Trad archery B&B? Input wanted!

[Bamboozle]

Jackie and I are starting to plan for retirement in a few years. We are both from Pa and are pretty set on moving back to that area uopn retiring. We both thought a B&B would be a fun retirement type business.
Do you think there would be a good market for a B&B in the secluded areas of north east Pa. that had acreage attached and catered to trad bowhunters during the fall. Spring turkey also. Of course the rest of the year is fair game to other customers.
Is there a good market out there for folks that want a quality relaxing trad hunt without worring about big antlers? Give me some ideas? We are really kicking this thing around and the time to buy in now......

[David Sapp]

How about a branch in CO also?

Sounds good as a husband/wife getaway, esp if you have some of those spa packages for the wimmin folk.  I think that it has potential, but you might look into if PA has any guiding laws. I have no clue about whether it does or not but prob bears consideration.

[Ricker]

I think you are on to something good, The pricing would have to be low....then could you make a living still???
Is it the passion of hosting others that love traditional archery or do you really need the supplemental income?  Trad people are frugal and do-it-yourself type of folks for the most part, so they could do a camp locally where they are close to home with no or few big racks.
I would not expect to make a living much more above the operating costs unless you had something special or unique to put a value on.
Great idea though.....

Rick

[woodworker]

The idea is a good one but as stated the logistics would probably be more out of romantic idea than a real money maker.  The cost of land in Pa is no bargain either, you may think of getting hold of an old inn or big farm house that is located around public land where the opportunities to hunt are varied.  Land available to hunting is shrinking  and people will be looking for not just a hunt but an experience.   Lots of states have the opportunity to start such a business but making it work is the issue, your heart may be in PA but look in all the states that have a lengthy hunting season and land to buy.  Loads of luck and look forward to reading of your success, Joe

[Bamboozle]

This would be a supplemental income...not something required to survive...great feedback...thanks! Keep it coming

[centaur]

Sent you a PM

[Dick in Seattle]

I would expand that idea a bit.  There are assorted specialized problems to deal with in terms of a hunting oriented operation... guiding rules, game management considerations, etc.  Not being a hunter, I'm only peripherally aware of them. Certainly with the right location you could build a seasonal operation if you were on top of all these things.

My concern would be with the seasonal aspect of it, unless you want that to free yourselves up for the rest of the year.   My thought would be to devote some care to selecting a spot close to or containing enough acreage for nice hikes and stump shooting.  Here in the NW, I'd select a spot very close to or adjacent to a National Forest with some good old logged areas.

Of course, a walking 3D course on your own land would also be good... depends on how much acreage you can get.

You might want to learn to build (assuming you don't) and set up a shop.  Having folks come for a bow building vacation could be a profit business builder for the operation in the off hunting season.

The stumping, every day 3D shooting and building aspects would be insurance against factors you can't control with hunting... low game population years, rises in out of state license fees, etc.

In case you wonder, I spent 30 years in management and PR... used to get paid to think through things like this 8^)   Been kind of a fun few minutes thinking this through... I hope you do it... and good luck!

[mcgroundstalker]

A B&B in north east PA would be just the ticket for a fella like me. Walkin' out the door to do some hunting is the cats meow! Lots of trad hunters have no interest in "drag handles" on deer anyway. Well... I don't...

That area, and many like it are home to us "backyard hunting type guys". I know I'll never see the likes of Alaska or Canada for hunting big game. A place to go with a few buddies and hunt for the fun of it sounds great!

I like your idea. Hope you work it all out.

... mike ...    ...

[2treks]

My wife and I ran a sporting lodge for a while as well as worked in the guide/outfitting business for a number of years. This is something we have wanted to get back into since we left the west.
   My take on it is a bit different than most(so I'm told by the naysayers).
   In my experience, The only hurdle you need to jump would be that of running a B&B. meaning, what the guest will do outside of your INN is up to them. so a fishing trip or bow hunt or hike on public ground is on a do-it-yourself type basis. If you are setting up stands and baits or some such thing then a guiding aspect is assumed and you have to go that route. A nice property and lodge/Home is a great way to spend the days with new people and making a few bucks in the mean time. Our time in this area was a great one and we have ideas of it for ourselves again one day. If you want to target a specific group of people(trad bowhunters) Then that is what you should do. It sounds like you have an ideal situation to set up and spend an enjoyable retirement. If you have any questions please call I will be happy to help if I can.(I understand that each state will hold it's own laws and regs so obviously you will check that out prior).
GOOD LUCK!
Chuck

[David Sapp]

Thinking about it, SW Ohio might be a better location, long bow season, lots of public land to find a place near, reputation for nice bucks.....

That said home is home and if home is PA, then that's where it is.

[Dave Worden]

Perhaps adding a nice 3-D course might make the place more attractive year 'round?

[Bamboozle]

This is great input. Jackie and I actually did discuss the 3D course idea early on. Thanks guys!