For the past five years, Mike from Indiana has made the same journey to Briarwood Sporting Club—just him, his gear, and a stretch of Ohio woods that has become his personal sanctuary. Like many hunters, he’d read the reviews and seen the photos of record-class bucks before his first visit, but nothing had prepared him for stepping into that crisp morning air and hearing the distant crackle of deer movement in the brush.
“There was something different about Briarwood,” Mike recalls. “The land itself seemed refined by outdoorsmen who understood the balance of sport and serenity.”
Mike discovered what many hunters find when they have the right support: hunting isn’t just about the harvest—it’s about time set aside to be fully present. It’s about creating an experience you can’t replicate anywhere else.
Stories in the Making
With perfectly placed stands and first-class accommodations as his foundation, Mike could focus entirely on the quality of his hunt. Our team’s knowledge of the land meant when they suggested a particular ridge on day two, Mike trusted their guidance. That’s where he found himself in a slow, silent standoff with one of the biggest whitetails he’d ever seen.
“I bagged him at dusk, heart pounding like I was 12 years old again, taking my first shot,” he remembers.
But as much as Mike enjoyed the freedom of going solo—no schedules to keep, no group decisions to make—something hit him during those quiet evenings around the firepit. The best memories often start there, long before the first deer steps into view. And those memories, he realized, were meant to be shared.
An Experience That Includes Everyone
“What really hit me was how much my friends would love it too,” Mike says.
That’s when Mike understood something fundamental about great hunting experiences: they’re meant to be shared. When you have the right team behind you—the kind that removes all the planning stress and logistics headaches like Briarwood does—you can focus on what really matters: creating memories with the people you care about.
When someone brings their friends on a hunting trip, they’re not just sharing their passion for the outdoors. They’re sharing a piece of themselves.
Building Legacy, Not Just Taking Trophies
This year, Mike isn’t coming alone. He rounded up seven of his best friends and told them:
“You’ve got to see this place. Trust me.”
And they did.
“Now, hopefully, we’ll have a new tradition,” Mike explains. “Briarwood isn’t just a hunting trip—it’s an escape. The only thing better than tagging a trophy buck last year is getting to see my friends do the same this year, with likely even bigger grins than I had.”
This is what happens when hunters find what they need to achieve their vision. Mike became an advocate of Briarwood not because of what we did, but because of what he was able to accomplish. Seven friends became believers in his recommendation—proof that when you have an experience worth sharing, people you trust will follow your lead.
Mike’s story illustrates something we see time and again: when hunters have access to the kind of accommodations and service that Briarwood offers, they can fully immerse themselves in the outdoors. They don’t just walk away with incredible stories to tell—they walk away inspired to create those stories with the people who matter most to them.
More Than Just Hunters Welcome
Maybe there are people in your life who aren’t hunters, but who you’d love to have experience Briarwood with you. The beauty of what we’ve created on our Ohio property is that it works for everyone who appreciates the outdoors—not just those carrying a bow or rifle.
We’ve seen kids too young to sit still in a stand discover the wonder of catching their first fish in one of our stocked ponds. Spouses who prefer the peace and quiet find themselves completely recharged, reading a book on the lodge porch while listening to the sounds of nature. Friends who don’t hunt but are ready to escape the noise of the city and their busy schedules often tell us they never realized how much they needed this kind of hunting retreat.
When you bring non-hunters to Briarwood, you’re not asking them to become something they’re not. You’re inviting them into an experience where they can connect with nature—and with you—in their own way. The upscale lodging, thoughtful amenities, and peaceful setting create an environment where everyone can find their own version of restoration.
Your Turn to Create Something Unforgettable
Whether you’re a returning guest thinking about who to bring next, or planning your first visit and want to ensure it’s everything you’ve dreamed of, now is the time to start planning.
Every outdoorsman should walk away from their hunting experience with stories worth telling and memories worth sharing. We understand what it’s like when you invest time and money in something you’re passionate about, only to have the experience fall short of expectations. That’s why we’ve created an environment where the lodging, meals, hunting guides, and logistics are all handled for you, so you can focus entirely on the hunt and the people you’re sharing it with.
Mike put it best:
“Briarwood gave me a story. This year, it’s giving us a legacy.”
Who do you want to share your Briarwood legacy with? Whether you’re a returning guest or planning your first visit, we’d love to help you create an unforgettable experience. Schedule a Call to get started—one of our team members will reach out to ask a few questions so we can begin planning every detail of your trip, from transportation and dietary needs to accommodating those you want to bring along.
After all, if you’ve got someone you want to spend time with, this is the season to do it.
Not Just for the Guys. A Family Finds Their Place Here Too.
“Finding a place that delivers a high-end hunt and makes your family feel at home isn’t easy. But Briarwood nailed it.
—Mark, CA
I’ve hunted here three times. My first trip was everything I hoped for—and more. On my second visit, my wife, a non-hunter, felt totally relaxed just taking in the scenery. Then in 2024, our daughter Candyce harvested her first whitetail.
Briarwood is more than a hunting preserve—it’s a place where you create lasting memories. Every detail is thought out. Every person on the team makes you feel welcome. We’ll be back again soon.”
