Hello fellow hunters,

I’m looking for a great Alabama club to hunt in. Preferably a low member count preferably in the black belt area but open to hear what you may have. I’m also with Archery only but open to gun as well. I travel quite a bit and hunt all over the USA so I’m not a pressured member. I’m very respectful and responsible hunter that loves the outdoors. Please PM or send me links to what’s available. I also have a brand new JD 52 Horsepower Tractor with loader with all the attachments to do anything. Look forward to hearing from you.

How much money you got?

Check your PM, flashing envelope thing.

Gents,

I am going to piggy back off Bubba Lou’s post. Although I am not a pro staffer I am looking for the exact same. Only difference is I don’t have a John Deer I have a Kubota. I am also looking for a trophy club asap. I am active military originally from Alabama and returned home earlier than expected from Afghanistan and I am looking to join something long term asap to hopefully enjoy at least a couple hunts on a trophy property this season.

Thanks

- Eric

“Trophy Club” means a lot of different things from 200 ac/hunter shooting only 8 pts or better, up to 500-1000 acs/hunter with no guest policy shooting only 5+ year old deer. I’ve always been curious if there is a market for that premium “Trophy Club”. I’m talking several thousand acs 50% managed open pines burned on regular schedule, 20% hardwood drains, 20% ag fields planted to beans and corn, 10% planted in green fields. Premium enclosed heated stands with well maintained gravel road systems where you can drive a two wheel drive golf cart across entire property. This would have to be very exclusive probably catering to out of state hunters. All they do is show up and hunt. Planting, maintenance, lodge, etc included. Limited to 1 hunter/500 acs with no guest or a $500/day guest fee. Limit 2 bucks/season. Dues would probably have to be in the $25K range. I know that this is not for everyone but I think there is a market.

Anyone that would spend $25K in dues to hunt deer in Alabama has more money than sense, but you are right, there is probably a market for it.

Yep for 25k I can fly up to illinois on a guided hunt few times a year and kill a giant no way of spend that in alabama on something that wasn't gonna be mine

People come from all over country to hunt in Alabama. I’m talking about an alternative to high fence hunting. Instead of spending $25K for a weekend you get to hunt all season. Like I said, it ain’t for everybody

I think this would fit the bill for a trophy club in AL would be somewhere in the 4,000 acre+ in size, 300+ acres per member. With at least 5% of the property split evenly between summer and winter planting. Something like ten 10 acre fields for summer planting and 40 2-3 acres fields for winter. 3 bucks per membership. Legal bucks 4 and up or score 130. Enough does shot to stay just below maximum carrying capacity. And have neighbors doing the same thing. Not sure what that would cost per membership but it would be worth it. It would be a great place to hunt and see a lot of deer. Not sure a place like this exsist in Alabama if it does I couldn't find it.

I’ve never been in a hunting club but have been around a few. Biggest problem I see is the guest policy. If I’m paying top $ to hunt a trophy club I would not want others bringing guest. Doesn’t matter if they are kids, family or what. Still a gun, still a dead deer. To me the membership fee pays for the individual to hunt. If someone wants to bring family members, pay for another membership

Really the only other way to get around that and do it fairly is to limit the deer per membership. If each membership only get 2 - 3 bucks per then it doesn't matter if they were killed by member or guest.

Look a couple threads down at " low member trophy club in Clark Co" pretty close to what you couldn't find.....

Yes and no. You limit the number of deer killed, but you increase pressure.

Every club I ever was in always had some jackleg with 5 sons who would have half the place signed out. Total BS. Or the kid who is 32 years old but still lives with mama and dada and counts as a kid.

Two bucks and x does per membership. One weapon in the woods per membership. Bring whoever you would like. That is my ideal policy.

Interesting conversation Bubba Lou started. Purchased a parcel of land fifteen years ago, shot an 8 pointer and mounted the gentleman first hunt. . Purchased all the right equipment, established mineral stations and year round feeding. Holding about 50 doe. . Planted all the right nut tress, pears, plums, apples. No pressure on wildlife, limited access since purchase, only three or four does harvested plus the eight point hanging on the wall. Plenty of food, water and sanctuary. Heated hunt houses. Extreme elevations from bottom land at creek to 320’ above sea level. Neighboring properties low to no hunting presurer. Subject is 40% hardwood(mostly White Oak) 60% timber. South of the black belt, 300 ac.
What is a fair price to charge a guy like Bubba Lou with a two buck limit eight or better, one member Club plus owner, no guest?

I would look at average land prices and ask that he bring equal value to the table. If $12/acre is the average lease price and you are making 300 acres available ask that he contribute $3,600 to cover planting, mineral sites, etc.. Any additional costs split 50/50.

The simple solution to this is like you said limit the number of bucks allowed per membership. Also, define "immediate family" as someone under the age of 23 that is presently living in your house that is your son, daughter and of course it includes your spouse. If anyone other than an IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER shoots a buck, regardless of its size, the fee is $300 plus the $50 per day for a guest to hunt.

Most folks think twice about squeezing that trigger if they know it is going to cost them an extra $300. I limit number of stands to TWO per member on each hunt and members have first selection over any guest, including Immediate Family. I also require all members to put up two stands in order to be able to hunt from other stands on the property. This has helped a lot as we will never be in a situation where a member or guest does not have a stand to hunt from even if all members show up and bring a guest. The stands can be anything from shooting house to ground blind but they have to be marked on the map for easy access.

I would say $3500.00

I know of a club in Fl where its 18k just to deer hunt and 22k if they want to Turkey hunt too. Its prime property 30 min from Tampa. I guess it's worth it for the doctors and lawyers who hunt it to be able to hunt local. If everything is perfect, including location, I bet someone would pay it.