Going to keith johns-need advise

[bubba1]

OMG I'M SOOOO PUMPED! The boss lady just gave me the ok to go on my first ever paid hunt. I have decided to go to Keith Johns Outdoors, because of the price and the great reviews I've read on this site. I've decided to try and get an Axis buck, and some kind of ram. Seeing as this is my first time to ever go on a paid hunt, I have no idea of what to bring or how much to tip the guides, or anything. I have also never hunted an Axis with a bow. I have with a riffle and I know that those Axis are very skittish creatures. Any advice on any of this would be GREATLY appreciated. Come on TBHers, help me out here.
Mods feel free to move this thread if I put it in the wrong place.

[ajavelina]

well i'd get as much sent protection you can. Don't pass on an animal you would shoot the last day. And as for tipping alot of people tip 15% of the price or usually 50-200 bucks. the biggest tip ive ever got was 400, but the average is 50.

[Willbehunt'n]

I usually tip guides around $100.00 as a rule, maybe less if they are just there because they have to be, more if they go out of their way to show the hunter a great hunt. The website should tell you what you need to bring to the ranch, if not call and ask. Have a great trip and enjoy! I am wanting to hunt a buffalo on this ranch around Christmas, so keep us posted on the outcome of the hunt and the ranch, it would be appreciated

[bubba1]

Thanks ajavelina. I have some spray sent blocker and earth masking spay that I will be taking. Maybe by then I can get some sent blocking camo.

[bubba1]

I'll probably be going in March. I will be calling but I kinda wanted not to sound like a dumb a** because I've never been on a paid hunt. But I've been bow hunting for 12 years.

[Poco]

We were there this past weekend and we saw some really nice axis bucks in the ranch. We did not see any at the feeders but we did have some pretty nice rams that we could have shot. There were lots of mosquitoes and nats but nothing I'm sure you cant handle. As for Keith he is about as straight up as they get and will work his butt off to get you what you went for..Lates!!

[Timemachine]

I was there 2 weeks ago during the big rain. Lots of animal of every kind. Keith is real down to earth. the mosquitos were HORRIBLE after the rain. Two of the tree blinds I sat in were about 20 ft up. Made for a great view. He definetly has lots of Axis deer.

[stuntriderant]

Hunt the culde sac blind. There are always axis there. Rams, hunt the hay ring or the loc on by the small creek. Spray down heavy!!! Keith is very cool! His ranch is like home.

[bubba1]

Thanks a lot guys. I didn't know that you could request a specific blind to hunt in. I'll have to write that down. Does he have any ground blinds, or are they all elevated. That's the second time I've been told to spray down real good, any recommendations of a good cover sent spray?

[DrenalinJunkie]

Hunt the culde sac blind. There are always axis there. Rams, hunt the hay ring or the loc on by the small creek. Spray down heavy!!! Keith is very cool! His ranch is like home.

X2

When I was there last (about a month ago) I had 20 axis under me in the " sac" tripod. Also ask to hunt the pop up where the snake bit ram hangs out. We had several hunters see the same 30" axis there three sits in a row.

Check with Keith and be sure but in March the axis will still be in the growing stage and in velvet. June/July is rut time around there if I am not mistaken.

As for cover spray.... Use whatever you normally would use ( I prefer 99% scent killer or scent away or dead down wind) but whatever you choose...... Use it! Just like any other animal, the younger ones seem to careless if they smell ya, but a mature animal did not get that way from being careless. They will and do check the wind.

Also, listen to Keith! He knows his place better than any other day lease I have been to. If he says sit on stand until the truck picks you up..... Stay on stand.

If you need anything else feel free to contact me.

As for cover scent..... Use whatever you use but use it!!

[bubba1]

Thanks a lot DrenalinJunkie. I'm going to have to write all this down in case this thread isn't here any more by time I go. I thought that Axis deer shed and grow their horns all year long with no "defined" rut time. And that the bucks who have hardened horns are the dominant ones at the time and the ones who get to breed with "ready" does. Am I wrong on that?

[bubba1]

okay, I just talked to Keith and he told me that his axis hear will be shed out by Christmas and that November or the first week of December would be the best time to hunt for Axis bucks. Or that I should hunt in July during their rut, but that the bucks will be moving a lot more and won't be AS interested in coming to feeders, but they will be coming to water. I must say I learned quite a bit in just one phone call about Axis and Keith. So it looks like you were rite Drenalin. Now I just have to see if I can go in November or if I have to wait until July. I'll keep y'all posted.

[Timemachine]

Hunt the culde sac blind. There are always axis there. Rams, hunt the hay ring or the loc on by the small creek. Spray down heavy!!! Keith is very cool! His ranch is like home.

10-4 on all three.

[Timemachine]

X2

Check with Keith and be sure but in March the axis will still be in the growing stage and in velvet. June/July is rut time around there if I am not mistaken.

Correct!!!

Keep in mind, this ain't no petting zoo. These animals are wild, free-ranging and alert. You MUST have your "game face on". Your equipment has to be at 100%. You have to go into this with a "hunters mentality".

DO NOT forget a pee bottle. Several hours in the blind gets old when nature calls. An empty water bottle is a life saver. And if you just "hang it over the side" and "water" your spot...you will be done.

Last thing. I policed up every blind I went to. Candy wrappers, bits of trash etc. Help Keith keep his place nice for everybody to enjoy.

[meathunter]

Great place to go. Took my 9 year old son and we both got on plenty of animals and were lucjy enough to kill something. Even if we would not have killed something we would have had a great time with Keith and his boy.