Two deer I harvested this year

[Rustystud]

The typical 12 pointer I took with a bow has 152" of horn. The non Typical I took with a rifle not including the stickers has 211" of horn. With the stickers it will net approximately 232" of horn. My co-hunter John7mm08 shot a 179 typical with a rifle. I went with an attitude that if if was not real hunting that I would shoot nothing. This place is 1000+ acres of swamp/creek bottom, oak ridges, agricultural fields, pines, and orchards. Yes, it is high fenced but that keeps the riff-raff out as well as keeping the deer in. I would say that I hunted just as hard there as I do at home. The only difference was at home I see 10 does for every buck, and 100 does for every eight pointer over 12" inside spread. I saw probably 50 does per outing and maybe 10 bucks per outing. Some of the bucks were smaller and some were larger. I rarely see 180-200 class whitetails (never in NC) only in Canada. I saw several deer in the 140-180 class at Rathmel Run. I spend about $4,000.00 to $6,000.00 dollars per year hunting deer in Canada. I have hunted in Canada over 30 times. I can drive to Rathmel Run and it cost much less per deer. I would rate this hunt as physically easier than hunting in Canada, but requires the same shooting skills.
Nat Lambeth

 

[hogpatrol]

Nat, for that kind of Canada money, you could do a multiple trophy hunt in Africa (plus airfare). Have you ever considered it?

 

[Rustystud]

For what I spent I could not have taken what I wanted in Africa. If I were to go to Africa it would cost me more than $50,000.00 and airfare would be about $1,600.00 for me alone. If I go to Africa my wife wants to go, that adds to the cost. A normal trip to Alberta cost me $800.00 in airfare, and $4,000.00 plus dollars for guide and licence fees. Usually have two days of hotel expense and some time a rental vehicle.

 

[hogpatrol]

Nat, Airfare is around 2000 & a nine day, six trophy package is around 4000 but I hear ya on the EXTRA passenger. That would drive up the cost considerably. :