Post by BT on Apr 23, 2013 21:17:50 GMT -5
Back in the day I used to do reviews of Hunting Preserves, so as to help others weed out the good from the bad. Today I have a Good one.
Salt creek is unlike any preserve I have ever visited and does provide a real hunt if (as always) you want to make it a hunt.
Salt Creek is located in South Bloomingville Ohio and is a 5hour+ ride from Cleveland Ohio. It would be a lot closer to Columbus or west Virgina but be that as it may be, we have been here twice (despite the ride) because it is worth the trip.
The Owner says that the property is 400 acres but that is the flat measurement. You could add another 150 acres (easy) based on the measurement of the hills here. The terrain is rough and even in the winter (when the leaves are gone) it is really hard to get up on anything that doesn't want you too get to close.
The deer on this preserve we have yet to see since we don't stand hunt and while some of the big meat hogs are less than a challenge, the Russians will give you a run as will some of the smaller meat hogs.... which is typical.
Each time we have gone, we have avoided the roads and kept to the hills where the old pro's stay in order to keep out of reach.
There was some king of sever weather that literally uprooted the west side of the preserve and the thickness of that area (maybe 100 acres) is like trying to hunt in the middle of a mine field ;D
The hogs have a very sporting chance and in fact... we have not taken one on that side yet.
The eastern hills are hardwood but due to the pitches and ravines on that side, it doesn't give you the opportunity that you might think a hardwood area might provide.
It is a very good hunt when working these locations on the property.
The crew are young local men who are top shelf and eager to assist with anything you need. The owner is a top notch guy and I wouldn't be writing this if he were not.
The phones in this area are hard to contact by cell so if you are calling, leave a message and they will get back to you as soon as they can get a signal. Sometimes this may mean a day or less.
Worth mentioning is the water. Drinking water they provide but other than that, the water locally is more salty than ocean water (no joke at all) and this is something to keep in mind when it comes time to shower. Keep your eye's closed and use shampoo instead of soap if you want any lather.
Food and lodging is free (unlike other preserves) and here is the big kicker...
You are not guided unless you choose to be.
This is a free roaming hunt for anyone and you are not monitored or harassed by staff. I cant believe it but it is true.
We have never been accompanied and when we hunt we just have walkie talkies to keep in touch with them, if we need to.
The owner is gracious and trusting so if you go, please respect that and lets keep this great preserve as it is.
Check them out on the link below.
Doegirl hunted both times out but I will let her post her story as it was her hunt and her experience.
I am sure she will have something to add to what I have said as well.
(Hope we are in agreement!
) www.saltcreekhuntingpreserve.com/aboutus.htm
