Hunting And Equipment

Our weather can be highly variable. For early-season hunts, lightweight, moisture-wicking camo is best. For the November rut, we suggest a high-quality layering system. Temperatures can drop from 50°F to 20°F overnight, so wind-resistant outer layers and waterproof boots are essential for staying comfortable during long sits in the stand.

We don’t specify a minimum caliber, but suggest a centerfire rifle cartridge of .24 caliber or greater with a bullet designed for taking deer-sized big game.

At Kentucky Trophy Deer, we have the flexibility to allow you to utilize weapon-of-choice any time during the generous season. You are welcome to bring multiple weapons with you as well. Feel free to choose from commonly used weapons such as rifle, pistol, muzzle-loader, crossbow, compound bow, traditional archery equipment, etc.

Yes, you are welcome to bring multiple weapons. In fact, you could bring two weapons on one hunt if you like (e.g., bow and rifle).

The average shot is 100-150 yards; although, we certainly take many deer closer than that. Most blinds have a maximum shooting distance of about 250 yards. We try to keep our shooting distances within the skill level of the hunter.

We try to keep the distances involved within line of the weapon used and the comfort level of the hunter. In general, we try to minimize archery shots to 20-30 yards. Many archery weapons are now capable of much greater speed and farther lethal distances than in the past so the maximum range is open to discussion with your guide.

Yes, there is a bench with a lead sled at the lodge which can be used to make sure your rifle is still on target. We also have bow targets available and a ladder stand set up to take practice shots.

We focus on harvesting mature, 4.5+ year-old bucks to maintain our elite genetic pool. While we do not charge a "sliding scale" trophy fee based on inches, we do have a minimum antler requirement to ensure the longevity of our trophy deer population. Please contact us for this season’s specific management guidelines.

We have a number of custom tower blinds, box blinds, two-man ladder stands, and ground blinds that we can utilize to help you get your buck. The ladder stands and ground blinds are typically used when we have a specific situation like bow-hunting or pistol hunting that requires the hunter to be in closer to the game.

During any firearm or muzzleloader season, all hunters (including archery hunters on the property during those times) must wear solid hunter orange on their head, chest, and back. A simple orange vest and hat meet this legal requirement. This is a critical safety rule for all Western Kentucky guided hunts.

Yes. All out-of-state hunters must purchase a Kentucky Annual Non-Resident Hunting License and a Statewide Deer Permit. These can be easily purchased online via the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at local retailers like Walmart before your hunt begins.

No, you are welcome to continue to hunt if you would like the chance to take an additional deer.

We try to pattern our schedule based upon the animal movements. We head out for morning hunts before daylight and usually come in for breakfast mid-morning. Ride UTVs, nap, or hangout throughout the mid-day. Afternoon hunts are typically planned for late afternoon; usually staying in the stand until dark.

Your guide will transport you to and from the field in one of our utility vehicles. We utilize covered UTVs with windshields and HVAC to make you as comfortable as possible while traveling to and from the field.

Kentucky has specific regulations to prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease. If you are traveling out of state, you can legally transport deboned meat, antlers attached to a clean skull plate, and finished taxidermy. We provide on-site assistance to ensure your trophy is prepared according to this year's legal transport standards.

While we do not provide taxidermy services on-site, we have long-standing relationships with several elite taxidermists in Western Kentucky who specialize in whitetail shoulder mounts and European mounts. We can provide you with their contact information so you can arrange to have your trophy cared for by a professional who understands the anatomy of a Bluegrass buck.