Narrowed down to these 2, which would you choose?

I've hunted Bent Creek. Saw plenty of deer. A couple nice bucks. Food was great

Know nothing about the other.

It says on there sight that they have a 90% success rate @ Bent creek, that seems awful high, but I've heard several people say good things about hunting there.

Went to Bent Creek several years ago on a bowhunt. I know its hunting, but when Will Primos and his crew are in the same lodge. And most of them tag out on nice bucks. And the stands you hunt looks like they have been hunted twice a day for a month. With trash left around them and cig butts on the ground under them. With so many foot tracks in the road leading to the stands that a blind man could follow them. The only sit I seen deer, the stand was in a pine not much bigger than a coke can. Everytime you moved the whole tree shook. Then when the deer stepped out on the other end of the field, about 300 yards away. They all looked right at the stand. I have never been back. I havent had much luck with outfitters. The couple that I have hunted with, I dont feel like I got my moneys worth.

I hunted it before the mad rush at Dr Sheppards bow school. No idea what it's like in rifle season.

I don't pay to hunt in AL either. I only went for the experience and education. I wouldn't pay an outfitter in AL a dime in gun season.

I don't know much about either, but I know people who really enjoy riverbend outside of Linden.

I hunted Bent Creek before too and was not impressed. Maybe it was just a bad week. Let us know how it goes

I would never go to bent creek, know several folks who have some killed some trashy deer, some killed a doe, and some didn't even see deer. Overrated IMO.

I would suggest you pick the one that looks like it has the nicest facilities and amenities that you would both enjoy. That way you have an enjoyable trip even if you don't harvest a big buck. If they offer quail hunting you could do an afternoon or morning of that too. Hunted a preserve in Chambers county years ago that folded. Never killed a big buck but enjoyed the facilities and great staff made you forget the troubles of the big city. Hunts at lodges can be great even without a big rack buck.

This x 100000

Well guys I'm open for some suggestions, I can do a family hunt @ Masters Lodge for 2500-3000. If you know of somewhere that I can stay in that range & my wife can have a opportunity @ a nice buck that I'm all ears, also within driving distance of Daphne, Al., because our 4 yr old boy will be with us.

I don't know of any place to suggest. From my experience, these lodges are great to get away and be pampered with open bar, great food, etc but I never killed a big buck at the one I went to. Saw some decent bucks I never got a shot. Of course anything is possible and you may get lucky. Luck is the operative word at these places being at right place at right time just like hunting anywhere. Like I suggested, compare those two you mention, and any others that might come up, and figure out which caters best to a family with good food and a chance at decent buck. To me the only reason to hunt at a lodge/preserve is amenities and enjoyment of the facilities. Today, I'd only go for the quail hunting.

I gave you some other options to check out in your previous thread if you would like. Also, I agree with the above post that said find a nice place to stay so it won't be a total waste if you don't kill a big buck. Ask each outfitter how many deer would be typical to see on a good day's hunt and a bad day's hunt. while you may get a political answer it will give you a snapshot of the expectations at the place. Also, will your 4 year old sit still for approx. 5 hours at a time in the stand to allow you an opportunity to kill a big buck? If so, I'm impressed!

We used to hunt within about 5 miles of Master Rack Lodge and there was some nice bucks there and hogs also. I didn't have trouble seeing deer down there at all but I also wasn't on their property either. Have seen some nice deer at their lodge when we were going to the store up the road.

I have hog hunted at Great Southern Outdoors. They are very nice and the place is great. I don't know anything about their deer hunting but I killed at least one hog every time I went.

bowunt, have you hunted any of those places? I know its hard to believe but my little man started hunting with us last year & for his age has done quiet well with the long sleeps, he usually gets a good long nap, plus the ipad with games helps. He will be mainly hunting with me so my wife will have the better chance. I learned a long time ago that happy wife leads to a happy life, plus it means i can buy more toys to hunt with!

Rex is a crook. Wouldn't consider GSO if I were you.
I had a lease close to Master Rack and killed several high 140s,
But I hear now the area is overrun with hogs.
Good luck

I checked out that Master Rack website and that seems like a very nice place. Said they have 175 stands & varied terrain. If I was to go to lodge, I'd give this place a try. Besides the description says they pamper you after the hunt. Never lift a finger and so forth.

I've hunted the two on the east side of the state(Shenandoah and Sawtooth) and have buddies that have hunted P Arrow and Leavellwood. All are nice places and had favorable feedback, but I would say the lodging is first class at Sawtooth and that area is covered up with deer. Ask them how many hunters they take at a time. You almost want to go to a landowner outfitter that does it to help cover costs/help offset the annual property expenses, but doesn't have to sell hunts to live on like some other outfitters. Places like this get way over hunted. Also, I just remembered that they are doing hunts on part of the old sedgefield plantation called Sedgefield Lakes Plantation and that's a great plantation.

If you look into Mississippi, check out Prairie Wildlife, Giles Island, and Tara.