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Hunting preserves offer a controversial and often misunderstood
type of hunting. It seems that so many people are against
this type of hunting, when in fact they have never hunted on a
preserve, never visited a preserve, and only heard someone else's
negative views on hunting game that is restricted with a fence.
I love to hunt exotic big game, I have hunted on many hunting
preserves and western ranches, and I also own and operate an exotic
preserve in Ohio . With this background I feel I can offer some
insights on the sport.
First, let's start with the game. Exotic animals are not native
to the area in which they are hunted. We have many species of sheep;
the barbado, mouflon, argali, and barbary to name a few. Russian
boar, fallow, sika, and axis deer are just a few more of the dozens
of animals that are available to hunt. These animals have come
from all over the world, and now after many years of management
they're plentiful enough to offer our sportsmen exciting hunting
without the cost or risk of leaving the country.
Our exotic hunting is the finest in the world. So why go halfway
around the world when you can hunt the same animals on American
soil, and not suffer any reduction in the quality of the terrain
or the challenge of the hunt? In fact, many countries where the
animals originally were obtained have endured problems such as
drought and poaching to the point that the very same species are
endangered and cannot even be hunted in their native habitat.
The state of Texas can boast of larger herds of animals than
now exist in their original homeland. Also, the size and trophy
potential of these animals is greatly improved which continually
upgrades the quality of exotic hunting.
A good hunting preserve needs a substantial amount of acreage
for animals to feed and find cover. In Texas that might be 5,000
acres, in Ohio it could be only 500 acres because of the difference
in terrain and cover. The animals quickly become accustomed to
the terrain, the fence, and the lay of the land. When being hunted
they are very adapt at using the hills and hollows to elude the
hunters.
On our hunting preserve it is our goal to help the hunter take
his big game animal, but on many occasions we finish the day with
no game. I don't know if that speaks highly of the wild animals
and vast acreage, or poorly of my guiding abilities. It does prove,
however, that this is not a "fish-in-a-barrel" hunt.
There are a few bad hunting preserves, but the majority offer a "no
kill-no pay" policy and are fair and enjoyable places
to hunt.
If you love to hunt, expanding into exotics will open the door
to some of the most beautiful and exciting animals you have ever
imagined. You can hunt long before local big game season opens
and long after it closes.
It seems that people don't make the same attempt to check out
exotic hunting preserves that they would if they were planning
a hunt in the rockies. It should be no different with exotics.
Call and ask questions, get all the information you can, and check
some references. On our operation we have a video tape for potential
customers. It shows the terrain, the animals, the services,
and a few successful hunts. I think in the future many other preserves
will make the same offer so that the sportsman can see what is
available from the comfort of his home. After watching a video
a hunter will know more about a preserve, will ask better questions,
and perhaps ensure his chances of a satisfying hunt.
Another benefit exotic preserves offer is a place to start young
hunters. Do you remember when you were a kid? I sure do. I would
walk and hunt all day only to see one or two deer flags going over
the next ridge. When young, you're inexperienced and impatient.
It was a long wait for a successful outcome to a hunt. On
a preserve the young hunter will be able to see many animals and
hopefully get a shot much sooner, not because it's easier, but
because the "fence" keeps the animals in and man and
other predators out. The young hunter will get more opportunities,
and if his marksmanship is off (I think mine is always off), it
might only be a few hours until the next chance, not a few days.
This opportunity also allows us (father, uncle, guide) to
observe the young hunter in action and make suggestions or corrections
on shooting, stalking, and gun safety. The young hunter will eventually
settle down, make his first kill on a big game animal and thus
obtain the confidence and experience necessary to see him through
those long days afield with no game to show for his efforts. Last,
but not least, he will experience an exciting day afield with
father or other family member where he finally becomes successful
in the ranks of hunters; a day he will treasure the rest of his
life.
Now we have the opposite side; the veteran big game hunter who
has been all over the United States and has taken all the big game
animals, maybe to the point of it becoming routine. It's time for
him to try exotic hunting. He'll find the fence doesn't diminish
the animals natural instincts, plus, he'll have dozens of
new and exciting species of animals to choose from.
Exotic hunting can be interpreted many ways, and I have only
outlined a few. When a preserve is set up properly the type of
hunting offered is both challenging and demanding. As a result
we are seeing tremendous growth in the business. You are cheating
yourself if you condemn a type of hunting without researching it.
I believe you'll find an exciting hunt when you combine "exotics," "fair
chase," and "the fence."
This Article was written by Eddie G. Potts and was published
by the Professional Guides Association, it appeared in a 1988 Publication.
It is included on this website to encourage a potential hunter to consider the variables and often overlooked positives of this type of hunting. Even after 20 years from the time this article was written, the world has changed so much, yet this article is still on point today. The old saying comes to mind; the more things change, the more they stay the same.
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