Deer Hunting Archives - briarwoodclub.com

Crossbow Hunting For Whitetail Deer: Should You Consider It?

developer / October 20, 2021

Crossbow Deer Hunting The crossbow…this powerful, seemingly simple, and silent weapon has such a long history and an incredible story of evolution. Today, they are so perfectly designed using the latest technology in light and strong materials, as well as the very intentional consideration for both effective and safe hunting. They are ideal for whitetail deer archery hunting here in Ohio, or wherever you choose to hunt deer. The origin of the crossbow dates back to the 5th Century BC for warfare in Europe and China. However, some loose archaeological evidence suggests the existence of rudimentary crossbow parts as early as the year 650 BC. Regardless, the concept has always been the same, simple concept – a gun-like device with a cocking and trigger mechanism combined with a cord drawn to tension to project an arrow. With the advent of lightweight but strong materials like fiberglass, carbon fiber, and strong metal compounds, the crossbow became more powerful and accurate. Add in modern advances like very accurate scopes and surgical-sharp broadhead points; the crossbow has now evolved into the fastest-growing segment of hunting weapons. Make no mistake, today’s popular crossbows look and function nothing like those original weapons, but like everything, we had to start somewhere… Let’s start with the basics… and we’ll focus on Ohio since our preserve is located here, Logan County, Ohio to be specific – home to some massive mature whitetail. Archery season – both longbow and crossbow – is September 25, 2021, to February 6, 2022. This long season will provide you ample hunting time. As defined by Ohio’s Division of Wildlife, a hunting crossbow must have a draw weight of at least 75 pounds. The bolt (arrow) tip needs a minimum of two cutting edges, which may be exposed or unexposed and a minimum 3/4-inch width. Expandable and mechanical broadheads are legal in Ohio. A crossbow with a draw weight between 75 and 125 pounds is quite adequate for whitetail hunting. The higher that number, the greater distance, and accuracy. Further, you will want to get that bolt traveling at a minimum speed of 250 feet per second for both accuracy and distance. Other crucial factors to consider are ease in cocking, scope quality, and of course the bolts – usually made of aluminum or carbon fiber. The bolt tips, or broadheads, are crucial as well and come in various tip patterns and blade configurations. Since there are so many factors to consider, we won’t go into all of those details here. Rather, we strongly recommend you contact a respected hunting weapon retailer who can enlighten you about the key components and bow choices. Their staff are often seasoned hunters who will steer you in the right direction. Do some online research for crossbow basics and features. Further, there are some great blogs and resources out there online that provide some real unbiased information. Let’s ask some experts their thoughts about crossbow hunting… Here at Briarwood Sporting Club, we are fortunate to work alongside some experienced and dedicated whitetail hunters and professional hunting guides who specialize in archery hunting; Josh Iman, and Brennon Lump, as well as a college buddy of mine and lifetime whitetail archery hunter, Denny Thomas. Recently they shared their wisdom with me through an interview of each… What is the most exciting aspect of hunting deer with a crossbow? Iman: The accuracy at a distance is amazing. This comes from years of technology advancements, including very high-quality scopes and the use of tripods or hunting sticks to improve steadiness. The modern crossbow stock is super helpful since it offers support, grip, and steadiness like a rifle. Lump: For me, it is simple. Knowing you can accurately shoot about 60 yards further with a crossbow than a normal bow is amazing. It is a great feeling and confidence booster for sure. The speed of the bolt is incredible. Thomas: For me, I have to narrow it down to two things, plain and simple. The accuracy of my Ravin crossbow at distances far superior to compound bows, and the thrill of hunting archery style, especially with the advancements over the past 40 years I have hunted whitetail. What are the best advantages of using a crossbow for deer vs a compound bow? Iman: Well, bottom line, a gun is best – but you have the recoil. But comparing the crossbow to a compound bow means a world of difference. The accuracy and compact size combined with the ability to cock and ready your crossbow before you get in the stand or blind are huge advantages. Consistency of the crossbow’s strength and accuracy is a major factor. Lump: Josh nailed it – the process of having your bolt preloaded and cocked/ready when you get into your tree stand is just a massive advantage. So this means your movement in the stand is minimized. And the technology of the crossbows being made more and more accurate and stronger gives you that confidence to get off a great shot. Thomas: That’s a simple question. First, the sighting systems now available are awesome. So accurate and easy to keep sighted in. Second, there is a big advantage of cocking your bow in advance and having it ready to go when that magic moment happens. And lastly, and probably most importantly, the speed of the bolt travel can be as high as 425 FPS (feet per second). A high-end compound bow shoots at about 250 FPS. How about disadvantages of crossbow hunting? Iman: If you need to reload to get in a quick second shot, that will take some time and likely create noise and movement enough to startle the deer. Like a loaded gun, you have to be careful of course with a cocked crossbow. Lump: Agreed – if you need to get off a second shot, that will be tough. Today’s powerful crossbows usually require a crank-based cam cocking. The time, noise, and movement are tough to overcome in that shot moment. Thomas: They can be a bit clunky and not reliable unless you spend the money to get a top-notch model. There still tends to be some negative stigma around the crossbow, like you are cheating when hunting with one. I don’t pay attention to that any longer. I have proven my skills with the bucks I have taken and the single and deadly kill shots. Just have to mention that. Lastly, there are more things to go wrong with today’s modern crossbows – especially when they are under such high tension. But again, spend more

Top Tips for Early Season Bow Hunting

developer / August 17, 2020

Top 5 Early Season Bow Hunting Tips Get a jump on the whitetail season and plan to hunt during the opener – no need to wait for the rut when some simple planning can get you that Ohio trophy whitetail in the early season. Don’t simply count on things to fall into place – mother nature can be a fierce foe, and combined with lack of preparation, losing sight of the details, and faulty gear, the odds are stacked against you. Our team here at Briarwood Sporting Club, a premiere Ohio deer outfitter, has compiled these 5 top tips for early season bow hunting that are critical to maximizing success. Carefully choose and map your hunting site. Without a doubt, where you plan to hunt is the most important factor assuming you have done your preparation otherwise. Look for well-used deer trails and mineral sites, food and water sources, and note the bedding to feeding routes. Look for travel patterns and plan for both a site entrance and exit strategy to minimize spooking deer. And you must remember prevailing wind patterns as well as tree cover around your stand to minimize your presence. Lastly, know your orientation of north, south, east and west so you can check wind direction prior to entering the field. Plan your stand location with all factors carefully considered – especially sight lines, wind and cover. Use a game cam or multiple cams. Pictures don’t lie. Game cams will not only tell you where your trophy animals are, but can tell you time, direction and movement patterns. Minimize site disturbances by only checking cams and changing SD cards when necessary. When possible, use cameras which send images to your phone or computer. Nothing could be worse than getting to your hunting site and learning something is wrong, unsafe, or missing relative to your gear. Hopefully by now you have checked your bow, broadheads, quiver and sight for optimal function. Check your tree stand, harness and ratchet straps for function, safety, and stability. Camo gear still fit? Scent masker plentiful and fresh? Field dressing kit ready? And don’t count on your memory – make a list and check it three times before each hunt. Shoot, practice, shoot and practice some more. Nothing can replace shooting time with your bow. Nothing. Make a habit out of practice and try to master the long shots of 10-20 yards further than what you think you may have to make for that trophy shot. Also, practice for that ‘quick aim and shoot’ since the chance for the perfectly still and positioned deer are not likely, or not likely for more than a couple seconds. Practice shooting situations, angles and stances now and it can pay off later. Use a rangefinder and map your shot distances. A rangefinder replaces speculation and even the best estimating skill. After all, the cost is well justified when you consider your investment of time and money to this point. Use it at your site pre-hunt and map out landscape markers for various distances. Make a written note of what those markers and distances are rather than counting on memory at the critical shot moment. Come hunt with us at Briarwood for Ohio trophy whitetails. We will make your bow or gun hunting experience one of a lifetime and reduce a great deal of the planning, safety concerns, and guesswork! Unique experiences coupled with the perfect natural habitat create the ideal setting for whitetail deer hunting. Many years have been invested in compiling the best whitetail genetics to provide our clients with the largest whitetail in North America. On our guided hunts, one can expect to see several bucks in excess of 200” and have the opportunity to harvest the “Buck of a Lifetime”. Visit https://briarwoodclub.com/or contact drew@briarwoodclub.com for complete details and a special offer.

Bow Hunting, Deer Hunting

Getting Started with Ohio Deer Hunts

developer / January 8, 2019

Deer hunting is one really addicting obsession and lifestyle choice. Depending on how much effort you put into it, the end result can be dramatically different. For example, if you routinely hunt the same tree stand on the same property for decades, you’ll learn a lot about the local deer herd and their patterns over time. But to really grow and expand your whitetail knowledge, have you ever considered an out of state hunt? If that is an item on your wish list, you might want to consider Ohio deer hunts. Depending on where you come from, deer hunting in Ohio could be a major game changer for you because bucks can get so big and the hunting is great. Here are a few reasons you should consider an Ohio deer hunt. Why Ohio Has Big Deer Although it might not be familiar to you, there is no denying that Ohio has some of the best deer hunting in the country. Some truly giant bucks have been taken here over the years, and the secret seems to be getting out. But what makes Ohio so special for growing big deer? Simply put, there is great deer habitat and food here. Ohio offers an ideal mix of the forest types and structures that whitetails love to hide in and browse. Oak and hickory forests provide a lot of hard mast each fall, which deer absolutely devour. Younger tree species, such as those growing back after a timber cut, are extremely attractive for deer fawning and browsing. Of course, the state also has abundant agricultural food resources to help deer pack on the pounds and grow some impressive headgear. Many farms grow row crops, such as soybeans or corn, which are two of the best food sources for summer nutrition and late season deer hunting. When you pair all of that along with good natural water sources and varied topography (e.g., hills and fields), you’ve got a recipe for big buck potential. In addition, Ohio has an excellent deer management program. You can only take one antlered deer per year, rather than multiple bucks per year as in other states. Since many hunters here know of the true trophy potential, they are more willing to pass on younger bucks. That means that many bucks make it past the hunting season to grow into mature deer. To help matters even more, there are some incredible genetics of deer in the state. So if a buck can make it to 3.5 years or older, there is a great chance that with good genetics and lots of quality food that they will get your trigger finger itching when they step out in front of you. Ohio Deer Hunting So now you know why our state is so good at producing big deer – what about the hunting side of things? That’s ultimately what can make or break a hunting trip plan. Best Regions for Ohio Deer Hunts While much of the state has good habitat and food resources for whitetails, that doesn’t mean you are likely going to tag a giant buck anywhere you go. Some regions are better than others when it comes to the odds of encountering a trophy buck. The more pressure a given area gets and the lower the habitat quality, the lower the likelihood of seeing multiple big deer. Generally, your best chances would be in west-central, central, east-central, and southern Ohio. You have a couple options for your Ohio deer hunts in these regions. Briarwood is situated right in the midst of the best ranking big buck counties in the entire state of Ohio. Located in Logan County in the west-central region, this area is annually a producer of trophy whitetail deer. If you’re really looking for a DIY hunting trip, you could choose to hunt Ohio public lands. Ohio has much more publicly available land to hunt than most people assume, and the often vast timbered areas are great spots for reclusive bucks to hide away. The trick is finding areas without a ton of existing hunting or human pressure. However, that’s tough to confirm without some in-season and in-person scouting, which might seriously stall you on an out of state hunt. A better bet is to choose a hunting outfitter that specializes in Ohio deer hunts. A good outfitter will have extensive local knowledge of the area, manage their properties for maximum nutrition and security, and give you the best chance of shooting a Boone and Crockett or Pope and Young buck as possible. Depending on your specific goals, Ohio deer hunting outfitters could be a great option for you, which brings us to the last point… Ohio Deer Hunting Outfitters If you live to deer hunt or just want to try it for the first time, it’s clear why Ohio is such a good choice. And if you want to tag a record-worthy buck, choosing an outfitter is probably the way to go. There are many to choose from in the state. But before you blindly pick a hunting outfitter, it’s important to know more about them. Fortunately, it’s never been easier to compare outfitters. Here are a few things to find out before you decide: If you are hoping to harvest a truly giant buck, you should look into Ohio deer hunting preserves, as they offer the most control over the deer herd. But as for open range Ohio deer hunts, Briarwood Sporting Club has access to several private properties in Logan County, Ohio that are great for big deer. You stay on our property with access to some amazing amenities, and we provide a semi-guided deer hunt by pre-scouting the area and helping you decide where to hunt for the best chance of success. But you still get to hunt on your own in these areas. If that sounds good to you, reach out to us to reserve your spot.

Bow Hunting, Deer Hunting

Find the Best Late Season Deer Hunting in Ohio

developer / December 11, 2018

Tips for Late Season Deer Hunting Late season deer hunting is one of those things that can really separate people. After all, it can be a very challenging time to hunt whitetails. Freezing weather, hammering winds, and snow are all an increasing possibility the later in the season that you hunt, and nobody likes to hunt in those conditions, no matter what they tell their friends. At the same time, deer have likely been hunted and pressured for weeks or even months of the deer hunting season, which can put them on high alert – that is especially true with mature bucks. But there is an upside. In the right areas, on the right properties, and using the right hunting tactics, you can be successful hunting deer in the late season. Here’s why that’s especially true in Ohio, and here at Briarwood Sporting Club. Why Ohio for Late Season Deer Hunting? Honestly, it’s the same answer for hunting deer any other time of the year. Ohio has the perfect mix of habitat and food for whitetails to thrive and reach their full potential. Overall, there is a large amount of food in the form of row crops (primarily corn and soybeans), which fuel the body size and antler growth you’d expect from such an area. Mixed in with these agricultural fields are stretches of mixed hardwood forests (e.g., oaks, maples, hickory, etc.). These woods offer hard mast in the fall and good cover the rest of the year. In rolling terrain, the forested slopes also provide excellent bedding opportunities surrounding the flat ag fields. One potential benefit to late season Ohio deer hunting is also a drawback. Most of Ohio consists of private land – that can be good in the fact that many adjoining landowners can join together in a cooperative to let the deer herd grow to a higher standard (i.e., bigger bucks), but the downside is that it can be tough to find a public hunting spot or get permission on private land. Fortunately, the Briarwood Sporting Club provides the best of both worlds. Late Season Deer Hunting Tips With all that said, here are several late deer season tips that you can utilize almost anywhere. But they’re especially helpful in Ohio and here on our own property, whether you choose open range or guided deer hunts. If done the right way using the tips above, late season deer hunting can be a great way to get a shot at a mature buck of a lifetime. Chris with a 160 4/8’s free range ohio late season buck from Briarwood. How Did This Late Season Hunt Go Down?

Bow Hunting, Deer Hunting

Why Ohio is One of the Best States for Deer Hunting

developer / September 4, 2018

Why and How to Hunt Ohio for Trophy Whitetails It wasn’t too many years ago that Ohio wasn’t even on the radar when it came to states that were holding big whitetails. But, that is changing. Ohio is quickly becoming a state on just about every serious deer hunter’s bucket list. With a deer management program that allows the harvest of multiple does and only one antlered deer per season, a situation is created in which an ideal buck to doe ratio gives deer the chance to reach their full potential. This coupled with ideal habitat and productive soils makes Ohio one of the best choices to pursue that deer of a lifetime. Ohio Deer Hunting Regulations Because hunters in Ohio are only allowed to harvest one antlered deer per year, this gives many bucks the opportunity to live to the age needed to be true trophies. Many states that allow hunters to harvest more than one antlered buck may develop hunters with the mindset that they will shoot the first buck they see and then wait for a trophy to come along to harvest with their second tag. Ohio hunters can only kill one buck and like other one-buck states, that one buck will satisfy a hunter’s goals. Ohio has one of the longest deer seasons of any state. Bow season begins September 29 and runs through February 3. Gun season runs November 26 to December 2 and December 15-16. Muzzleloader season opens January 5-8. Youth deer gun season is November 17-18. Fortunately, Ohio is a state where you can purchase your non-resident tags over the counter. This will allow hunters plenty of time to plan their hunt with an outfitter without having to worry if they will get drawn for a tag or not. Ohio is home to an estimated 750,000 whitetails with approximately 400,000 permits sold annually. Unlike some states that charge hundreds of dollars for a permit, Ohio can be hunted for much less. The total cost for a license and permit for a nonresident is $182.50. The hunting license is $141.50 and a deer permit is $41. Residents will spend a total of $43, $19 for a hunting license and $24 for a deer permit. Crunching the Numbers The Boone and Crockett entries for Ohio are very impressive. The state has a total of 591 typical entries and 385 non-typical entries. The largest typical on record measures 201 1/8” and is number 11 of all time. The largest non-typical that comes from Ohio was unfortunately found dead. This magnificent animal measured 328 2/8” and ranks as the second-highest scoring non-typical pf all time. Even though this deer was not killed by a hunter, it goes to show you the opportunities that do exist in Ohio for trophy whitetails. The top deer killed by a hunter at this time measurers 295 3/8”. This buck ranks number 8 all-time. The truth is that any hunter has the opportunity to harvest a monster whitetail within the state. But, realistically, your best odds are going to be with a trustworthy deer outfitter that manages the property and the deer herd to produce deer that reach their full potential. The 2017-2018 season saw some giants fall to Ohio hunters. The top typical measured out at a whopping 194 3/8” and was killed with a crossbow. The biggest non-typical measured 240 0/8” and was taken with a muzzleloader. In other weapons categories for non-typical (NT) and typical (T) goes as follows: Ohio’s Habitat The terrain, habitat, and soil throughout much of Ohio has a lot to do with the growth of monster whitetails too. Much of the state is made up of agricultural lands consisting of corn and soybeans. These row crops growing on extremely fertile soil, supplying the deer with all the nutrients they need to make it to trophy potential. Other than Ag fields Ohio is dominated by Oak-Hickory forests, filled with beech, maple, and commonly encountered species across the Midwest. These forests are scattered in the agriculturally dominated areas giving deer ample space. When the terrain becomes more significant the agriculture shifts into steep and rugged forest. The habitat of Ohio makes it one of the ideal deer hunting states, giving plenty of nutrition to deer, yet still providing them with ideal edge and forest habitat. Outfitters, hunters, and landowners throughout the state are gradually working together to improve the habitat throughout the state. This added with great deer management and selective harvest practices along with hard work from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to ensure seasons and bag limits are in the best interest of the deer first, and the hunter second, make the state one of the best deer hunting states not just in the Midwest but throughout the country. Unfortunately, 95% of Ohio is privately owned, meaning to get to this prime habitat and deer hunting opportunities you might have to go with an Ohio hunting outfitter. Ohio Deer Hunting Outfitters With the majority of Ohio being locked away with private ownership, most out of state hunters need to either have access to private land or look for an outfitter. To get a chance at a true trophy class whitetail an outfitter will be your best choice. Ohio has many deer hunting outfitters to choose from, but all are not created equal. If you are looking to hunt Ohio, one of the best deer hunting states, check out the deer outfitter selection guide below. If you’ve done your research, you know that finding a quality deer hunting outfitter is hard work. From top notch accommodations, trophy class deer, to having both free range and preserve hunting, one Ohio hunting outfitter that stands out is Briarwood Sporting Club. Briarwood Sporting Club is an Ohio deer hunting outfitter that is home to some of the nation’s largest whitetail deer. It offers both estate and open range deer hunting. Deer populations on the estate are managed for world class potential, while open range hunting gives hunters

Bow Hunting, Deer Hunting

How to Choose the Right Deer Hunting Outfitter

developer / July 26, 2018

Many people dream of a rugged backcountry deer hunt, placing themselves in the scene of long days in the hills, chasing trophy-class animals, and coming home with their hard-earned reward. However, participating in these endeavors isn’t a possibility for everyone. Not to mention, many of these hunts require extreme conditioning, dangerous endeavors, and long days that aren’t for the faint of heart. They also requires the right gear, property or public land, and the know how to be successful in the given hunting conditions. Despite all of this effort, planning, and any pre-hunt scouting, many times these efforts will leave a hunter going home empty handed. For those who are older, younger, or simply don’t have the resources to endure a successful DIY hunt, embarking on these opportunities aren’t even a possibility. That’s where deer hunting outfitters come in. They equip guests with the right gear, appropriate accommodations, and scouting knowledge to assure that every hunter has the optimum opportunity at a successful hunt. If you are looking for a deer hunting adventure, and want the best chance at a trophy to take home, a deer hunting outfitter is a dependable choice. An outfitter should: However, not all deer hunting outfitters are created equal. Therefore, before investing any hard earned money into an outfitting experience, be sure to evaluate the factors below. Taking time to do the right research will lead to a better chance at harvesting that buck of a lifetime (and getting what you pay for). The Location Proper location is essential for any outdoor endeavor. This is especially true when selecting a whitetail outfitter. In fact, some hunters will book hunts only to find that the property they are hunting doesn’t hold trophy class deer. Perhaps 10 years ago it did; but drought, disease like Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), or a change in vegetation has left the area more barren of older age class bucks or bucks in the Booner class. Researching location is the first step in finding the perfect outfitter. To have a productive harvest rate, it’s important that the outfitter is located in an area that’s conducive of producing big deer. Usually this comes down to soil, state regulations, and habitat. If some of these resources are considered limiting factors and populations are scarce, there is a good chance that outfitters in these locations are less than ideal, no matter how controlled the environment might be. Therefore, pick an outfitter in a location that has a natural population of trophy caliber deer. A few things to consider when determining this include: This helps identify the probability of older age class bucks existing or how much pressure exists around the outfitter. Is the outfitter in a well-known Booner state and/or county? The Boone and Crocket and Pope and Young Record heat maps of entries exists for a reason. Is the outfitter in a hot zone for giants? This one may be a little harder to tell, but soil maps and ag yield maps can help align giant deer and sturdy populations within nutritionally rich ag and natural forage. Dive into the harvest rate/success rate for the state and/or the specific outfitter, what percentages of hunters go home empty handed? What is the average antler size and age class of harvested deer? By evaluating the outfitter through their website and marketing resources, looking through the local conservation websites, latest news articles, and reaching out to individuals on social media, finding these answers can be the first step to finding the best deer hunting outfitter. Know the Quality of Their Deer Herd Once a few general locations have been chosen, find the local whitetail outfitters and analyze how they manage their deer herds. Just because an outfitter is licensed to outfit, doesn’t mean they produce a quality hunt. In fact, many hunters will invest thousands of dollars into an outfit only to find they could have shot the same deer near their homeland for free (or walked away with no deer at all). When a specific outfitter is found, consider the following: Not all deer outfitters are developed the same way. Many resources are limited, and often times, deer herds aren’t nearly as well managed as they should be. That’s why it’s important to ask questions and research the outfitter’s history of managing their property for trophy bucks. Accommodations Part of paying for an outfitter is also paying for the accommodations. For western hunts this can mean experiences filled with tents and camp stove meals. For whitetail outfitters, this can mean high-quality lodging and gourmet options. When considering an outfit’s accommodations, ask the following: As previously mentioned, part of the benefit an outfitter is to assure the daily tasks are taken care of, therefore leaving hunters the ability to enjoy and focus on the hunt and not the living details. Keep in mind, not all outfitters cover these accommodations and not all are equal. Research, Reviews, and Results Arguably, the most important task to complete when choosing an outfitter is to read reviews, testimonials, and reach out to previous guests. No matter how promising an outfit might look on paper; it’s hard to know the quality of the hunt, the people, or the accommodations it actually provides. That’s why reading online reviews and reaching out to previous guests help shed light on what to expect. Facebook, Google, forums, and simply reaching out to people who have had experience with the outfit are the best ways to evaluate an outfitters reputation. By doing this, hunters can assure they are getting the experience they expect and are paying for. Evaluating Individual Preferences Once a few key whitetail outfitters have been chosen, the final step is picking the right one based on individual preference. When making the final decision, it’s important that the hunter knows exactly what they want and expect from a hunt. They need to know their physical limits, their budget, the accommodations they want or need, and the size of deer they want to harvest. Some hunters will do this at the end or the beginning of the process of finding an outfitter, but most should be constantly be contemplating these factors. Free Range or Preserve Outfitters Outfitters can come in two different experiences: free range or preserve/trophy whitetail outfitters. However, not every outfitter offers both. That’s why it’s important to know the difference between the two and identify which style of outfitter is the right choice for you. Free Range Whitetail Outfitters Free range hunting outfitters allows hunters to experience a more affordable, free range hunt. These hunts allow hunters to enjoy a DIY style hunt, that’s comprised of private and public opportunities. Most free range deer hunting outfitters will still provide quality accommodations, whether in a tent in the mountains or in lodges on the property.

Bow Hunting, Deer Hunting

What Does It Take To Produce Trophy Whitetail Deer?

developer / February 14, 2018

When it comes to producing trophy Ohio whitetails it’s oddly enough quite simple, involving only three factors: genetics, age, and nutrition. These three factors have been managed for intensively here at Briarwood Sporting Club. The right genetics, letting bucks advance into older age classes, and a healthy and productive habitat are all our top priority. When combined, high caliber deer, unmatched hunting, serene wilderness habitat, and stunning amenities produce a trophy Ohio whitetail outfitter experience that can’t be beat. Briarwood Sporting Club is home to a trophy Ohio whitetail estate. Unique experiences coupled with the perfect natural habitat creates the ideal setting for the hunt. Several years have been invested compiling the industry’s best whitetail genetics to provide our clients with the largest whitetails in North America. On our guided whitetail deer hunts, one can expect to see several whitetails in excess of 200″ and have the opportunity to harvest the “Buck of a Lifetime.” On the other hand, Briarwood also offers open range hunting with the same amenities and lodging offered. Simply put, Briarwood Sporting Club is the total package, it is a trophy Ohio whitetail outfitter with top-notch lodging, a hunting experience, and a setting that can’t be beat! How We Produce Trophy Ohio Whitetails What is important to understand about antlers is that they are considered secondary sexual characteristics. In other words, in order of importance in a buck’s life, annual antler growth doesn’t rank as the number one priority. Instead, survival and maintaining a healthy body does. Now within this relationship of the three, they are bound together, each requiring the benefits of the others. For instance, without the genetics for trophy antler production, the factors of age and nutrition provide little assistance in acquiring a level of exceptional antler growth. Thus when we have these three factors working together this creates the opportunity to produce the best antler growth possible. Now, of those three, let’s first look at how genetics influences the production of trophy whitetails. Genetics Undoubtedly what attracts hunters to whitetails is the sheer diversity in antler growth – which is the result of antler genetics. We want to produce and hunt bucks that possess trophy antler characteristics. At times antler growth, especially trophy antler growth, appears to be a roll of the dice. But is it? When speaking of antler genetics, there are regions within all states where whitetails reside that hold “pockets” – some large, others smaller, of genetics that consistently produce good numbers of large antlered deer. And on the flip side, there are areas within those states that produce an abundance of average antlered deer that will at times find themselves with an outlier that exhibits exceptional antler growth. In this case, it is a “roll of the dice” that a trophy will be produced. Such is the fascinating world of genetics. But in those aforementioned “trophy” areas, they simply have genetics shared by both the bucks and does that create the opportunity to consistently produce high numbers of trophy class bucks, year in, year out. Therefore within the populations that contain exceptional antler genetics they obviously have the best odds of producing trophy bucks in any given year. When it comes to trophy antler production, we have to pursue them where they exist. What does it take to produce trophy whitetails? The foundation begins with the right genetics but once again, without age and nutrition, even superior genetic qualities will not be fully expressed. With understanding the important role of genetics in producing trophy antlers and why some areas produce more trophy deer annually than others, what can we do with the genetics we have in our given hunting locations to provide them with the best opportunity to fully express their potential? This is where age and nutrition come into the equation. Age Age plays a fairly large role in trophy whitetail production. It is known that allowing a white-tailed deer to mature gives them the greatest opportunity to maximize antler growth and body size. The question often asked is, why is this? Bucks are in the process of growing and developing their body structure, therefore calories are prioritized to those areas, not to antler growth. In addition, through these early years, young bucks will be “pushed out” or dispersed by their mother and thus moving quite frequently in an effort to establish a new home range. Considering these events of their early years, bucks face the daily stress of potential predation (internally and externally), perhaps less access to quality nutrition and frequent movement, all of which impact their physical well-being. As stated earlier, antlers are secondary sexual characteristics….they receive the “leftovers” of antler building materials from the body, once the body is taken care of. This is why, as deer managers, we try to manage the age structure of the buck portion of our deer herd to ensure we have healthy numbers of mature deer. At maturity, bucks have an established home range – thus they have fewer factors working against them that would inhibit maximum antler growth. This is the time in a buck’s life that they can begin to efficiently maximize the quality and quantity of nutrition that is available to them and allocate more resources (calcium, protein, fats, etc.) to antler growth. What does it take to produce trophy whitetails? The foundation is the right genetics. From the right genetic foundation, the structure has the opportunity to achieve its genetic potential upon reaching maturity. The potential growth is now only limited by nutrition. In the case of Briarwood, having the perfect balance in herd dynamics coupled with a pristine habitat and access to quality food sources, deer are allowed to express their full genetic potential! Nutrition Nutrition plays a very important role in the production of trophy whitetails and that starts at conception and continues through development in the womb to maturity. It’s quite simple, there is a reason why your mom wanted you to eat your fruits and vegetables in addition to