I can offer up an option. Last year I went on a semi-guided bow hunt in western KY. It was the last week of October. The rut was running late there last year, confirmed by some others I talked with later, which definitely affected our hunt…along with some bad weather. One day was in the upper 70's and 20mph wind followed by thunderstorms. That's a risk you take with any hunt. That being said, I seen probably over 70-80 deer. They have a 130" minimum with a fine for anything under, and too me that's attractive. Personally I was looking for 140" plus, and while I did see one I would shoot, it didn't get close enough. One guy shot and missed one. Another guy passed a shooter hoping for something bigger. The quality of bucks were clearly there, but the late rut and weather worked against us. I quickly decided I will go back this year, but to be on the safe side in case of a late rut I'd go back the first week of November, which is their second bow hunt. My schedule changed and I ended up booking their gun hunt in mid November this year. I've been on lots of guided and semi-guided hunts and this entire experience was first class. Awesome family run by dad and two daughters that work hard year around working food plots, running cameras, scouting, etc. They own a lot of the property and lease some. It's in Christian and Hopkins County, KY. I really liked that the guide said if for any reason I wanted to move to another stand at any time, like the wind shifting, or for any reason, they would immediately come and get me and move me to another stand. The food was incredible, and I ate too much…lol. It's likely the best experience you'll get for the money. For comparison, I just went all out and booked a bow hunt on the Grigsby Farm in west central Illinois for 2023 and it's $6,500. This western KY bow hunt I paid $3,500…though they did raise the price for 2022. Now, the Grigsby Farm is one of the best high end trophy bow hunts out there, but you're looking for best experience for affordable price…there you go. If interested look up B Three Outfitters. Good luck and hope you find a great hunt somewhere.
