This was a rut whitetail hunt in Kentucky. As nature sometimes does, the big buck rut hadn't yet started. We were a week or so early, which is definitely not the outfitter's fault. Also, the 5 day hunt was impacted by essentially 1 1/2 of weather issues - 1 half day with extreme winds and 2 half days with rain. I saw a lot of deer generally, but none that I could shoot. The stands were somewhat noisy (not a good thing in an archery hunt) and often times did not have a seat cushion. That's not a problem, especially when the website tells you to bring a seat cushion, but it would help to know going to the stand whether it was necessary to carry that out there too. The most disappointing thing is not seeing a shootable deer within range. When the rut is not on, bucks are somewhat more predictable that allows better placement in stands. One of the guides - Kyle - went out of his way for several hunters to try to get them into position, but it was too little, too late. In truth, the hunt, as a whole, was fine. Not exceptional but not definitely not the worst I've been on. It was satisfactory, but I am loathe to rate it that way, because it makes it seem worse than it really was. I probably wouldn't hunt there again, mainly because there are closer places that I've been more successful on a consistent basis. However, there were hunters in camp that think this is the greatest place to hunt in North America and I don't begrudge them that opinion at all. Mark Clifford and his staff are great folks.
I’m confused about this review and not quite sure how to respond to it but I will say a few things. I agree with several things but confused on others.
First off I want to thank you for hunting with us and it was a pleasure spending time with you. You are a very nice man.
When hunting free range Whitetails we all know it is a game of feet and sometimes inches to make the shot. Especially when you hunt mature Whitetails. Unfortunately the target bucks on that stand did not close the distance. I sure wish we could control that. With that being said Kyle gave it 200% to get you on them moving you three times after glassing and pinpointing several different shooters. You were a persistent hunter and put your time in the stand and I applaud you for that. I am a little puzzled about the seat issue as the ladder stands had cushions I think the one you are speaking of doesn’t have cushions it has a mesh seat. Unfortunately some ladder stands do make some minor noise from time to time but neither I or Kyle were aware of an issue of spooking any deer. If so I sure am sorry.
Anytime someone brings things to our attention that we can control we do address them and I will look into the noisy stand issue.
As noted, weather impacted one and a half of the 5 day hunt. One 1/2 day was REALLY windy - deer were out, but not bucks. Two half days were impacted by rain.
