Iowa Hunting Outfitter and Guide Reviews

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: May 25, 2013

Outfitter Review: RiverRat Outfitters - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Dave Gray

Hunter: r a

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Dave Gray, overstates the land he hunts, he has a dump for lodging, no land, all small 25 acre to 50 acre chunks, and no more than 100-200 acres total private land, all public he tries to put you on. Lies to get you there then your stuck, Stay away, he's a Bad Liar and crook

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: May 25, 2013

Outfitter Review: RiverRat Outfitters - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Dave Gray

Hunter: deer hunter

Animals Hunted: not specified

Beware, Con Man/ Thief, he doesn't have more than 200 acres private land, all the rest is public land, worst hunt I have ever been on, and Ive hunted all over the mid west for over 30 yrs. He should be put in jail for the lies he tells people to get them there. I gave him one star because the zero with line through it didn't work.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Nov 5, 2012

Outfitter Review: RiverRat Outfitters - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Dave Gray

Hunter: buck huntr

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Dave Gray of Riverrat Outfitters is a thief and a con man. he says he has 3000 acres of leased land , he has less than 200 acres, the rest is State Land he tries to get you to hunt. He has no ATV, 1 Trail cam, 4 Tree Stands, (in lousy locations), no outfitters license, no nothing, he just wants your money. In over 40 yrs of hunting I've never meet a more deceitful liar in my life. All the pics on his web site he downloaded form the interenet, contact me at (buckhuntr01@yahoo.com) to hear more about this thief.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jul 25, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: stuart harrell

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Everything I expected from a guided hunt. Saw plenty of deer and mostly bucks running. several 120s a 160s that would not cooperate and a 146 10 point that I took home to ga.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Feb 7, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Tony Sehman

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

If you want the truth about Thunder Ridge Outfitters and what the operation is about. Please do not take the word of one disgruntled hunter whom has decided to leave several annonymous comments on here. All of the positive reviews are from former paid clients from all over the United States. Visit our website or Feel free to contact me anytime with the truth. This was his first hunt ever and he did not kill. It's fair chase hunting. That is all I can say. Also I have not harvested an antlered whitetail in Four Years, hows that for my trophy hunting. Killed a nice Elk this year though. God Bless...

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Feb 6, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Christopher P

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Totally the worst outfitter I have ever been with. This guy sabotaged tree stands of other hunters and bragged about it in front of other hunters in camp.. 2 of us paid top dollar for the hunt and later found out that he charged less to other hunters from FL..(They have made positive posts on here...go figure) And he also let them slide on an undersized buck fee too.. I feel they are using the outfitting business to help themselves to the land before they start guiding.. They do not take hunters until Nov.. that leaves them almost a month of hunting the farms before you do.. If you noticed 2 yrs in a row, Cabelas posted pictures of the the outfitters and their kids with deer.. no clients.. I used Cabelas to book this hunt and I will not use them again.. It is ashame that there are outfitters still screwing guys over for their hard earned money.. Seems like they are wanaby celebrities.... I feel they are just thieves.. Myself and hunters look forward to this time every year, and put alot of faith into the outfitters we hire.. Well, you can check this outfitter off your list!!! PS. In a fruitless attempt, he has had all his buddies post on this site.. It is kinda funny.. but fruitless.. I also remember them talking about a guy from MN the week earlier that they set up to go trespass on a neighboring property to kill his buck.. 150-160 class animal.. I think his name was Chris.. That's Thunder Ridge outfitting at it's best!!! Good Luck if you book with this guy..

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 30, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Richard Adrian

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

This was my second hunt with Thunder Ridge. I didnt harvest a Buck on this Hunt but saw alot of deer and had a opportunity but missed on a 150" class buck. Tony did everything he could to make sure we were sucessful despite the bad weather. The food and lodging were very good and I will book again.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 25, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: paul benefield

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

my first iowa hunt was great ...thanks to tony,wade and their dad....lodging was very comfortable....food was great...they really make you feel at home!!i will definitely go back to thunder ridge

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 25, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Matt Hanel

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I am very greatful to Tony and Wade for their effort and time they spent with me. I shot the biggest buck to date with a bow. I saw larger bucks and wish I was capable of calling them closer. They moved me from stand to stand and farm to farm making sure I was getting every opportunity to send an arrow. After I filled on the third day I was able to ride along while dropping off fellow hunters and glassing fields for the next day hunts. We saw some monsters!! in and around their farms. The amount of bucks was unbieleavable. They know what monsters are on their farms before the rut and constantly watch for additional bucks to appear. Their food and lodging also is fantastic, they make you feel at home. I can't wait to get back there!!!! Unfortunately it takes some time to draw a tag.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 21, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Eddie Triplett

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Nothing but positive things to say about this hunt and the outfitter. The lodging and meals were great and the effort level of the guide was fantastic. I was scheduled for 5 days but tagged out on the fourth day with a buck in the AM and a doe that same afternoon. I saw countless deer including shooters each day. The stands I hunted were primarily loc-ons but I did shoot the doe from a ladder.Outstanding operation. I will be returning with 4 friends in tow this November since we now have enough points to actually draw a tag again. Can't wait!

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 21, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Bob Peeters

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

My hunting partner and I have been on three whitetail hunts with Thunder Ridge Outfitters and would recommend anyone to hunt with them in the future. My hunting partner and I have yet to shoot a deer with Tony and Wade but have seen some tremendous animals and have had a great time every trip. They work hard for their clients but can not always control weather, shooting ability etc. Lodging and food top notch. As far as "SECRET" farms...We have spent over $ 20,000.00 on trips and leave at least a $ 1000.00 tip every year even though we have never taken a deer and we have never been offered one of these secret farms, other post are talking about. If anyone would have been offered to hunt a secret farm it would have been us after all the time and money we have put through Thunder Ridge. Everyone hunts the same location as far as I have seen and everyone is treated the same. If you want to hunt Iowa hunt thunder Ridge. My son killed a nice 14 pointer 150" buck this year on his first hunt with Tony and Wade.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 21, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Rennie Wilson

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I have have hunted both whitetail and turkey with Thunder Ridge Outfitters and have been very successful with both. Matter of fact I took my biggest whitetail with a bow, scored 163, with Tony at Thunder Ridge. I have hunted deer and turkey with Thunder Ridge for five years. In that five years I have been lucky to draw two bow tags. In both cases, I hunted with Thunder Ridge. I saw plenty of good quality bucks and had numberous opportunity to take a buck that would score over 150. This outfit is operated by two brothers that are bow hunters themselves therefore ensuring that stand placement is perfect for the bow hunter. They work very hard to ensure that you have multiple opportunities if needed at taking a mature buck. I have never been dissatisfied with the effort put forth by the guides, the number or quality of deer or turkey observed or the opportunity that I had to take a deer or turkey. I highly recommend this outfit and I will continue to return to Thunder Ridge to both bow & turkey hunt. My experience at Thunder Ridge has been like hunting with family.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 20, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Gregg Jones

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I Drew a tag this year and hunted the first two weeks of the archery season at thunder ridge outfitters. Knowing I may not draw again for another 3 years I thought it would be best to have the time blocked off in advanced. Thunder ridge runs one camp of no more than 8 guys in camp a week and my camp had 6 total. Funny there was no Steve R. or Chris b. From Jersey at all those two weeks. In fact of the 10 guys I hunted with ( of which 6 killed, all left camp with every intention of rebooking on their next draw). These two ficticious characters are simply on here bashing tro and promoting another site. Bad for business and bad for them. Wade and Tony run a top notch outfit from the lodge to the stands to the timbers they hunt. Every stand I sat was like it was the first time it had been sat, in fact most had never been. I saw atleast 15 deer every day and approximately 20 bucks finally harvesting a 150" nontypical on the 8th day. If your looking to book a tremendous whitetail hunt in Iowa do your own legwork like I did. Visit these boys website and call some REAL references on their site whom actually hunted with them. Good hunting.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 19, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Private Hunter

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

As to the positive reviews made about this outfitter.. These are his friends that get special treatment. The truth be told is that what made this hunt terrible was not the poor quality of bucks seen it was the attitude's of the guides. The purely didn't care if we got our deer or didn't. It was a select few that they took to some private farms secretly that have posted these positive reviews. It just seems like a shady operation for them to take people's money and to hunt for themselves and their select friends.. Little do some of these FL guys know, Tony was trashing them behind their backs... From the guide's own mouth, he said: " Cabelas is backing off booking hunts with us and sending their clients to Crashin Antlers Outfitters which is right down the road".. I guess their quality speaks for themselves... Good Luck if you book or get taken by these guys..

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 19, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Private Hunter

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

As to the positive reviews made about this outfitter.. These are his friends that get special treatment. The truth be told is that what made this hunt terrible was not the poor quality of bucks seen it was the attitude's of the guides. The purely didn't care if we got our deer or didn't. It was a select few that they took to some private farms secretly that have posted these positive reviews. It just seems like a shady operation for them to take people's money and to hunt for themselves and their select friends.. Little do some of these FL guys know, Tony was trashing them behind their backs... From the guide's own mouth, he said: " Cabelas is backing off booking hunts with us and sending their clients to Crashin Antlers Outfitters which is right down the road".. I guess their quality speaks for themselves... Good Luck if you book or get taken by these guys..

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 18, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Darryl Gibbs

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

This was my second whitetail hunt. First was in IL and it was awful. The trip to Thunder Ridge was a complete opposite experience. At Thunder Ridge, there is an abundance of deer and more importantly an abundance of good deer. Many bucks were seen during the trip and a 50% kill rate during during the 2nd muzzleloader season. More bucks would have been killed but several of the hunters passed shooters (140) in hopes of killing 160 class deer. I killed a nice ten point and will be back again. I plan on hunting Iowa again with Thunder Ridge in the near future. Thanks again to the Sehman brothers for a quality whitetail hunt.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 17, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: wendell juneau

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

This was the first Iowa hunt and will not be the last!!!! I had the opportunity to draw a tag this past season and furthermore, had the hunt of a lifetime with Thunder Ridge Outfitters..The hospitality from Tony and Wade, and their father Gary, was clearly above expectations. As for the hunting, it was the best Whitetail hunt I have ever been on, seeing many rutting bucks every day including huge mature deer daily , from 170"-200"+, but I did not let one arrow fly the entire week!! Cover was dense where we hunted, never having a clear shot at the vitals on these monsters all week.. After seeing these tremendous typicals and non-typs. , I did pass on several deer in the 140-150" class daily..There are several stands in strategic locations which are very safe and secure as well, which we used several days, however, we brought loc on stands/steps also, which were handy to allow us to be more mobile as we attempted to harvest these huge deer. After chasing these majestic animals for 28years with a bow, again, no luck this trip , but this has been the best whitetail hunting operation and property I have ever been on! I hope and pray that I am lucky enough to draw another tag in the near future, and without reservation, I would honestly book another archery hunt with Tony and Wade at Thunder Ridge outfitters..In closing , I did notice below that a few reviews were made by a "private hunter, and an anonomous hunter". With all due respect to these discrete individuals, it is their opinion, but to say stands were unsafe and difficult is totally bogus..If you cannot climb a 20' vine ladder secured to a tree, providing you have no physical limitations or handicaps, then you must be a heavy weight and need to hunt out of a ground blind, not a tree stand. I am totally amazed these guys gave Thunder Ridge Outfitters 1 star , (which is what caught my attention to read more), after all the positive 5 star reviews and references I discovered , which led me to book an incredible hunt with Thunder Ridge this past November..After all, Iowa is the land of whitetail giants!! Obviously, they experienced high enough reviews as well, which provided them the confidence needed to book this season with Thunder Ridge Outfitters. Its my opinion, but sounds like these 2 dudes should be hunting on a "high fence" preserve!

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 16, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Bill Wagstaff

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

My neighbor and I booked this hunt which was our first trip to Iowa. There were initially 4 hunters in camp, but an additional hunter arrived mid week. Hunted mostly hardwoods with good visibility and shooting out to 30 yards. We had good pre-rut action on most days, and once I had a dozen bucks in view at the same time. I saw shooter bucks every day except one day which was really windy. The stands were well placed and there was good action.The accomdations were just right with ample room for gear and getting dressed. The food was good and there was plenty of it. I think Tony and Wade did a good job of putting us in good spots and really wanted us to get our deer. 4 of the 5 hunters shot deer that week.I am looking forward to drawing another archery tag in a few years and plan to go back with Thunder Ridge Outfitters.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 16, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Steve Krueger

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I hunted with Thunder Ridge outitters this year for the first time. I went on the late muzzleloader hunt rite after Christmas. I had a very enjoyable time with them. Tony and Wade gave me respect as one of the "gang" and made me feel right at home. They tried there hardest to lock me into the "buck of a lifetime". I saw several deer each night out and had nothing but excellent spots,stands, and in general a great hunting experience. Though I did not see the the buck I was looking for, saw several bucks many would consider a true buck of a lifetime, I deffinately would go back and already have told them to reserve a spot for next years muzzleloader hunt. The lodging is excellant,food was great and Tony and his family really put a personal touch to making sure I had a great experience. Hats off to Thunder Ridge Outfitters! I deffinately would reccomned!

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 14, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Jeff Manthey

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

This was my first year hunting at Thunder Ridge. My experience with them was excellent ! As the guide had told me prior to going the weather really factors in on deer movement to the foodplots unfortunately we didnt have cold and snow we were hoping for but I still seen alot of deer and alot of nice bucks. The lodging was great and the food was very good ! The week I was there they had 8 hunters in camp and I thought the guides did a great job placing the hunters in stands that give them the best oppurtunity to get the deer they were looking for .Unfortunately there had to be two guys from somewhere out east that they couldnt possible make happy obviously they dont understand late season hunting in the midwest and how the weather affects it. Overall the hunt was super at TRO and if i'm lucky enough to draw another Iowa tag I will be going back !

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 14, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: David Lichtenwalner

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I have been on many hunts over the past 30 years. I've seen both good and bad. I've had booking agents and outfitters oversell hunts and have learned what questions to ask of both the outfitters and their references. I booked a hunt with Thunder Ridge Outfitters for a shotgun whitetail hunt in December of 2010, Tony Sehman answered all my questions and was very helpful as far as advising me on what to bring, what to expect as far as the hunt went, etc. On the first day of my hunt a blizzard blew in and we experienced atrocious conditions. Single digit temperatures and winds up to 45 MPH. Through it all tony and Wade encouraged us to suck it up and continue to hunt despite the conditions as long as we were able.As it turned out we saw many more deer than I ever thought. I passed up several 140-150" bucks holding out for a stud. One evening I had 26 deer in one small food plot at one time including 11 bucks but not the one I wanted. Several of the hunters in our group killed good bucks. I passed and at the end of the week was not sorry that I had held out. Iowa tags arent easy to come by and I wasnt willing to burn one on the kind of buck that I already had on my wall. In fact on the last night I saw the kind of buck I wanted to take but ran out of daylight before he got close enough to shoot at with a shotgun. I beleive that if the weather had cooperated a bit more I would have killed the buck that I came to Iowa for. I fully intend to hunt with the Sehman brothers again as soon as I can draw an Iowa tag again. They are great guys and straight shooters.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 14, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Chris Walker

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

This was my second late season muzzleloader hunt with Thunder Ridge Outfitters in Iowa. Had another outstanding hunt and killed my biggest buck to date (164"). Hunting during the late season is very dependant on the weather. The colder days it was not uncommon to see 60 to 80 deer during an evening sit. When it warmed up the deer didn't hit the food sources as early and numbers of deer seen were in the range of 20 to 30 per evening sit. This is an evening only hunt and I have come to see why. The deer bed very close to the food sources and hunting in the morning only blows them out and ruins the evening hunting. You are mainly sitting on standing food sources (corn and beans) that seem to bring the deer in from miles around (especially when it is cold). I would recommend this hunt to anyone. The numbers and size of their deer is incredible. The only negative part of the hunt were a couple of guys in camp that whined about everything. Hard to blame the outfitter for that.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 14, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: John R

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Just wanted to say I really enjoyed my experience with Thunder Ridge Outfitters this year for late muzzle loader season. This is my third time booking with these guy's and have been fortunate enough to harvest a 154", 146"... and took a 148" this year. Ya, I was holding out for something a little bigger but after looking at the extended weather forecast while I was in camp I figured I might have to get it done if the oppurtunity presented itself. Late muzzle loader in IA is always tricky and is really really weather dependant.. It has to be cold...really cold and snow always helps. The only thing on the mind of those big bucks is food this time of year and it has to be really cold with snow to get those big boys coming out in daylight!.. Ya you could hunt the morning if you want but the chances of you beating a big buck back to his bedding area is few and far between!...All you end up doing is screwing up the bedding area for that evenings hunt. So that is why you see 99% of the late muzzle loader big buck kills take place in evening hunts in IA!... Do some research my freinds...Evening is the best time to get that big boys coming out. Watch all the hunting videos of IA late muzzle loader and you will see that 99% of them take place in the evenings. If you want to go out in the morning and freeze your &#$!..off go ahead!.. That is why you don't hunt mornings in IA for late muzzle loader. Tony and Wade are both good guy's and after booking three different years with them I have become great freinds with them both and their families. Ya, and I AM NOT ON THE BUDDY PRICE PROGRAM EITHER!!!.. I pay full price just like everybody else!.. Ya Tony and Wade both might be kind of smartasses and give ya $%&@!..but so am I kind of...and I would rather hunt with an outfitter that knows how to kill big deer rather then and outfitter who has the fancy lodge, 5 star food and don't do #$%@!..to put you on deer. After the last few years I have been able to hunt with many different clients while I was at Thunder Ridge. I have to say most of the guy's are down ol good guy's and enjoyed the freindships I have been able to build. But some of them are whining pre-madonnas!!!... That think it should be a guarenteed deal. Trust me this outfitter wants you to harvest a deer...I don't think they want the bad press either. I have never felt like I have been gar-holed in a hunting spot at TFO and have always felt that they are putting me in the best spots they can. This is fair chase hunting my freinds and nothing is for sure. Yes, I have had the golden horse shoe the last several years but my luck will soon run out too...Thats hunting man!.. I would deffiantely suggest booking with this outfitter!!!.....

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 14, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: jeff miller

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Good hunt, as always weather dictates success on late muzzleloader hunt. Camp had 8 hunters. Father/Son hunters from Jersey were greenhorns and complained some. Could tell they had too high of expectations. Outfitter did everything he could to make us successful.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 14, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Private Hunter

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I don't have many hunts to compare this too, but it was a terrible experience.. They don't hunt mornings, and you sit around all day waiting till your 2 hour evening hunt to see a couple does.. No effort from the guides at all.. It seems they outfit the properties to fund there own trophy hunts on properties they are guiding you... They charge less to certain hunters for the hunt and talk trash on everyone in camp.. They are supposed to be a service business, they are taking hunters for a ride while they put their buddies and themselves on the deer!! Hunt was booked through Cabelas and I am truly disappointed.. I don't know if I would ever book another hunt because of it.. They tell you to pass up 150" deer and their friends are allowed to kill 130" deer on the same property you are hunting.. Total waste of money! Tony the guide is a complete jackass, talks about other hunters behind their back... I think this outfitter has great ground to hunt and guide hunters on if he ave a crap about you.. He has no business being in the industry.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 14, 2011

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - Dallas Center IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: Anonomous Hunter

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

This hunt was totally f#cke! up.. Only thing positive was the food.. Guides were brothers that talk behind each others back, constantly lying between them, they couldn't keep the lies straight... Special treatment to certain hunters. No effort at all from them.. Just a total disgrace to the outfitting business.. DO NOT BOOK HERE!!!

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Nov 22, 2010

Outfitter Review: True Trophy Outfitters - IA

Outfitter / Owner:

Hunter: tom matz

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

This hunt was recommended and booked thru Cabelas Outdoor Adventures. The Outfitter hunted every a.m. and P.M. I was there. A friend of the outfitter was hunting and was given sole use of trail cam pics, decoys, and the outfitters knowledge. Only 1 ladder stand available for use. Lock on stands were available but very difficult to get into, and, some were unsafe in my opinion. I saw a total of 17 deer while hunting. I was deeply disappointed in this hunt. There is little doubt that this outfitter is a terriffic hunter, but, he needs to get his priorities in line and recognize his paying customers. Much more to share, please call or write for further info.

Outfitter Review: Windy Ridge Outfitting - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Nick Boley

Hunter: John Hambey

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I booked a hunt with Nick for the second week of the November 2010 season. Nick picked me up at the airport for the two hour ride back to the lodge. He was very informative about the way he hunted and the type of the stands he used. He made sure every day to check the wind for the right direction so that you were in right stand for that given day. I never hunted the same stand twice while i was there. All the stands were in great shape with the trails marked to and from with bright eyes and flagging tape. Nick's guides were up to the task of getting you out and picked me up as well as checking on you. My trip was great except for the record rain fall that was happening in Iowa at the time. It rained four out of the seven days I was there. The deer sign was good just crappy weather with a lot standing corn. It was a great trip for waiting three years for a Iowa tag. I would go back if i ever get drawn again.

Outfitter Review: Soap Creek Outfitters - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Brian Lindberg

Hunter: Barry Schultz

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

I would recommend Soap Creek to anyone looking for a good semi-guided hunt, as long as you bring a couple of your own stands to hang. This was definitely a semi guided hunt, I was shown the property and a few stands he has out but they were mainly short ladder stands or lock on that the chains were grown into the trees! They were in good areas but just needed some tweaking, either moving them 50 yards or limbing them out. The property was one of the nicest properties I've been on, that was mostly Oaks with lots of nice draws. There was some nice bucks on the property with lots of sign. The only problem was Too much food: Acorns everywhere! Which kept the does from moving much, but the bucks were out looking at all times of the day (saw most deer between 8-10am and 1-3pm but had that a 140 class buck chase a doe by me at noon) before the rains came in. We got 3 1/2" of rain the last 3 days I was there, that shut most of the deer movement down! All though I had a 155" 8 pointer come in behind me in the rain the first day it started. I never heard him and didn't see until he was 14 yards behind me on the wrong side of the tree which I couldn't get a shot at. This was a stand that I moved and hung. They shot that buck the following week with a muzzleloader. I did see another 150 class 10 pointer at about 60 yards and that 140 class buck chasing a doe, as well as passed up a 130 class 8 pointer, a couple 120 class bucks and a half rack buck that if the other side matched would have been in 135-140 class. Overall, it's a good hunt for the money and I'll go back sometime in the future whether it's his Iowa Farm or one of his Missouri farms which are only 10 miles away. But, I'll bring a couple of my own stands!

Outfitter Review: Herrmann Monster Guides - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Brad Herrmann

Hunter: Dan Shull

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Before even thinking about booking with Brad Herrmann, contact me and I can give you 50 hunters names, phone numbers, and e mail addresses. Also, check with the Iowa DNR and Iowa Attorney Generals office, its on public record. Contact me Dan Shull at danshull@mytci.net or call me @ 717 636-0902

Outfitter Review: Herrmans Monster Guides - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Brad Herrman

Hunter: Charlie Strange

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

We booked a hunt in Iowa with Brad Herrman and Herrman's Monster Guides. When we arrived at Dudes Iowa we called Brad so he could come and meet us. He told us the location of the trailer we were to stay in and told us where the key was and that he would be there to meet us the next day. The next day he called and said to meet him in a town 25 miles away and he would show us where to hunt. We met Brad and his brother and they took us to two farms and told us we had over 300acs on each one and we could hunt anywhere we wanted. He had two ground blinds on each farm that looked like he just sat them up in the middle of a field. He told us that we would see nice quality bucks and that we were to pass on any 150 class bucks because we were sure to see bigger ones. He also told us if we weren't seeing good bucks to call him and he would place us on another farm or put drives on for us. So we paid him in cash which he requested and he and his brother went on there way. Needless to say we never saw any big bucks. We told Brad that the trailer we were staying in had no propane for cooking and it also had a water leak that needed fixed. He assured us he would be over the next day and fix the leak and bring propane. That never happened. We tried calling him to place us on another farm and to get us propane but he shut his cell phone off and we could not get a hold of him all week. He just took the money and ran. It was so bad we ended up hunting public land. Guides like this should not be allowed to guide. It was the worst hunt I've ever been on and I would not recommend this guide service to my worst enemy. Please if there is anything you can do, this operation needs to be shut down. Thanks, Charlie

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Wade/Tony Sehman

Hunter: Chris Walker

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Went on a late season muzzleloader hunt with Thunder Ridge in January, 2009. Standing crops were left in the field for late season hunting and this brought in a tremendous amount of deer. There is a 140" minimum on bucks and we filled 2 out of 3 tags. Had the weather been colder i'm confident we would have tagged a third buck. Great hunt. Great guides. Highly recommended if you want an opportunity at a trophy deer.

Outfitter Review: Iowa Drop Tine Outfitters - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Jerry Hoover

Hunter: Randy Petersen

Animals Hunted: Whitetails

The Hoover family has a great place to hunt in Zone 4 in Iowa, I shot a 150 class buck and my partner shot a 160 class buck, great people, great food and great hunting.Give me a call if you have any questions:Randy @ 850-232-6517rpelg@yahoo.com

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Wade & Tony Sehman

Hunter: Chris Walker

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

We hunted the late muzzleloader season and it was an evening only hunt. This may seem strange but the owners are absolutely correct in staying out of the timber during the day. Your best odds are hunting food sources in the evening. We were a group of three and each of us saw over 60 deer per night and an average of 15 to 20 bucks each. The weather was unseasonably warm but we still went 2 for 3 on great bucks. This is a top notch outfit that offers tremendous trophy potential to its hunters.

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Tony Sehman

Hunter: darrell prentice

Animals Hunted: whitetail deer

this was my first trip to iowa and it was unbelievable. i cant wait to go back. i own a sporting goods store and hear a lot of horror tales from my customers about their experience with outfitters, it leaves you wondering. i have been on serveral hunts in other states and this was the best one i have been on. the accomodations were excellent and the hunting was tremendous. i did not harvest my deer til the last minute and my guides never quit working for me the whole hunt. i am looking forward to next year now and would recommend thunder ridge to anyone looking for not only a chance at a trophy whitetail but an overall relaxing and quality hunting experience.

Outfitter Review: Iowa Drop Tine Outfitters - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Hoover Family

Hunter: Randy Petersen

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

It took me 3 years to draw an Iowa archery deer tag ,me and my friend David and I both shot great bucks with our bows in the 150 plus class. There are no better people and outfitters i have ever met than the Hoovers, they are first class in every aspect.We will be back to hunt with them as soon as we get another tag.Call me if you want to hunt a great place in IOWAI will be glad to tell you about my hunt

Outfitter Review: Performance Outdoors - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Jake Roach

Hunter: Pernell Davis

Animals Hunted: Deer

I waited three years to get an Iowa tag and I talked to Jake Roach about hunting in Iowa he told me that we would see alot of big bucks but he forgot to tell me he lost his best farm. Later the guide told me that they killed 60% of the buck on the farm they lost. He told me that in 2007 11 out of 16 hunters killed some awesome bucks. I saw 1 buck that might go 125 and that was the only buck I saw. In 2009 I know for a fact that they killed 3 out of 16 so we were very disapointed. The camp was a joke, rats and mice everywhere, food not ever put away. The guides were the cooks, one guide was 25 years old and the othe was 21 so the food was terrible!!! Jake nevered show up at camp he just collect your money in full before we arrived at camp. We had 4 farms to hunt and only two of the 4 were huntable. They only had 5 stands set up for north wind so they were hunted often. However he did invite 3 friends from college to hunt in our camp on differnt farm which we were not allowed to hunt and they killed 2 deer and missed 3 it seems like the people thats paid the $3500.00 would get the good farm. I have hunted with alot of guides and outfitters and Performance Outdoors does not take care of their clients at all.

Outfitter Review: Steel Creek - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Ernie Scott

Hunter: Ken K

Animals Hunted: whitetail deer

We hunted the first gun season 2007.Only 4 hunters in camp and we all killed bucks scoring between 144-150".Awesome properties and great stand locations.Ernie does his homework and will put you on the bucks.He's a stickler for only huunting stands only when the wind conditions are ideal for that stand.The meals consisted of a family style dinner served nightly which was good homemade cooking with sizeable portions.Accomadations are small rooms in a brand new lodge that was recently built.We have rebooked for 09' and are bringing 2 more hunters with us.

Outfitter Review: Thunder Ridge Outfitters - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Wade/Tony sheman

Hunter: John Alvino

Animals Hunted: WHITETAIL DEER

First of all I should say I hunted the late muzzleloader hunt. The outfittter reccomended the hunters not hunt in the mornings as to not disturb the bedding areas as the deer are pretty much exhausted at this time of year..or at least that is what he claimed. The weather was unseasonably hot with cold weather coming in the last 2 days but it didnt help much. I stayed in the back of the taxidermy studio which one of the owners owned, it was comfortable except for the out house...One of the major problems with this outfit is one of the owners hunts the stands he places hunters on. Even though he has a farm in zone 5 which he also hunts on. I know there is internal friction with the other brother/owner in this regard. But it seems as though nothing can be done about it at this time. He even had a photo on the wall of a 180 class buck he took just 3 weeks before I arrived in camp which by the way is the stand he had me in...Most of his ground blinds are set of for nw winds...if the wind changed your pretty much out of luck..I suggested enclosed elevated blinds to help elevate that problem to which I was told they might do that.. I really believe this could be a great place to hunt if they take this guiding business serious, but as of now I believe that for at least the one owner it is only a place to finance his own trophy hunting..And to add insult to injury I booked this hunt 2 years prior with Cabelas for the first gun hunt in december where my chances would be improved, they applied me for the late season for which I had the bad luck to hunt. I would never reccomend cabelas to anyone either. Email me if you would like further info.

Outfitter Review: Big Oak Elk Ranch - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Henry

Hunter: cody Burggraff

Animals Hunted: russian hogs, texas dall sheep

A buddy and I went on an off season hunt at the Big oak elk ranch for exotics. All archery all on film two russian hogs and a texas dall ram... Alot of fun in the off season. ranch is pretty, lodges are excellent... henry is a super nice guy and very friendly. Very nice butchering house on sight and henry cuts and packeges all your meat so when you get home it's ready to go into the freezer. Very nice place to hunt exotics. will be back.

Outfitter Review: Randy Huffy/ Wildlife Management Properties - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Randy Huffy

Hunter: Troy

Animals Hunted: Deer/ Turkey

On of the guys that was with us shot a buck then we were told that he had to pay a trophy fee that was never brought up prior to the hunt or in our contract

Outfitter Review: Steel Creek Outfiteers - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Ernie Scott

Hunter: bill allegra

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

What more can I say than 5 1/2 days to hunt and never saw a shooter in Iowa the second week of Nov. and saw less than 20 deer all week. Ernie has great farms but will put return hunters in the best places over first time hunters especially if they come in a group.really doesn't have guides, just one person that helps out on occasion. If you do go bring the following, pull up ropes, climber, bow holders, saw, towels and you will have to field dress and skin your own deer.

Outfitter Review: Steelcreek Outfitters - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Ernie Scott

Hunter: tony c.

Animals Hunted: whitetail deer

how can an outfitter hunt on my dollar bill? well they did!!!! they over booked, somewhat rude to a few hunters, didn't move stands when asked to, plumbing sucked, as well as the food. great lands and I'm sure there are big bucks around. treestands where placed in good places, but placed in trees at over 30', leaning either right/left, or into the trees. this outfitter just sucked. came to find out a week after my hunt that he had gotten in trouble for helping 2 of his hunters poaching deer few years before our hunt

Outfitter Review: Steel Creek Outfitters - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Ernie Scott

Hunter: Joe B.

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Three of us hunted the second week of November 2006. The farms they have are gorgeous, we saw more deer then we thought. I saw 2 shooters, my friend saw 1, and the last friend saw none. The stands are placed in great locations, but the stands are placed in dangerous positions, and really high. There is no way of finding the stands in the dark. The food was poor, as are the accomodations, roaches, and mice found, one bathroom, with a clogged toilet. This outfitter over booked having over 11 hunters in camp with 2 guides, both the owner and his guide hunted while we where in camp. The 3 of us felt the outfitter didn't go out of his way for us like he said he would, we really felt like we where the outcasts. It was too bad it happen, I would of gave a deposit for a future hunt......Live and learn

Outfitter Review: Hawkeye Whitetails - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Shawn and Buck Woods

Hunter: Mark C. Spear

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Iowa deer hunting offers a whole new experience for the eastern whitetail enthusiast.The number of larger bucks you see in just a short week's time is unbelivable. Obviously, buck to doe ratios are near where they should be.Iowa farms and terrain are similar to ours back in northern West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania, just more level and a whole lot bigger. If you're looking for a friendly, family-type, no bull, relaxed hunting atmosphere, Shawn and Buck Woods, and everyone else at Hawkeye Whitetails strive, and come through with providing that. I would recommend them 100%, and I can't wait to go back to Iowa, visit with friends and great deer hunting, plus I can shop for antique tractors!

Outfitter Review: Hawkeye Whitetails - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Shawn Woods

Hunter: John Klinzing

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Shawn Woods at Hawkeye Whitetails is committed to having you kill a quality whitetail deer. His farms and leases are managed for above average whitetails with trophy potential present. In my last muzzleloader hunt I had on Shawn's properties the opportunity to kill a whitetail was 100%. I passed several deer in the 130 and low 140 classes with a miss at a 150 class whitetail. A prior hunt yielded a sighting of a 170+ class animal. Overall, hunting is above average with a commitment to quality whitetail management.

Outfitter Review: HAWKEYE WHITETAILS - IOWA

Outfitter / Owner: SHAWN WOODS

Hunter: SCOTT BONHOLTZER

Animals Hunted: DEER

THE WEEK I HUNTED 11 HUNTERS KILLED 10 BUCKS.SIX OF THOSE TAKEN SCORED OVER 140 B&C POINTS.

Outfitter Review: Hawkeye Whitetails - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Shawn/Buck Woods

Hunter: Brian Winot

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

The simple answer to a recommendation for this outfitter is yes, however, you must be up for the type of hunting that will be required if the weather does not cooperate. Shawn warned us for 2 years prior to our late muzzleloader hunt that if the weather was not frigid cold that we would have to drive the deer. Well for the 3rd year in a row Iowa's winter is coming late and it was in the 40's during our hunt which kept the deer out of site even during the twilight hours. Iowa deer are hunted very hard and are EXTREMELY spooky thus if the weather is warm they have no problem going completely nocturnal.Deer drives are not for everyone and especially with a bunch of strangers. We saw tons of deer and some very good bucks, out of 14 guys hunting we killed 11 or 12, the biggest being a 163". Shawn, Buck, Rowdy, and Ray made accomodations for older hunters or hunters who could not stand to do all the walking required, they kept the drives as organized as possible and as safe as possible. there is always risk in hunting and driving increases that risk.Trying to hunt trophy class deer that way is tough, you must be a quick judge and even quicker trigger!! If driving deer is not your cup of tea I would not recommend Iowa, however, if you do decide to try Iowa and can think of no better outfitter to call than Hawkeye Whitetails. We have booked again for next year and will continue to hunt with these fine folks as long as they will have us.I take 4 - 5 guided deer hunts each season and have seen the best and the worst of outfitters, I can tell you that these guys are genuine, personable, and will go out of their way to make everyone in camps hunt enjoyable, comfortable, and with a little luck, successful.

Outfitter Review: Oakview Outfitters - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Duane Graber

Hunter: D. J. JOHNSON

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Duane is a very likeable fellow but does not have a clue what it takes to be a good outfitter. He hase some prime property for deer but does nothing to enhance the property to keep the deer on the property. Once the crops are harvested the deer are gone.Poor tree stands as far as quality goes. Just because you have some leased property, good food, and accomidations that alone does not make a good outfitter.

Outfitter Review: Wild Rose Ranch - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Rod Schmidt

Hunter: Michael Dunn

Animals Hunted: Elk, Whitetail, Bison, Pheasant

This is my third time going back to hunt Wild Rose Ranch and I will be going again next season too. I have done alot of research on other outfitters on have found that this outfitter puts you as the hunter on the top of the priority list. When I pay to have someone guide me I expect expertise , experience, and some to show me how to get an animal of my dreams and a hunt of a lifetime. I got all of the above while hunting there. I WILL be back and I know that I will have a wonderful hunt then too.

Outfitter Review: Randy Huffy - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Randy Huffy

Hunter: tom nolan

Animals Hunted: whitetail

Randy huffy advertises in north american hunter and is not truthful.His supposed stands totaled 1 about 8 feet high.His so called guide spooked all the deer and was from another state.He wasnt there to meet me he was out driving around.A nine month pregnant girl friend lived next door and knew nothing.He was going to have stands up and a motel room reserved for me instead when I found him he put me in a bug infested dive BEWARE.

Outfitter Review: Fox River Outfitters - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Howard Schreiber

Hunter: Joseph R. Berger

Animals Hunted: whitetail

When outfitter was asked to return deposit he had required to book hunt (did not draw, not enough points) he claimed no knowlege of submitted deposit, even when sent a copy of canceled check. Will not respond to e-mail or phone.

Outfitter Review: Steel Creek Outfitters - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Ernie Scott

Hunter: Ed Gpiffin

Animals Hunted: Whitetail deer

Hunted with Ernie 1st week of November. The weather was a bit warm and a injury kept me from putting the time in on stand I wanted to. I did see a few shooters and one monster in the booner class. Overall the properties are great, good trophy area in southeast Iowa. The lodge was a converted garage, nothing fancy but for the price of the hunt you can't beat it and the meals were home cooked. I would recommend anyone looking for a Iowa outfitter at a fair price to contact Ernie at Steel creek outfitters, he is a great honest outfitter.

Outfitter Review: J & S Trophy Hunts - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Steve Shoop

Hunter: Scott Duda

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I've hunted both Missouri and Iowa - both excellent hunts. In 2003, I shot a 125" (10 point)in Missouri. I seen deer all day long and there's no telling what you might see next.In 2004, I was unsuccessful in Iowa; however, that was by choice. I decided to pass on anything that was smaller than 130". I did see deer ranging in the 160"s, unfortunately it was too far with a bow. As far as the accommodations - excellent. In fact, this is the only hunt that I gained weight on.The guides are just fantastic! They go the extra mile to help you score your deer.

Outfitter Review: JS Trophy Hunts - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Steve Shoop

Hunter: kevin hollister

Animals Hunted: whitetaildeer

saw 21 bucks in three days and 3 shooters. I have rebooked to go back this year.

Outfitter Review: Hawkeye Whitetails - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Shawn and Dave Woods

Hunter: Jerry Heidel

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Shawn was a very good host. Dave cooked for us every morning at 4:30 A.M. and was a great host too. They would be as much hands on or off as you needed. They would start you off in a good spot and you could go from there. He did his best to see that you would at least see a shooter buck. I killed the second day of my hunt (offical score 142 3/8" gross 132 2/8" net). Shawn took me out every morning for the last three days of my hunt to try to show me a booner chasing does, while the other hunter I was with was hunting. We did see one that we thought would make boone and crockett the last morning. I will be back to hunt with them again.

Outfitter Review: L&D Outfitting - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Hector Lopez

Hunter: Eugene E.Scott

Animals Hunted: whitetail deer

L&D outfitting is a total rip off. We paid to have property leased through L&D, we even signed a contract. The owner of L&D ask the land owner if his friend from school could hunt on the land. The land owner did not know of an money being involved. L&D said they would have stands hung for us (8 guys. There where 3 stand hung an they where all about 10 feet off the ground. The stands where in very bad condition an where very dangerous. This outfitter is a total fraud. I do not recommend this outfitter to anyone. STAY AWAY!!!

Outfitter Review: Iowa Trophy Whitetail Outfitters - IA

Outfitter / Owner: Judd Cooney

Hunter: Craig Conway

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

My dad and I hunted Dec.1-5. There were a total of 5 hunters in camp. Every hunter saw trophy bucks and one even had shots at three different 150 class bucks missing them at 25, 50 and 55 yards. One other hunter also missed a 92 yard shot. There were plenty of stands for everyone. Bunks were comfortable food was good and plentiful. My dad shot a 11 point 143 3/8" buck on the third day. I saw 5 bucks chasing 1 doe the biggest buck probably making 160" however they were out of muzzleloader range. I think if the weather was colder the food plots on the property would have been a real big attraction. I'm definately going back to hunt with the bow. Judd runs a great operation and is very entertaining throughout the hunt.

Outfitter Review: Prairies Edge Goose Club - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Shawn Eldredge

Hunter: Tim Conder

Animals Hunted: Waterfowl

I have hunted with Prairies Edge for a number of years in both Iowa and Missouri... I come from Florida twice a year and every time I have enjoyed myself considerably and came away with some great memories... These guys are true hosts and know how to put you on the birds!! A quality operation!

Outfitter Review: J&S Trophy Hunts - Iowa

Outfitter / Owner: Steve Shoop

Hunter: rick

Animals Hunted: whitetail and eastern turkey

i have bowhunted several times with steve and turkey hunted twice. it has to be one of the top p&y whitetail hunts available. his camp manager steve hansen knows how to bowhunt those big bucks.i hunt with 3 other buddies and we have all killed p&y bucks with j&s over a 5 year period. tags and timing will get you a good hunt.