Powderhorn hunting preserve / Pere David's deer.

[Skillet]

 I've wanted to hunt a Pere David's Deer since I was a little kid, and since they don't exist in the wild, a preserve is the only way to do it. This past winter, I found this place in PA & booked a hunt. I had to work a lot of overtime and cut back on other things, but it was well worth it. The place was awesome, and the people really went out of their way to make it great for us. He's had a breeding herd of Pere Davids for many years, and they are as wild as anything in a preserve can possibly be. You can't approach them, and they have excellent vision & hearing just like any other deer. They rut in May / June, and the roaring noise they make is so awesome!  I was able to kill this bull last week, from a pop-up blind with a single 27yd shot. Say what you want about preserves, but this animal was at the top of my list, and there's no other way to hunt them. We hunted hard, and I feel it was a real hunt. I dont regret it and I plan on going back next year. Overall, it was one of the best vacations I've ever had.

Edited June 25, 2014 by Skillet

[BizCT]

Never heard of the species before. Just curious, what made you want to hunt this species since a kid?

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[MACHINIST]

Thats very cool!!! Certain preserves depending on the animal aren't shooting fish in a barrel so to speak.And nothing if for certain when your using archery equipment!

[landtracdeerhunter]

Congrats! Sounds like you had a once in a lifetime hunting adventure the will never be forgotten.

Handling of the meat and hide must meet some challenges this time of the year. I'm sure the preserve handles the specifics.

[Skillet]

Biz, My Dad got me a pair of sheds from a Pere David's when I was little. I've been obsessed with them ever since.

It was really hot out. We had to skin it, quarter it, and get it on ice right away. My girlfriend is also my taxidermist, so luckily she was there and she took care of the cape.

Edited June 26, 2014 by Skillet

[Paula]

Nice

[Short Track Hunter]

What does something like that cost ?

[Skillet]

It varies a little, but I paid around $4,000

[Skillet]

We just got back from there again. For Christmas, my Dad bought my son a hunt for a fallow doe. As always, it was a great time. They've got an awesome place, & they're great people.

Is it high fence? Yeah. Do I apologize for that, or care how you feel about it? Nope. Doe was an affordable way for him to get something "exotic". He's having the hide tanned, to hang on his bedroom wall.

Edited January 3, 2016 by Skillet

[Zem18]

Awesome memories being made right there. Congrats to you and your son.

[greg54]

That's great Skillet and congrats to you and your son!!

[Lawdwaz]

Looks like the boy is a fair shot,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

 

Congrats to the young man!

[BizCT]

Is fallow like axis deer? Look similar with spots...

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[Skillet]

Other than some similarities in coloration, they're nothing like Fallows. Fallows also have a lot of color variations, that are not like the one above. He's got whites, chocolates, & a cpl others.

Edited January 3, 2016 by Skillet

[Dinsdale]

Not sure of the diet they have there, but fallow is outstanding tablefare where I have chewed on some local ones.

Shot 2 chocolate colored some years ago on a trip and had it again last year when out on a hunt.

That'll make a nice flatskin.

[the blur]

I'd have no hesitation doing that if I wanted venison. How many acres are the hunting grounds ?

Edited January 3, 2016 by the blur

[Skillet]

I'd have no hesitation doing that if I wanted venison. How many acres are the hunting grounds ?

I'm not sure exactly what he said, tho he's told me several times. I think it was either 220 or 230 acres.