Hickory Hills specialty is whitetail hunting. We offer four types of whitetail hunts three of which are within the preserve. Typically our hunting is done in similar ways whether it’s within the confines of the preserve or on a free-range hunt. Morning hunts are typically done in hardwood bottoms overlooking acorn flats or travel routes, while afternoon hunting is done over fields and food sources. Typically hunters are within enclosed box stands but sometimes-portable stands are needed. All the hunts are guided by experienced guides and most of the time each hunter has his own guide sitting with them to help judge the size of the animal.

Trophy hunts are the biggest and best whitetails we have to offer. Our trophy hunts and all the preserve hunts success rates are greater than 90% (on a three day hunt.) Hunters may see as many as 30-racked bucks per hunt and have their choice of a number of mature animals.

Management hunts are also extremely fun hunts that produce mature deer that typically don’t have trophy potential. These animals average 120 Boone and Crockett inches and are all mature. Typically a management deer would be a large 6 point, 7 point or short tined 8 point.

Cull hunts are the last of the preserve hunts. We typically have a very limited number of these hunts available. These animals are still mature animals that have to be removed from the herd. Typically they have been injured and their racks have become deformed in some way. As with all the preserve hunts, hunters will have the opportunity to view a lot of animals of all size and species.

The last of our whitetail hunts is the free range hunt. This hunt is done outside the preserve on our family farm. Hunters who choose this hunt are dropped off at stands put up and chosen by experienced guides. Hunters have their choice of harvesting any buck they choose but are encouraged to wait on a 16 inch spread 8 point. The success rate since 1996 has been 50% on this hunt with last seasons success rate being 70%. Animals outside the preserve have the same genetics as within the preserve so the potential of extremely good bucks are available. The largest deer taken on this hunt scored 160 Boone and Crockett inches with two nearing 150 inches last season.