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How It All Started. . . .
In the late 1980s and early 90s, the property directly to the east of us used to be public access hunting. We used
this ground for turkey hunting. However, there always seemed to be more birds gobbling across the fence to the
west. Finally, in the spring of 1991, we went and talked to the landowners, Bill and Judy, and asked for permission
to hunt turkeys. Bill would allow it with one condition. . . . and that was if we would also hunt deer to thin out the
population. Talk about twisting our arm! This was the beginning of what would eventually become a great relationship.
In 1995, Con, Jay and I offered to buy approximately 160 acres from Bill and Judy. The deal closed in November
of 1995 for 104 acres (including an island in the middle of the river and 3 acres of horse pasture up top where we would
eventually put the building site). We had an option on another 52 acres that was in litigation for rightful ownership.
Bill won this courtcase and in 1997, we purchased the remaining 52 acres for a total of 156 acres.
Time to Roll Up the Sleeves. . .
The first thing we felt we needed to do was plant a shelterbelt around the perimeter of our upper ground and build a
barn to house our supplies and equipment. We completed both of these tasks by the fall of 1996. Between 1996 and
1999, our living conditions included a pop-up camper popped up inside the two-story barn. In 1999, with the help of
a lot of friends and family, we built a darn-nice duckblind on our island, along with 2 portable
blinds. Many good breakfasts have been enjoyed out of our main blind, along with a few ducks that have been killed through
the years.
In 2000, we started building the lodge. This was an 18-month process that took an incredible amount of work and
effort. We never could have finished this project and realized our dreams without the help of all of our
friends and family. We did all of the work ourselves, except for pouring the slab, the roof, the drywalling,
and the HVAC system.
In 2005, we added on a large game room that has now given us much more room to host parties and house our deer hunters
during deer week.
In 2009, we added a "lumber" room on the north side of the barn.
In 2010, we added on to the west side of our barn to allow for more storage room.
Other improvements to the land include digging a one acre pond that has excellent fishing for bass and bluegill.
It is also a good place to cool down on those hot summer days. The rope swing is a big hit on these days. We have
also put in a top-of-the-line 200 yard shooting range to make sure your weapons are ready for the upcoming seasons.
Our deer stands are slowly being converted to 4' x 6' shooting houses. To date, we have seven houses built.
Additional improvements are always being made to the property. We quickly found that there is always something
to be done out here. But we have found it is a good way to keep us out of trouble and it continually gives us a sense
of accomplishment as we continue to improve our property.
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