Bowsite.com

Hunter Comments

As the Bowhunter TV cameraman and I entered camp we noticed the outfitter was just setting up the tree stand we sent them a month earlier. Then we learned the 16 other bowhunters would be hunting the prime area (4,000 acres) while the cameraman and I would we hunting 25 acres his alcoholic, buddy owned. Evidently, he booked another hunter and stuck us with his friend.

Besides our one stand they had another stand in the area, but it was located at an area where any deer would be on top of us before any shot opportunity...thus, it was useless. We then learned about a ground blind, but they took it and set it up for another hunter the day we intended to use it.

Althought the facilioties were nice, I'm sure the 26 firearms hunters that followed us are taking alot of the 2 1/2-year old bucks and gladly paying the $500 fine. Supposively, they have a 130" antler minimum or 3 1/2-year old requirement. But, I know they have no idea on how to correctly age a deer (teeth wear and eruption).

Although I'm sure the area has some quality deer, the five antlerless deer and two, small 8-points we saw during the week's rut hunt was a total waste of our time.

As you can imagine, after waiting all year for the rut, this hunt was a great disappointment.

If you're into drinking and having a good time at camp this maybe the hunt for you. We learned another hunter actually left camp because of the excessive drinking. Although I have nothing against drinking, I can definately relate with this hunter. After our first day, our guide picked us up with a beer in his hand!

Needless to say, we weren’t too happy. Although their web page has some very nice comments, I'd highly suggest calling all their unsuccessful hunters and find out for yourself… you just can’t make this up. Without a doubt, the worst hunt of my hunting career.

C.J. Winand, Wildlife Biologist Bowhunter Magazine/TV

Was the outfitter notified of problems? - NO

Outfitter's Response

First of all, let me remind you. We talked three times, in which I told you, we are usually full during prime bow and rifle, We don't normally allow film hunters to hunt at no charge. You were persistent and said you would stay any where even in a motel. And you would take care of your own food and transportation. I reluctantly agreed to let you come with a cameraman and stay with my so called "alcoholic buddies" camp. I told you then there would only be 25 acres for you to hunt. Where we had two hunting locations set up,in which we have harvested several huge bucks! The stands we put up when you arrived were for your cameraman. And No I Do Not cater to nonpaying film hunters! I take care of my paying clients! I would be happy to give their names and numbers, successful and unsuccessful, as references, to anyone that contacts me at Hickory Hill Hunts! Yes we harvested several great bucks the next week of rifle season, 170's, 150's, 140's, and two just under 130. None were younger then three and a half years old! We are not about drinking, We are about Hunting! We are Christians, and very proud of it! It was very unfair of you not to confront me with your complaints. You my be a biologist, But your "NO HUNTER" !! To all you Outfitters out there I highly recommend not allowing this biologist to hunt with you! Sincerely Brad C Wittstock / Hickory Hill Hunts