Kentucky Whitetail Outfitters vs. Do-it-Yourself Deer Hunting

What is the most valuable and important commodity when it comes to paying for a Kentucky deer hunt?  Well, this is a matter of opinion.  Some people want the overall experience with the possibility of shooting a great hunt.  Others want to enjoy some great amenities and company in addition to great hunting.  And many simply want to hunt some well managed ground and don't really care about the amenities.  There is no right or wrong.  If money isn't really an issue in your life, certainly go all out for million dollar cabins, full-guide service and great hunting.

However, there is a population of hunters that would choose not to pay for a professional hunter (ph) as a guide and would choose not to pay extra for the bells and whistles of fireplaces, pool tables, all you can drink beer, etc.  This is where a "do-it-yourself" deer hunt becomes a consideration.  At my place, Kentucky Whitetail Hunting, I have a basic small cabin that is glorified camping.  I mange the land year-round with 13+ food plots, mineral suppliments, run 4 auto-feeders spitting out corn nearly year-round, etc.  All the stands are in place and tower blinds are also present. I run cameras to offer the hunters what they have a chance of shooting, etc.

I have all the fun the high-roller outfitters have in the discing, tilling, fertilizing, liming, planting, etc., but to be honest, I didn't inherit my farm.  I paid for it through my military and teaching jobs.  It is IMPOSSIBLE for anyone to buy 1,000's of acres for the purpose of hunting, pay that mortgage along with the "lodge", and even meet the interest payment with how many hunts you'd sell.  For those of us that do this, we abide by the "free market" concept.  I'm willing to work for about 25 cents and hour and work LOTS to make it worth it for me.  And if it came down to it, most of us have done this sort of stuff for a decade or more for free.  We do it because we love it and are thankful people are willing to come out to hunt to help pay for this rewarding "job".