Dec
1
Trophy Whitetails: BIG BUCKS/High Dollar Business
“BIG BUCKS”, in all senses of the phrase-both the high dollar payouts by hunters, and the big income for the preserves and/or outfitters-and too, the reason for it all, the big whitetail bucks themselves: If YOU want one, be ready to spend, big time!
I checked the websites of a couple of the better known pay-for-play preserves and outfitters. The approximate, average going rate for a decent trophy whitetail in the 145″ Boone & Crockett size runs around $3,500.00 to $4,000.00 base cost. Add to that expense the mandatory tips, meat and trophy processing, non-resident licenses and fees, taxes, transportation to and from the location, to get the “real” cost. Moving up to a minimal B & C Record Book deer, the base price goes up to the $7500.00 to $8,000.00 range, plus all the extras. And, that’s given that the cost of equipment and gear, hunting clothing, weapons and ammo has already been experienced by the shooter/client!
Let’s say that while on the preserve, the opportunity presents to take a monster buck. One of the sites displays a huge, widely palmated almost red stag looking 255-7/8 inch non-typical killed by a client. Quick number crunching shows that deer cost the “hunter” (‘not sure THIS venue is really hunting!) some $40,000.00, plus the non-included extras!
If one can afford that kind of pay out, and has the inclination or desire to avail himself of a “hunt” on one of these preserves, go on, get after it, and more power to him!
My objection is not to the venue (the outfitters or preserves) or the shooter who goes there, but to the deer he may take being included in the record books along with fair chase, public or private land hunting trophies. Should there be an asterisk in the record books’ listing for pay-for-play trophies, a separate category altogether, or even specific exclusion from the record books? After all, even “fair chase” hunters may put out big bucks/high dollars for outright hunting land purchase, or leasing of property, or membership fees for hunting clubs. Add to that the price of an ATV, a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and the other obligatory expenses of modern deer hunting, (gas and oil, licenses and fees, meals, lodging, etc., ), all the other necessary gear and equipment, and maybe the preserve hunting venue becomes more attractive, if not even cheaper!
How about it? Your thoughts, and/or comments? Has the current recession (or depression?) affected your hunting habits? Have you cut down on the days spent hunting, or had to quit altogether? Have you been to one of these pay-to-play preserves? Leave me a comment telling me how you feel, or Contact Me directly, and vent, or opine…..let me have it!
