When I took the VA hunters ed exam in September, one of the instructors recommended the Wilderness Lodge in Everett, PA for wild boar hunting. I've browsed their webpage (http://www.thewildernesspa.com/home.html) and it looks quite OK (although some deer racks are simply grotesque, but that is a matter of taste of course).

Comments, anyone? Any experiences from this place?

Being a rookie, I want essentially to go to a place where I can test my revolver and my handloads on real game, and a fenced ranch feels better than hunting in the wild in this regard.

The website says it is a 600 acre fenced ranch and the hunts are 100% guaranteed. Don't think I would hunt there Mike. I prefer more "fair chase". It sure is nice to know you can go in and make your kill in a timely fashion though. Hunting the National Forest in Georgia takes a lot of my time if I want to be consistently successful. Hard to do with such limited time though. Ranch hunts like this are becoming more and more popular as land becomes less available and more crowded and as everyones schedule allows less and less free time. Dont get me wrong, I am not against it, its just not for me.
Vin

Mike, You might want to take a look at Tioga Ranch in north central Pennsylvania. I believe the web address is
http://www.hunt-tioga.com

Sweet we outta pl,an a hunt for the 2010 spring!!!! I know several people that would be interested.

Lars

James,

I believe the Tioga ranch probably is the best, at least it seems to be the biggest one. BTW, I saw pictures of you with different game on almost every one of their pages so I guess you know the operation very well....

I considered Tioga - as well as the Double Boar Ranch closer to Pittsburgh as well - but the Wilderness lodge is on the way between Washington and Pittsburgh and much closer to DC than Tioga. DBR seems great as well but they are considerably more expensive - and they don't have deer, as far as I understand. But depending on my schedule DBR might still be an alternative. I know you like that place too....

DD,

you're right - it's not really hunting. But then again, I want to test my gear and skills in a controlled way and for that purpose ranch hunting is fine, if the operation is good.

I guess you mean the spring of 2009? I'll be in the area then as well, probably in February or March. If I have the time I would probably go to Tioga. James' mouflon looked very nice....

Take a look at the "Chestnut Hunting Lodge" in North Carolina,owned and operated by one of the movie stars from "Dukes of Hazard" so ya get big boar and movies too. What else do you need..Plus you have the option of how you want to hunt, highseat, dogs or stalk..ElDee

Mike, Let me know what your plans are and I will try and be there

No 2010, Because 2009 I'll be bear hunting in Montana. I like to plan way ahead!!!

Lars

Mike...let me know when you are in the area. I'm only about an hour from Everett.

Mike if you do pick Tioga please let me know. I only live a hour away. I would really like to meet up and at least chew the fat over dinner!