Great Southern Outdoors

This was my first ever outfitter hunt. My friend Chuck Conkle has done many outfitter hunts, including several with Great Southern. We arrived on Monday afternoon, went into the office and looked on Google Earth at the property. Chuck had past memories of spots he liked to hunt but I had never laid eyes on the land. We discussed options, gathered our gear and headed out. We brought climbers, which was good because the ladder stands I hinted during the week were more suited for rifle hunting. Deer movement was slow to almost non-existent. We saw abundant hog sign. Chuck arrowed an 8 point buck on Wednesday. I saw a total of four deer, 2 bucks (not shooters) a doe and a fawn. I didn't see any hogs but I could smell them and see the signs so I knew they were in there. In fact, I'm sure they were everywhere! Steve was our guide and is a great guy. The accommodations were outstanding and the food was incredible. Rex, the owner was fun to be around. We had a total of three bow hunters in camp. I have read several of the reviews posted here (after returning from my hunt). Had I read them beforehand, I might not have gone. Here is the thing I think several of the negative reviews might have forgotten- this is FAIR CHASE hunting! No guarantees and the animals have pretty good odds of winning, especially when the hunter has a stick and string. Would I have liked to have killed a deer? Sure! Did I have a quality experience on this hunt? Absolutely! I met some great people, spent four days hunting, eating, laughing and sleeping. If I had it to do over again, I might have taken the first day to scout the areas I wanted to hunt. I suppose the staff could have done more in the way of pre-scouting for us but it is what it is. I had a great time and have cherished memories that will last much longer than venison in the freezer would.