| Spring Turkey References – 2007
Note: Quotes below are taken from each post-hunt questionnaire returned. (Not all hunters returned the paper.) Hunters gave permission to use each phone number or e-mail address. Regarding their hunt, all hunters were asked to indicate their satisfaction level which we have abbreviated as follows.
V.S. - Very Satisfied
S. - Satisfied
N.S - Not Satisfied
Home Camp
“Great people. Great food. The time around the fire is my favorite.” A.J. Caggiano, Gainesville, FL d/n 352 378-7544 ajc4701@aol.com (V.S. – took 1 gobbler)
“You got birds.” Michael Dowell, Ridgeland, MS d 601 321-7788; n 601 853-4288; michael.e.dowell@smithbarney.com (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
“The best hunt for turkeys I’ve had to date in Texas.” Wayne Bryant, Alachua, FL
d/n 352 226-3477; wayne@bryantconst.com (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
“We could have used more information about what the bird was doing. P.s. – Was a great hunt.” Roy Bass, Gainesville, FL d 352 377-8270; 352 481-2368; fastroybass@yahoo.com (V.S. – took 1 gobbler)
“Better information on more exact location of roost and vicinity gobblers roamed after fly-down.” Buddy Crevasse, Newberry, FL d 352 213-5120; n 352 472-9983; halfmoonbud@aol.com (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
“It was all great – the towels were wonderful – you did not run out of anything and you had everything. Hang on to that cook. All three components were great – food and service – the best. Facilities – were great. Turkeys – hunting was good, my birds worked very well to the call.” Warren Jennings, Sr. DeWitt, AR d 870 946-3551; waj@centurytel.net (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
(Marked no level of satisfaction, but said he would recommend the hunt.) Harry Chism, Indianola, MS d 662 887-7898; n 662 207-0646; irrigation@gmi.net (took 3 gobblers)
“Good camp, lots of birds. Very, very good hunt.” Steve Weaver, Stuttgart, AR
d 870 673-7708; n 870 830-0673; sweaver001@hotmail.com (V.S. – took 2 gobblers)
“(I would recommend this hunt because) food, lodging and hunting in that order.” Warren Jennings, Jr., DeWitt, AR d 870 673-4567; wjenningsjr@arkansascountybank.com (V.S. – took 2 gobblers)
“Prior better scouting of birds.” Bubba Burnett, Pinetta, FL d 229 242-9911; n 850 929-4581; farmersupplyco@bellsouth.net (S. – took 1 gobbler)
“The camp is professionally ran. Not some ‘cowboy’ trying to make an extra $.” Mark Bennett, Almyra, AR d 870 673-1591; n 870 992-3504; mcbennett@laynechristensen.com (V.S. – took 3 gobblers).
“Best I have (been) to.)” James Gibbs, Stuttgart, AR d 870 673-2664; n 870 673-2097; (V.S. – took 1 gobbler)
“(no comments offered, but said he would recommend this hunt to friends.) Michael Smith, Stuttgart, AR d 870 672-9999 (V.S. – took 1 gobbler)
“Good facilities, good people. I felt like I was family. I would highly recommend Adobe Lodge to everyone. The food was great! I will be returning again.” Peter Seeler, Williamstown, NJ d/n 856 629-3159; pjseeler@outdrs.net (S. – took 1 gobbler)
“I enjoy Texas – its people, its climate, its beauty. It was a wonderful experience.” Joe Appleby, Everett, PA d 814 977-2192; n 814 652-2568; jcappleby@earthlink.net (V.S – took 1 gobbler)
“If you want a Rio Grande turkey and don’t know where to start, this is a good place. All of the hassle of where , when, and how is taken care of for you, you can concentrate on just hunting. And the guides really want you to succeed as much as you want to.” Donnie Hill, Erin, TN bthill@peoplestel.net (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
“(no comments offered, but said he would recommend this hunt to friends.)” Barry Hill, Tennessee Ridge, TN d 931 721-7190; n 931 721-3298 (V.S. took 2 gobblers)
“Everything was great. The guides, the food, and the hunting. Had a great time and definitely be coming back.” Drew Hoglen, Elmer, NJ d 856 466-4828; 856 769-4517; woodies03@aol.com (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
“Just a great time. Great food and comm.” Thornton (“T”) Wilson, Bridgeton, NJ d/n 856 455-0979 (V.S. – took 1 gobbler)
(no comments offered, but said he would recommend this hunt to friends.) Brad Milner, Atlanta, GA d 404 307-2226; bradmilner@yahoo.com (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
“The overall quality of the hunt from 1st inquiry to the questionnaire letter went as stated in your advertising and exceeded my expectations. The food and staff preparing meals were great. The camp staff was overly willing to accommodate us and make our stay exceptional.” Todd Rapalee, Goochland, VA d 804 457-4138; rapaleetaxidermy@aol.com (V.S – Todd and his 14 year-old son took a total of 3 gobblers)
“We had a great time. We really enjoyed the food and camaraderie. We’ll be back. I need to redeem myself. Kyle, Skipper, Jim, and the Ezell brothers all made the trip fun, and the weather in Texas in April was just what a couple of New Englanders needed.”
Chris Masson, Canaan, VT d 802 266-8910; n 802 266-7846; cmasson@canaanschools.org (V.S – unsuccessful on taking a gobbler)
“Very friendly staff, felt at home, lots of birds. Beautiful country to hunt.” Tom Caron, Canaan, VT (V.S. – took one gobbler)
“The turkeys were there. My lack of experience prohibited me from finding them and calling them in. A good turkey hunter would have probably got 3 birds.” Matt Hill, Bethel Park, PA d 412 770-9283; 412 851-1794; (S – took one gobbler)
“The lodge is well-run with friendly and helpful staff. The hunting is good, plenty of birds.” Sid Chambless, Nashville, TN d 615 322-3154; n 615 386-3744; schambless@hotmail.com (S. – took two gobblers)
“Best hunting place ever. I enjoy hunting w/Skipper. He works to help hunting /hunters fill tags.” (said we could use the comments, but did not list a name or contact information, and did not want to be a reference. Check ‘very satisfied’. Took no gobblers).
“Very down-home feel to the camp –everyone was friendly – it’s tough to beat a camp that opens in prayer and ends in bluegrass music.” Eric Sutley, Nashville, TN d 615 851-1391; n 615 714-5568; esutley11@comcast.net (S.+ - took two gobblers)
“Better knowledge of turkey hunting in areas presented to hunters. An outfitter selling hunts should be more knowledgeable about the animal they are hunting – not everyone is a ‘master’ hunter for turkeys (or deer) and hiring an outfitter is how to even that.” Dennis Tatro, Eden, VT d/n 802 635-9204; dennistatro@mapleleafwindsorchairs.com (Not Satisfied – took one gobbler).
“Clean the bathroom. Guiding is not riding around a parcel of land at 40 mph and pointing. You seemed very unwilling to move us to a ‘water’ site even when it was painfully obvious that was where the birds were. Kyle seemed very put out at having to move us. You advertise 1000’s of acres but were reluctant to move us at all.” Amy Tatro, Eden, VT d/n 602 635-9204; amytatro@pshift.com (Not Satisfied – took no bird)
“Personally I hope you keep your policy of letting hunters hunt by themselves. (I would recommend this hunt because) 1. The natural hunting environment provided and game. 2. The professionalism of employees. 3. The quality of service provided.” Bert Jones, Bremen, AL d/n 256 287-1077; ebjonesjr@bellsouth.net
“Great environment for hunting. Fire pit, good stories. Rick Buerger, Brentwood, TN d 615 373-3930 (S. – took one gobbler)
“I really enjoyed the hunt and camp. I forgot to tell you but if there is an opening for next year, I’ll be back. Thanks again.” Kerry Jones, Bowling Green, KY d 270 202-1039; n 270 781-8408; kjonesco@bellsouth.net
“Great food, great people working for you, lots of birds, plenty of land to hunt. The right amount of help for a self-guided hunt. Skipper is a genuine person.” Greg Clairday, Jonesboro, AR d 870 932-3300; n 870 932-5582; ninemile2@suddenlink.net (V.S. – took zero gobblers)
“Honestly don’t know what could be improved. It was perfect. Birds everywhere and the hospitality was wonderful. It was the experience of a lifetime.” Justin Vandevender, Jackson, MS d 601 278-7945; grinnyv3@aol.com (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
“(offered no comments, but said his name could be used as a reference.)” Bryan Marsh, Jonesboro, AR d 870 932-0780; n 870 932-5608 (V.S. – took two gobblers)
“The manager, Kyle – his sons and Charlie were great! Lots of game. Skipper was great, too.” Al Heringer, Jonesboro, AR d/n 870 336-1366; alheringerIII@starcompanies.net (S. – took no gobblers)
“Doesn’t matter if you come first hunt or the last hunt at Adobe, you have the opportunity to harvest a bird. Adobe makes an aggressive effort in making sure you hunt un-pressured areas. Overall hunting was Outstanding. I harvested three gobblers in three hours on May 3rd. Hard to beat.” Welby Young, Jonesboro, AR d 870 761-0582;
n 870 933-0581; welby.young@suddenlink.com (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
“It was a tremendous experience. It was a great ‘sporting’ hunt that required the hunter to use his best strategies and tactics to get a bird.” Ray Nickle, Jonesboro, AR d 870 932-3335; n 870 932-0585; raynickle@aol.com (V.S. – took two gobblers)
“I don’t know how to explain what this hunt meant to Brad and I. It was absolutely the perfect first-time hunting trip for Bradley and Ron. I guess the best way to define what a great trip we had was on the flight back to PA (when) the talk turned to the next leg of our Grand Slam quest, the Dakota’s for merriams. It didn’t take long to everyone to agree and ask the same question, Why? Why would we want to go to any other camp just to shoot another sub-species? Your camp has anything a true dyed-in-the-wool turkey hunter wants and needs. I refuse to go somewhere where the guide tells me when to load my gun and what to shoot (or miss). I know safety must be paramount and your staff knows just how to run a safe camp without insulting the intelligence of their clients. Please don’t hesitate to use me as a reference. I will gladly talk to anyone about your great camp.” Boyde Swindell, Everett, PA d 814 494-0780; n 814 652-2435; (V.S. – took one gobbler (but missed two others).
“It is a great experience at a place with plenty of birds and great people.) Bradley Swindell (16 years old), Everett, PA d 814 977-1245; n 814 652-2435; bpreppy10@yahoo.com (V.S. – took 3 gobblers).
McManus Camp
“I got stuck on this hunt. Cactus, mesquite and various other plants stuck me in about every part of my body. That’s the only way you’ll get stuck when you hunt with Adobe Lodge. Everything was as advertised and Skipper and Beaver were great hosts. I wish all my hunting trips were as well-run as yours.” John Womble, White Lake, NC d/n 910 872-3181; kristenalease@hotmail.com (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
“The 7:30 p.m. back at camp rule stinks . . . hunting should end at sunset. The only gobbles heard in the p.m. were after 7:15” Lawrence Pyne, Cornwall, VT d 802 462-3148; d 802 462-3153 (S. – took no gobbler).
“Great hunt, great people, great experience all around.” Dave DeGraaf, Harley, Ontario, Canada d 519 446-2621 (V.S. – took one gobbler)
“Different terrain than in the east.” Dave Greenough, North Hero, VT d 802 372-6743; dgreenou@together.net (S. - took two gobblers)
“(Said we could use his comments. Said he would act as a reference. He attached a two-page letter to the questionnaire – too lengthy to include here. Beaver, the cook and the service were all complemented. Also, his goal of taking a turkey with his bow was realized. But he was unhappy with the sleeping arrangements of two double-bunk beds in the same room for unacquainted grown men. He also complained that the hunting area for the group was insufficient and he took issue with having to come into camp during the middle of the day.)” Chris Tusing, Selma, AL d/n 334 872-7688; tusingc@bellsouth.net (Not Satisfied – took one gobbler)
“You are doing a great job. Down home friendly. We had a great time with Beaver – top drawer guy.” Murray Bradshaw, Waterford, Ontario d 519 443-8611; mbradshaw@bradshawfuels.com (V.S. – took one gobbler)
“A quality experience, a fair price.” Paul Savage, Clio, MI d 810 686-5347; paulsplatter@aol.com (V.S. – took one gobbler).
“A fine operation in all respects. Professional and efficient – appreciated! Besides the reasons above, Beaver himself was a pleasure to deal with – a gentleman in all respects; knowledgeable and courteous.” Martin Hartig, Drumbo, Ont. Canada; d 519 463-5282
(V.S. – took 2 gobblers)
“The experience means much more than the harvest. Beautiful State of Texas. Great people to hunt with. Relaxed atmosphere. Lots of game – deer, turkey, quail.”
Graeme Stevenson, Woodstock, Ont. Canada; n 519 537-3958; gbm_stevenson@sympatico.net
Mustang Ranch Camp
“It is always great to hunt with good friends. I will hunt with you again and as often as I can.” Charlie Williamson, Bay Minette, AL d 251 610-9929; n 251 937-3424 (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
“Had a great time. Lots of birds, great guides and host. Great place to hunt.” Scott Williamson, Daphne, AL d 251 610-9550; n 251 621-1213; Williamson.scott@mchsi.com (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
“It was a great experience and I’m sure I will come again. Maybe later this time. I think maybe I came too early. See you next year.” Tim Frank, Canton, MI d 734 667-5616; timfrank06@comcast.net (V.S. – took one gobbler)
“Damn fine people – Ben, Ben, and Mike.” Ty Cowles, Jackson, TN d 731 343-4550; n 731 427-7141 (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
“Excellent hunting, good people w/friendly atmosphere – comfortable accommodations. Great food.” Bryan Hagen, Jerseyville, IL d/n 618 498-9068 (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
“Hunted out of blinds.” Chuck Guthrie, Nebo, IL d 217 734-2790; deerfarm@pikenet.net (S. – took three gobblers)
“It was an exciting, fast-paced hunt.” Jason Bolin, Louisville, KY d/n 502 495-0239; Jason.bolin@insightbb.com (V.S. – took 2 gobblers)
“It was a great experience. The scenery was wonderful and Ben Sr., Ben Jr., and Mike Turner were very great people to be in camp with.” Stephen Wilson, Lawrenceburg, KY d/n 502 839-4303 (V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
“Very pleasant experience in all facets.” Garrett Bowers, Lawrenceburg, KY d 502 680-6141
“The guys at Mustang Ranch (Ben Sr., Ben Jr., and Mike) provided a hunt that exceeded all expectations. Their knowledge of the land, bird habits and ability to incorporate our hunting strategies provided a first-class hunt. Ben Jr. kept us well fed while Ben Sr. and Mike kept us on birds. The only negative thing I can say is that Ben Jr. only fixed up 8 dozen cookies (man those thing were good). Top notch people. See you in a couple of years. Michael Cook, Shelbyville, KY d 502 647-4586; turkeyhuntinfoo@yahoo.com
(V.S. – took 3 gobblers)
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