Hunting Preserves
by Max August
Out of state for the holidays? Long to go hunting but do not know where to go? Disappointed by paying out of state fees and nothing to show for it due to lack of time to properly scout out places to hunt? The answer for you might be in one of the many hunting preserves around the country.
Our family travels to the state of Missouri every year for the Christmas holidays. Every year I have attempted to include some type of hunt during this time. I have tried goose hunting, Pheasant and quail hunting. I have even tried to find a rabbit or two with very limited success. The out of state fees for small game ran around $50 at the time and it did not take to many times walking in on unscouted areas and public lands to realize that I had to do something different. I did some checking around and found a highly recommended preserve called Baier Den Shooting Preserve. For the last three years it has been the highlight of my trip.
The Baier family operates the preserve and from the moment that you walk into their lodge they treat you like family. When you arrive and get signed in you sit and relax and discuss anything and everything as your eyes gaze upon the many trophies and pictures all over the walls of the lodge. After getting to know one another better the hunt begins.
At this preserve the Baier`s put the birds out before the hunt begins so the actual hunt is more natural. You never know where and when the birds will pop up. They provide the dogs and a guide and it does not take long to get started shooting. The birds are very lively because the take great care to keep human contact to a minimum. They have Quail, Chukkers, and Pheasants. You can specify any combination and quantity.
The first year we made one trip and had such a great time that we have made two trips a year since. The hunting has already evolved into a family affair. Walking the gently rolling terrain and watching the dogs give their all working the birds allows ample time to converse and laugh in the great outdoors. Then there is the shooting. Bring plenty of shells because you will need them. There is nothing as thrilling as walking up behind a dog on a point and busting several birds at a time. When you hear the rustle of feathers and the birds bust the top of the brush and your heart skips a beat, You realize that it does not get any better than this. Unless of course you are like me and enjoy eating them as much as hunting them.
Next time you are out of state or you have friends or family visiting this state consider checking out one of the many preserves. It could be an alternative to traditional hunting. Make sure to check reference and methods before you put down your hard earned money. Always remember the fun is in the hunt.
