have a question and I'll bet you can help me.

I must be getting cranky in my old age, but New England is getting too crowded and cold for me.

I've really been hankering to do a whitetail trip to another state for a few years now. A state that has plenty of space, .....and deer.

I'd like to find a lodge/outfitter for this fall. Something that's just right; not too big of an operation, kinda family oriented, family run, not fancy or overpriced, a REAL hunt with real good chances of seeing game.

I was thinking along the lines of Tn, Ky, Tx, Kansas but I want to throw the question out to you folks.

Where would you go? What places would you recommend? I know this is a broad question but I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks in advance!

[BRL]

I would seriously consider the Southeast. Mainly Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina for 3 reasons.

1. Plenty of deer
2. Ability to take a doe also
3. Very reasonable prices

You wont see the quality of deer you might see in states famous for their racks, but you'll see a lot of deer. Here are a few that I'm talking to for this fall as well.

http://www.masterracklodge.com/

http://gopherplantation.com/

http://blackriverplantationsc.com/

http://greatsouthernoutdoors.com/

You can do a search on the internet or other "hunting" websites for each state and come up with several. Then just call them and ask questions. You'll get a feel for a couple. Then research them a little deeper.

Good luck

[Land_Owner]

I can vouch for SC.  I have hunted there for 16 straight seasons. 

You may find "big racks" and you may not.  You will find generous and ample doe days and the ability to purchase up to four additional doe tags for $5.00 each (in two-tag $10.00 increnments), usable on every non-doe day. 

The SC cost of a Non-Resident Hunting license (to take small game) is $40.00 for three days, $75.00 for ten days, or $125.00 annually.  The cost for a Non-Resident Big Game License (to take deer) is $100.00.  The cost for a WMA license is $76.00.  For licensing only in SC it could cost you as little as $140.00 (three days without does tags on Private land) or as much as $321.00 (annual, with 4 does tags on WMA land).

Here is last year's License Renewal Form http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/pdf/NonResidentLicenseRenew.pdf .  Costs this year should be similar.

I am a meat hunter and prefer QUANTITY over antlers.  I have killed as few as ZERO and as many as eight in ten days.  My "off the top of my head" average is four annually.

[jpred1]

Wherever you decide, just gather as much info about the area as you can. I hunt in Bama mostly, but learned a lot from SC and eastern Ga about knats that will eat your ass off.Bama has knats but they dont bite!!! If early in season we have mosquitos that do bite and irritate the heck out ya.I know youll probably be going late fall but it doesnt take but a few warm days and the bugs will come out. Lots of deer in most Southeast states.How long of a hunt are you interested in? Days,week, or longer? I mean there are private clubs @ for $500-1000 a year. Thats a real hunt where you do it all yourself.

[RWK]

NO NO! to many big nasty snakes.

[SHOOTALL]

Check out Va.
Check the hunts offered thru. the game dept. also .

[dukkillr]

I'd go somewhere with good bucks and fewer hunters/acre than most of the states mentioned.  My list would be:
1) Kansas
2) Illinois
3) South Dakota
4) Iowa
5) Kentucky

Northern Missouri, Nebraska, and parts of Northern Oklahoma would make the grade as well.  If you are serious about a good buck and thousands of acres I could give you the name of someone I would trust in central Kansas.  A few years ago I saw the biggest buck of my life on his ground while pheasant hunting... and I've seen some big deer in my life   PM me if you want details.

[Big Nasty]

If you are interested I can save you a ton of money, and you can go with me. I live in the great state of KS. I also have a 16 pointer from 2008-09 season on the wall, scored 187. I am in SE Kansas, and man oh man do I have the deer. As for me I dislike outfitters very much and I am really trying to be nice and that is being very nice for me. Around here the outfitters are making it very hard to hunt since they are leasing up everything, but luckily I have a farmer who will not even talk to them. He believes that hunting is gods sport not a money sport, and has made me an exclusive to the ground.

[BRL]

Wow, Big Nasty. That is a great deal you have there. You are one of the lucky few. Good luck this season!

[Ranger J]

There are no deer in the great and sovereign  state of Missouri, even the Northern part!

RJ

[Stuart C.]

BN,
That is a most generous and kind offer.  A hearty and sincere thank you to you.  If I get out there I'll let you know!
S.