Texas Hunting Forum
Input on package hunt
Posted By: hornet527
Input on package hunt - 12/05/14 04:59 PM
I have 2000 acres south of Bronte,with 2 miles of the Colorado river, that i want to start hunting next year. would like to get some feed back on what would work and what people would be wiling to pay.
First im not interested in getting rich or creating a "trophy" hunt place. The deer there are native, 120-130 at best, but there are lots of em.
Im looking at a "semi DIY group hunt", 4-6 hunters, 3-5 days. Ill show you around the place, discuss rules, etc, and turn you loose.
Heres my plan:
Provide feeders and stands(box blinds, tree stands and brush blinds)
Lodging (Limited)- Deer camp mentality-on river- remodeling an old 20 foot travel trailer. Would be good for sleeping and getting out of the weather. 2 small sheds,camping area.
There is a motel in Bronte, 4 miles away
Electricity and water.
Fire pit and grill.
Skinning rack
Animals:
1 buck
2 does
2 turkeys
unlimited hogs and varmints(except bobcats)
The place has been hunted very little over the last 10 years. River bottom is brushy with a few large trees. Rest of place is mesquite and cedar. good pasture roads, ATVs will be allowed on roads only.Plan on hunting twice during bow season and 2-3 times during rifle season. dont want a typical "day hunt" place. Trying to create a place where a group of guys or a family can come and enjoy themselves at their own pace.
Any input on value of gun hunts and bow hunts or ideas to make it better would be appreciated.
Thanks
Posted By: 1860.colt
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/05/14 05:25 PM
best wishes
For a 3-5 day hunt, I think I would charge a flat fee of $2000 for the group up to a maximum of 6 people (non-hunters included in the count), plus trophy fees. Does = $100 to $150 each, Bucks = $250 to $500 each, turkeys and hogs free. That way 4 hunters could take 12 deer and it would cost them $2000 fee + $800 does + $1000 bucks = $3800, that's a pretty good deal for a 5 day hunt with a buck for each hunter. Adjust prices as necessary.
CYA with a really good release of liability form, and have a good form signed by each person for the rules of the place.
Posted By: KG68
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/05/14 05:42 PM
This listing on the Mills county chamber site is similar to what you are talking. Most day leases here run in the $250 per day neighborhood. Hope it helps and good luck.
...................
Deer Lease: 700 acres, Mills County, TX. Max 4 hunters. No guests, no exceptions. Water/sewer/electric hook ups. Oat fields in fall (rain permitting). Corn/feeders/stands provided and maintained by manager. Lease runs first two weeks of rifle season only. $1200/hunter.
Posted By: dogcatcher
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/05/14 06:01 PM
Good luck.
Posted By: dkershen
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/05/14 06:49 PM
If you average 5 hunters per group, and do 5 hunts. If they have a 150% success rate (1.5 deer per hunter) then you'll be harvesting 38 deer a season. I don't know of many 2000 acre tracts that can support a harvest rate like that. You'll shoot the place out in no time.
I suggest starting small and booking two or maybe three small groups maximum the first year. Then track your harvest rate and work with your county biologist to create a sustainable plan.
If I was booking a hunt like this I'd expect to pay a grand for 4 days hunting with lodging included, and then a trophy fee on bucks of $500 and Does $200. If I have to bring my own trailer or stay in a motel, then probably less.
If you average 5 hunters per group, and do 5 hunts. If they have a 150% success rate (1.5 deer per hunter) then you'll be harvesting 38 deer a season. I don't know of many 2000 acre tracts that can support a harvest rate like that. You'll shoot the place out in no time.
I suggest starting small and booking two or maybe three small groups maximum the first year. Then track your harvest rate and work with your county biologist to create a sustainable plan.
If I was booking a hunt like this I'd expect to pay a grand for 4 days hunting with lodging included, and then a trophy fee on bucks of $500 and Does $200. If I have to bring my own trailer or stay in a motel, then probably less.
Pretty much my thoughts. If you're not careful you can ruin a good place in a hurry......
Posted By: tlk
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/05/14 10:19 PM
If you average 5 hunters per group, and do 5 hunts. If they have a 150% success rate (1.5 deer per hunter) then you'll be harvesting 38 deer a season. I don't know of many 2000 acre tracts that can support a harvest rate like that. You'll shoot the place out in no time.
I suggest starting small and booking two or maybe three small groups maximum the first year. Then track your harvest rate and work with your county biologist to create a sustainable plan.
If I was booking a hunt like this I'd expect to pay a grand for 4 days hunting with lodging included, and then a trophy fee on bucks of $500 and Does $200. If I have to bring my own trailer or stay in a motel, then probably less.
dd
Pretty much my thoughts. If you're not careful you can ruin a good place in a hurry......
I agree - plus turning people loose on a ranch is a bad idea
Posted By: Hunter_812
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/06/14 05:12 PM
We are doing a doing a package not to far from you.
6500 acres LF 10 spots
6 night 5 day
Lodging and all meals
1 guide per 2 hunters
Guides will clean, quarter and cape game
1 buck of their choice
1 doe
2 turkey
Unlimited pigs and varmints
$3000
Posted By: don k
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/06/14 05:28 PM
There is no way I would turn people loose on my place for 5 days. I charge by the animal. I put the hunter in a stand and let them know the price and what I don't want taken. I can hear if they shoot so there is no lying to me about not having shot. I have hunters I welcome back if they want and there are hunters that I will not let return. If you know the group or if you can get references all the better. Not all hunters can be trusted. Sometimes you find about it after they are gone.
Posted By: Daddybigbuck
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/07/14 03:36 PM
If you are interested in doing a corporate lease shoot me a pm.
Posted By: 1860.colt
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/07/14 06:19 PM
If you are interested in doing a corporate lease shoot me a pm.
thats were de big buck's tis
my input went kaput. i got cheap posts
Posted By: Stompy
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/07/14 07:43 PM
I wouldn't do it. I would put a management minded group on as a season lease and let them take care of it. Find the right group (and I think there are many out there) and they will do a great job managing what they kill. Day hunters are going to shoot the crap out of it and after a year or two you won't have 120-130 class deer.
Posted By: Justin T
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/07/14 08:48 PM
I wouldn't do it. I would put a management minded group on as a season lease and let them take care of it. Find the right group (and I think there are many out there) and they will do a great job managing what they kill. Day hunters are going to shoot the crap out of it and after a year or two you won't have 120-130 class deer.
I agree. If you are going to package hunt, you wouldn't want to just turn people loose.
Posted By: Western
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/08/14 12:06 AM
I wouldn't do it. I would put a management minded group on as a season lease and let them take care of it. Find the right group (and I think there are many out there) and they will do a great job managing what they kill. Day hunters are going to shoot the crap out of it and after a year or two you won't have 120-130 class deer.
I agree. If you are going to package hunt, you wouldn't want to just turn people loose.
Agree with this too. 6 hunters paying you 1.5-2k each and they baby sit the place, you only deal with a few fellas you get to know. If it isn't about the $$, then 4 good hunters and your place stays in better shape.
Posted By: DanPhifer
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/08/14 12:07 AM
It would be hard turning guys loose on the place, but I guess it is not much different than an annual lease. There is no telling how many people shoot more than they are supposed to on leased land.
Posted By: 1860.colt
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/08/14 12:28 AM
lots of good info. best wishes
Posted By: Justin T
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/08/14 12:36 AM
It would be hard turning guys loose on the place, but I guess it is not much different than an annual lease. There is no telling how many people shoot more than they are supposed to on leased land.
With a lease, you have a group that has a vested interest in the quality of the deer herd. Plus, you would only lease to people you trust. Package hunters (with no oversight) are just going to shoot whatever they see.
Posted By: hornet527
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/08/14 04:36 PM
im not interested in a season lease. it wouldnt be - open the gate and ill see ya next year, kinda deal, would check on group each night etc, there are many good hunters out there but you all are right about the few bad ones. thanks for the input very helpful info
Posted By: KG68
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/08/14 04:52 PM
Good luck and keep us updated on your venture.
Posted By: Mr. T.
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/08/14 08:12 PM
I too would think long and hard about leasing the season to a group who would have an interest in taking care of your property so that they could come back the following year instead of "Day Hunters." You could easily lease to a group of 6 or 7 at $1,500 per gun and not have to supply any stands or feeders. So, your looking at around $10,000. profet year after year if you get a good group that you are happy with.
Posted By: 1860.colt
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/08/14 08:26 PM
they make alot of scents. high income can aford ta pass deer for bigger bucks. had ta walk out on credit adviser's advice bout spending $250.00 a year on deer lease, & that was with hogs 24-7-365 no limit. look at the middle income people how bad they got it. think of us poor folks. we not out thar ta pay ta play. if it legal
& it also educates the other deer. the older deer go nocturnal. dats why not seeing deer here. their their on cams. & it went ta 4 deer county. like pappy always say's:
the more money ya have, the more Freedom ya have have helped many with paying land taxes. just cann't adord price of hunting. best wishes ta poster of thread.
Posted By: hornet527
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/08/14 08:30 PM
once again dont want to lease!
Posted By: 1860.colt
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/08/14 09:12 PM
I have 2000 acres south of Bronte,with 2 miles of the Colorado river, that i want to start hunting next year. would like to get some feed back on what would work and what people would be wiling to pay.
First im not interested in getting rich or creating a "trophy" hunt place. The deer there are native, 120-130 at best, but there are lots of em.
Im looking at a "semi DIY group hunt", 4-6 hunters, 3-5 days. Ill show you around the place, discuss rules, etc, and turn you loose.
Heres my plan:
Provide feeders and stands(box blinds, tree stands and brush blinds)
Lodging (Limited)- Deer camp mentality-on river- remodeling an old 20 foot travel trailer. Would be good for sleeping and getting out of the weather. 2 small sheds,camping area.
There is a motel in Bronte, 4 miles away
Electricity and water.
Fire pit and grill.
Skinning rack
Animals:
1 buck
2 does
2 turkeys
unlimited hogs and varmints(except bobcats)
The place has been hunted very little over the last 10 years. River bottom is brushy with a few large trees. Rest of place is mesquite and cedar. good pasture roads, ATVs will be allowed on roads only.Plan on hunting twice during bow season and 2-3 times during rifle season. dont want a typical "day hunt" place. Trying to create a place where a group of guys or a family can come and enjoy themselves at their own pace.
Any input on value of gun hunts and bow hunts or ideas to make it better would be appreciated.
Thanks
my bad on last post. again Best
wishes
Posted By: Stompy
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/08/14 10:30 PM
Hey Hornet, this is none of my business and you can tell me so if you wish. Why are you willing to day hunt but not lease?
Hey Hornet, this is none of my business and you can tell me so if you wish. Why are you willing to day hunt but not lease?
Only possible reason is money.
Posted By: don k
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/09/14 12:29 AM
Hey Hornet, this is none of my business and you can tell me so if you wish. Why are you willing to day hunt but not lease?
Only possible reason is money.
Very true, but the money will only be there for the short term. After that even the lease money will go down.
Posted By: ready2015
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/09/14 01:30 AM
I am hunting this area now and would be very interested in talking to you about a lease
Posted By: ready2015
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/09/14 01:52 AM
Hornet we are hunting there now and have been for five years,also on the river,we would like to talk to you about a responsible lease program,we have been feeding year round all the time we have been there,protein corn and minerals and are starting to get some really nice deer,any interest in talking?
Posted By: 1860.colt
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/09/14 09:19 PM
ta THF if ya be neighbors ya may be sharing deer.
Posted By: ready2015
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/09/14 10:11 PM
Most likley we are feeding them anyway.
Posted By: Stompy
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/09/14 10:28 PM
Most likley we are feeding them anyway.
The day hunters he's going to get will love y'all for that.
Posted By: ready2015
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/09/14 10:37 PM
They'll run the rest of there game over to our lease, we also have 2 miles of river and 2000 ac. Hope it's not our place, funny. Just out side of Bronte.
Posted By: hornet527
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/10/14 03:11 PM
For you guys that put their honest input in ....thank you
For the ones who don't read the whole post, here's some key highlighted points.
First im not interested in getting rich or creating a "trophy" hunt place.
dont want a typical "day hunt" place. Trying to create a place where a group of guys or a family can come and enjoy themselves at their own pace.
As for leasing ... i get it, i know some of you are great guys and take care of people's places and the deer and that is fantastic, but to be honest.. i dont want you around that much, nothing personal.
As for the money...10,000ish for lease. 7-8000 for basically 2 weeks, ill take the difference( see above.. as for leasing !)
Ive been on this place for over 30 years, its not my intent to "shoot" it out. I manage as well,
Once again thanks for your input. I'll keep ya'll posted
Posted By: Stompy
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/10/14 03:18 PM
$10,000 for a lease? You could easily get $20,000 for that lease. 2000 acres at $10 an acre.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Posted By: mooney_ag
Re: Input on package hunt - 12/10/14 04:17 PM
Would be interested to know you're final decision always have clients and co-workers looking for something similar, so I might be able to swing some business your way.
Got guys from Louisiana that have been doing a 2 day hunt around Llano for about the last 5 years. MLD land. 1 buck, 3 does total. Only one animal harvested per hunt or sitting (2 mornings and 2 evenings).
Same guy that heads that up went out to San Angelo for the weekend before thanksgiving and ended up with one buck, one doe, and one turkey.