Advice/info on first hunting trip

[pseman]

Guru posted a thread awhile back about whether you would buy a new bow or go on a hunt if you had $1000. Well, I am looking into taking my first hunting trip this year and would like to keep it around $1000 or less. I don't have a lot of time throughout the season to hunt(gotta put family obligations first) and think maybe taking a trip hunting might be better use of my time/money. I have places to hunt around my house that are ok but they are not what you might consider "hotspots" and I honestly haven't had the time to put into serious whitetail pursuits in several years. Here is what I am looking for, any advice or experiences would be appreciated.

For roughly $1000, I would like to go on a hunt within 12hrs drive of central Alabama, bowhunting but not trad-only because my friend shoots a compound. I would like 3-5 days hunting for whitetails or mule deer(or other species)with possibly hogs as a secondary option. Fair chase only, no fences, not over bait. The main focus being seeing alot of game of all types and relaxing quality time in hunting camp(a hunting vacation of sorts). Shot opportunities are valued more than trophy size, although trophy potential would be welcomed.

Can it be done? Have any of you done similar trips and could you give me some names or web addresses.

Thanks,

Mark

[lpcjon2]

I did a post about do it yourself cheap hunts and I recall Ohio,and Missouri were cheap for out of state license's

[Whip]

Out of state hunting trips are a great investment in your memory banks.  I am lucky enough to hunt plenty around home, but there is something special about a trip to new country.  

How far west can you get from Alabama in 12 hours?  That restriction might limit the choices you have available.

When I hunt new places I like to hunt for species that I can't find around home.  Elk and mule deer top my list.  Antelope are a great one if there are any close enough to meet your 12 hour request.  Another choice for me would be javilina in Texas.  

Plenty of choices, just need to find the one that fits YOU!

[pseman]

Not sure exactly how far west I cold go in 12hrs. Midwest, Michigan, Virginia are all within 12hrs. Can get to at least San Antonio in 12hrs but not sure how much further into Texas. The 12hr limit is not exact, mainly I don't want to use more than 1 day each way for travel.

I would love to do a Mulie hunt or a combo whitetail/hog hunt. Elk is a dream hunt, but I don't think I can swing that much time away for a hunt just yet.

How far east can you get into some good Mule deer?

[John3]

West/central Kansas is as far east as I've ever seen Mule Deer...

Javelina in west Texas (Midland area) is very doable for your time and money constraints.

If you really want Mule Deer you need to spend the time and money to get near them. MT, SD, WY, CO, ect. ect..  I hunted far northwest South Dakota and have never seen so much game. Antelope and Mule Deer in numbers I couldn't count...

I know a good guide in Northwest Arkansas. Starting in October you could hunt Black Bear or whitetails and hogs for close to the money your wanting to spend.

Modern cabin to stay in and miles of mountains to bowhunt. Plenty of bears and deer.

PM if you want his contact info.

John III

[hunt it]

Ask Curtis at 7th Age what he can do for you.

[pseman]

Thanks for the replies. I think Curtis is trad-only which would eliminate my friend who is going. Arkansas is definately in my 12hr window but I don't know much about it, any info would be appreciated.

Also, am I wasting my time in looking at Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, and other midwest states? My brief searches on the internet seem to indicate that the price is gonna be well over $1000.

How about east coast, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Carolinas. Any one with info on hunts in those regions? I am open to most anywhere from Virginia, to Michigan, to Texas/Oklahoma.

[John3]

Mark, PM sent about Arkansas.

Regarding Missouri hunting we have plenty of very good public ground.  While in college I hunted two years just north of Columbia on public ground and saw deer everytime I went bowhunting. In two seasons I saw a total of four other bowhunters and most of those were close to the parking lots...  Get back in away from the lots and you will find deer.  

MO is a great value as I think out of state tags are less than $200.00.  I've spent over $1000.00 for tags in two seasons hunting Kansas... Granted I was seeing 180"+ deer every year but that is alot of money.. LOL

Camping is free or very cheap and the ground is so good that if I still lived there I would hunt it every year.

[Bowmania]

Read Whip again!!!  He wrote a very good article on this for TradArchers'World.  I had been thinking of javelina and antelope.  One's spot and stalk the other is usually a blind situation.  Don't forget the dental floss on the top limb or your bow.

Bowmania

[pseman]

Thanks for the info John.

[imskippy]

I remember a post a while back stating that Ray at hog heaven would allow a compound shooter into camp if and only if you booked all 4 or 5 spots that weekend and all parties agreed it was ok. Might want to look him up in the sponsors classifieds. Just my .02 thats what my plan is for my first out of state hunt. Skippy

[pseman]

ttt for one more shot.

[Stinger]

How about Sika deer in Maryland?  It's something different.  If you can make it to Virginia, you can make Maryland.  Look up Muddy Marsh Outfitters.  I have not used them, but have talked with them at shows.  Their prices are reasonable and I think you could squeeze in some whitetail and maybe turkey at the same time.  A couple of friends of mine did a do-it-yourself Sika hunt in Maryland last year and had a great time.