Welcome to the B.F.O Brotherhood

Thank you for choosing Brushy Fork Outfitters as your destination to hunt world­class whitetails. Now that your hunt is booked, the next step is preparation. We want you to arrive well informed and prepared for success, and the first step is to become acquainted with our policies.

License and Tag

You may buy your hunting license and the requisite deer tag directly online, and you need to have printed copies before you arrive in camp. There is no need to apply in advance, since they’re available over the counter (Ohio has no draw or lottery). They can be purchased at https://oh-web.s3licensing.com/home OR you can start at http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/

When visiting the latter, click on "license sales system," then "online," and then follow the prompts. You’ll need to provide personal information to create an account.

Non-resident hunters will need to purchase a non-resident hunting license AND a non-resident, either-sex deer tag.

Preparation for the Hunt

You MUST demonstrate that you’re proficient with your equipment before heading afield. We require it because we want you to be successful. Plus, we can fix any problems before they arise.

Keep in mind: Our average archery shot is within 40 yards. Some bow stands will be between 20 and 25 yards of a bait site. Firearm shots rarely exceed 125 yards. Those setups might be within 100 yards of a bait site. Thus, when you practice, it would he helpful do so from those distances.

Using our "BFO Shoot for Stands" policy, your stand location will be based on your shooting abilities. There is no favoritism in our camp. All stands are assigned according to a hunter’s ability, so aim high (or at least on target).

For bowhunting, we STRONGLY recommend a quality fixed-blade broadhead. The large cutting diameter on most mechanicals is impressive, but MOST of our unrecovered wounded animals weren’t found because of a lack of arrow penetration. Take note, too, that if you’re shooting a fixed-blade broadhead, be sure to practice with them before arriving to hunt.

Another important note about archery gear: It is MANDATORY that clients shoot lighted nocks when hunting with us. Glowing nocks are great tools for recovering game. If you’re using them for the first time, do so at home and not during the hunt. Practice with them regularly, as they can change arrow flight.

All hunters MUST bring a TMA-approved, four-point safety harness with the carabiner attached. Please try the harness on and adjust it properly prior to coming to our camp.

You MUST bring your own retractable pull-rope and, if bowhunting, a bow hanger.

Before arriving, we ask that you download the smartphone app Knockdown Outdoors. We will use this app during your hunt to act as a handheld GPS and stand-locating system. The cost for the app is $2.99. We will show you how to use the system during orientation. Trust me, you will LOVE it.

When hunting in Ohio, you can count on the unexpected when it comes to weather. We have hunted in the snow during the third week of October, and 85 degrees and sunshine during the peak of the rut. Make sure to check the forecast and bring the appropriate layers of clothing.

You are expected to be scent-conscious at all times. We recommend washing hunting garments in scent-free detergent and storing them in scent-free containers. We will always hunt the wind, but every effort helps.

If you have any physical limitations, please let us know when completing the pre-arrival questionnaire. This will help us help you.

Packing Checklist

-Weapon
-Arrows (rigged with lighted nocks)/Ammunition
-Bow Release
-Head Lamp with red or green light
-Rangefinder
-Safety Harness
-Pull-Rope
-Bow Hanger
-Scents (if desired, but only those in a reuseable container)
-Positive Attitude

Yes, you read correctly. We do not tolerate negativity in camp. We want our hunters to enjoy and appreciate their time in the woods. Positive attitudes are contagious. Negativity is also contagious. We ask that our clients not forget the true meaning of hunting: to have fun. The harvest is just icing on the cake.

Arrival to Camp

At BFO, we aim to provide a relaxing atmosphere and quarters close to the hunting areas, which are scattered throughout the counties known as Ohio’s “Golden Triangle.” This sought-after region provides some of the best hunting opportunities in the country.

Our four camps – a main lodge and three satellite camps – offer both comfort and convenience. No one building is better or more special than another. They are all in strategic locations and have everything you will need. Camp assignments are made solely on group size and returning clients’ familiarity with them. You will be receiving information about your specific camp, which will be one of the following:

Main Lodge
20728 CR 18
Walhonding, OH 43843

Boone and Crockett Cabin
20570 CR 18
Walhonding, OH 43843

Pope and Young Cabin
20650 CR 18
Walhonding, OH 43843

Bedding and linens are provided in all of them, and camps have satellite TV. Unfortunately, the remote locations aren’t conducive to wifi. Cell phone signals are spotty as well, though service should be available at the camps.

Your arrival time is 4:00 the evening prior to your hunt. This is important, as we will start things off with an potential archery tournament and hunter orientation meeting.

Departure time is by noon the day after your hunt ends.

Meals

Continental-style, grab-and-go breakfasts will include pastries, oatmeal, fresh fruit, bagels, coffee and cereal, etc.

Lunch will consist of sandwiches, chips, cookies, snack cakes, assorted crackers and granola bars, etc. When hunting all day, you may pack a lunch.

Dinner will be a home-cooked, country-style dinner with salad, meat, sides and dessert.

* Please make sure to list any food allergies or sensitivities when completing the questionnaire.

Gratuities

Guides and cooks at BFO depend on tips. Customer service is, thus, extremely important to them. Gratuities are not included in the cost of your hunt, so we encourage you to show our staff how much you appreciate their diligence. We recommend minimums of 8 percent for your guide and 2 percent for the cook.

The Hunt

At BFO, we want to give our clients the experience of a lifetime. Through years and years of determination and success, we have formulated a system that works efficiently. You are traveling and spending hard-earned money to hunt trophy-class whitetails, and we have them. The reason they’re here, and the reason you’ll likely see them is because our customers let the little ones walk.

At BFO, we have a strict 140-inch minimum for antlers. We also seek to harvest mature animals. We levy a fine of $1,000 for any deer harvested that doesn't meet these criteria. Don’t worry. We’ll give you all the help you need with estimating score and aging whitetails during orientation.

Your guide will coordinate a wake-up time for you the evening before your hunt. Most clients will drive themselves to and from stand locations. This allows you to get prepared at your own pace and leave camp at your leisure. Our app system will take you right to the stand.

A few properties require guide drop-offs in our UTVs. Again, please let us know on the survey if you have physical limitations and need further guide assistance.

Opening-week buck hunts will be evening-only outings. We will not access stands in trophy buck areas before daylight for the season opener. You are free to hunt does in the morning, if interested.

Clients hunting during peak rut are REQUIRED to hunt all day. Please let us know if you cannot do this on the questionnaire.

We will not hunt a stand if the wind is not right for that location. Unfortunately, we can't control the weather. If the wind shifts at your stand location, you will hunt elsewhere.

We have a wide array of stand types and setups. We have hang-on models, ladder stands, ground blinds and shooting houses. We use only Millenium Treestands for our hang-on setups, and they all have a lifeline for added safety.

Treestand height on these setups will be approximately 18-28 feet. Ladder stands are usually 18-20 feet. Again, you will need to bring your own retractable pull-rope and hanger. Please let us know on the questionnaire if you have any limitations on your stand type or setup, or if you have a problem with heights. We like to know these things well in advance so we can prepare for your hunt.

We ask that you use a red or green light to access stand locations.

It is strictly forbidden to walk around on the properties. You may walk only to and from the stand. You may not sit at the base of the tree to which the stand is attached. You must hunt from the stand.

We do NOT permit the use of climbing treestands on guided hunts. During gun season, we will NOT drive deer for any reason.

Hunters must abide by all state and federal game laws when hunting with BFO. The use of illicit drugs is strictly prohibited on BFO grounds, inside or out. Alcohol is permitted, but clients are NOT allowed to drink before going afield or while out there.

Smoking afield is strictly prohibited.

Hunters will be expected to take ethical shots.

Hunters may use only deer scents in a sealed container. Disposable scent wicks and deodorant-style applicators are not permitted.

After the Shot

After shooting from the stand, hunters must notify their guide immediately. Clients are not allowed to get down from the stand until given the okay by their guide. BFO's tracking dogs will assist in the recovery of EVERY deer, even if the animal falls in sight of the hunter. This is to keep the dogs sharp and provide experience.

Meat processing and taxidermy services are provided by BFO for an additional charge.

Deer meat must be deboned prior to traveling, and capes must be free of brain matter.

Follow BFO on lnstagram and Facebook for frequent updates and trail camera photos.

Now that you’re familiar with our guidelines, please complete the below online questionnaire, so we can be fully prepared for your arrival.

DOWNLOAD OR PRINT OUR GUIDE BY CLICKING HERE

Brushy Fork Outfitters Pre-Hunt Questionnaire