I usually try to do one big trip a year, either hunting or fishing. This year was CO elk hunting. Next year me and a friend are planning on heading to Iowa in search of some big whitetails. We applied for preference points this year, so we should be basically gauranteed permits next year.
Now, the predicament. We can't decide if we should go the cheap route, do a little research and try out luck on public land, Or if we should just pay to hunt with an outfitter right away to greatly increase our odds. If we do the public land thing, we should be able to do the hunt for under $1500 each....but that is $1500 out the window if it is unsuccessfull. If we choose to go with an outfitter, we may have to spend 2500-3000, but our odds would be much much better. We also know of a guy that could set us up in Kansas for $2000, kind of a middle of the road option.
I am really leaning towards the public land route because I don't want to have to spend such a large amount of money on this. I plan on buying a house in the next year or so and I should be saving for that. I also think it was be a more satisfying feeling if We did the public hunt on our own and were able to get some nice bucks. However, I don't know if that would be getting ourselves into more than we should be....maybe the success rate on public land isnt' very good????
I am looking to see if anyone has any experience with Iowa hunts. Have you gone the public route? Or outfitters? Let me know what you think and why. PM me if you don't want to give away too much info ;-)
Thanks,
Steve