Antlers & Anglers Blog

We have just returned from checking out four fantastic lodges out west, some fishing, some bird hunting, some big game and some that do combinations. 

Oregon:  If you love bird hunting, breathtaking scenery, fabulous accommodations, exceptional staff, great birds and wonderful food, this is the perfect lodge for you and your group.

By Josie Slaughter
On my trip to New Zealand I experienced what most people dream about.  on my first day we flew into the North Island to one of the nicest lodges in the world.  We were to stay there for 3 days.  When we first got out of the airport we had a private driver that was going to take us to the lodge.  On our way we stopped by two fun places.  The first was a glow worm cavern.  That one was the funnest.  Then we went to a swinging bridge.  That was one of the scariest things in my life!  It was over a 100 foot drop into a rushing river, and since I am scared of heights, this terrified me.  After this little adventure we went to the lodge.  it was a long and tiresome drive after a long flight.

 

Written by Corinna Slaughter

As checkout trips go, most of them are a delight but there is the occasional trip that is a complete waste of time, the second part of our recent trip to the Bahamas was one such experience.  Before we go on any check out trip, we thoroughly research the location via the Internet, industry resources, and industry connections.  Most are a slam-dunk and then there is the occasional bad egg.  That is why we personally visit our locations even when all our research shows them to be a great destination, we don't know for sure until we experience that destination ourselves!

We have all heard the stories of the hunts where the T.V. personalities show up on a hunt and all of a sudden the biggest trophy of the year happens to pop out just as they get in the field!  Meanwhile the rest of the "normal" hunters suffer in the field hoping to see an animal!  You also hear the war stories of the snooty show host that doesn't want to have anything to do with the other hunters.

Recently, Corinna and I hosted a group of T.V. shows associated with Remington Firearms on our trip to Kansas rifle deer hunting.  I must admit that, even though I have never had a negative experience, I was a bit concerned for our other guests and ourselves on this trip.  Would the outfitter be able to give us all the attention we needed and handle the cameras?  Would the celebrities snub us?

This past weekend was our Antlers & Anglers Worldwide Mississippi dove hunt!  Though the weather did not cooperate, the kids did!  Of all the exciting trips that I get to take each year, I have to say the the annual dove hunt is at the top of my list.  I gain so much pleasure from watching kids with their dad's out in the fields for a weekend!  Every year the kids are exceptional and this year was no different!

Montana was more than we expected!  For the first few days of our trip we were near Red Lodge, which is surrounded by beautiful mountains and varied terrain.  A dear friend let us stay in his home which was a real treat!  We spent our days surrounded by breathtaking beauty and riding four wheelers around the property. From Red Lodge we headed back to Bilings and then south and the terrain changed to gentle rolling hills and a different kind of beauty.

Our bird hunting and fishing lodge didn't let us down!

While it is hunting or fishing season somewhere in the world all the time, fall is always busy!  It seems like most of my international trips are spread throughout the year but the USA trips seem to hit in the fall.  So far, i have checked out two new locations in Quebec!  Both were exceptional and we are in the process of adding them to the website.  One was a caribou hunt that I posted a quick recap in the blog.  The other location in Quebec was a small owner operated high fenced operation outside of Montreal.  Fabulous people and game.  They have red stag and elk.  

This weekend, we are going on a cast and blast trip to Montana. I can't wait!  My lovely bride is going along to check it out for the ladies.  After that, I will be in Colorado

 

 

Most people think that caribou hunts are pretty easy hunts.  My experiences have been anything but easy!  I just returned from one of my most memorable hunts and it took place in Northern Quebec hunting for Barren Ground Caribou.  There are many outfitters in Quebec and I chose my outfitter based on the small number of hunters in camp, service, accommodations and location.  It was a homerun trip!  All I had hoped for.

My passion is bowhunting but I take about half of my game with rifles, pistols or black powder.  This trip was no exception.  I traveled with my bow and counted on the outfitter to provide a rifle.  With the weight restrictions of the small planes, managing both would have been difficult. 

The first morning we awoke to 30 mph winds, heavy rains and cool temperatures.  

My first obstacle in hunting cool weather in a fixed location is that I sweat profusely!  By the time I walk from my vehicle or my guide’s vehicle to my hunting spot, I am drenched!

Every hunt has or at least should have its’ memorable moments.  Our family’s hunting trip to South Africa and Namibia was filled with many such moments.  The greatest was our daughter shooting her first animal, a warthog.  The second most memorable moment that sticks out in my mind was my Limpopo Bushbuck hunt.  Pictures of this beautiful on the hoof animal cannot do it justice.  Once you see one in person, they are almost as beautiful as a Nyala.