Golden Ram

[coothunter]

I am looking into joining Golden Ram. Does anyone have experience with them? I hunt deer and pigs.

 

[Royal Oaks Taxidermy]

WE are members.. We like them alot... Certain ranches are excellent for pigs, and you can get on some nice deer as well..

 

[bux-n-dux]

I have some friends that are ,members and they like it very much. They have taken nice deer every year since they joined, and are thinking about hogs this year. I had an opportunity to join, but don't think I can get out enough times a year to justify the cost.


bux-n-dux

 

[Speckmisser]

I've been a member for a couple of years, and so far I really like it. I've taken deer and hogs on a couple of the properties, and had a chance at a nice bear this year as well.

With clubs like this, the main thing is deciding if you'll use it enough to justify the cost. If you'll only hunt two or three times a year, you're probably better off using that money for a couple of guided hunts or tresspass fees. But if you will get out several times a season, it's definitely worth it.

 

[bowhunter104]

Have any of you guys used the waterfowl properties through Golden Ram? If so how are they? I hear that the properties are managed for game and on some properties they have antler point limits and harvest limits is this true? What negatives, if any, do you guys have? I just started thinking about Golden Ram recently and have been searching several forums for info. Anything you guys can add, both positive and negative, will be appreciated.

 

[Speckmisser]

I haven't used any of the waterfowl properties, but I've heard mixed reviews from those who have. Some good, some bad. To be expected, and without first hand experience I'll leave it at that.

As far as management, they definitely have point restrictions on some of the properties, but they also have properties with no point restrictions... although they do ask that you not take the really small forkies (less than 4" or something like that).

Also, the lease agreement with some ranches includes a harvest quota, although I only know of one ranch with that rule right now. There are also rules about how many animals a member can take per year on some of the properties.

Best positive I can point out is that most of the properties I've seen have been good private land in good areas. If you can use the place, especially on weekdays, it's really nice to have limited (or no) other pressure on the property. Sometimes it can be a little crowded on weekends... although I have to say I've never really had an issue with that.

The only other negative is that the maps the club provides generally suck. It can be hard to figure out where the hunt areas end or start, which can be really frustrating when you've got game spotted and can't figure out if you can go get it or not. I've let a lot of animals go that I later found out that I could have taken.

It's still hunting, whichever property you go to, so there is always a strong possibility of coming home empty-handed. Even so, it's generally better than public land, especially for hog hunting.

 

[bowhunter104]

Thanks for your reply

 

[Backcountry]

What are we talking, ballpark, for an annual membership... $3,000, $5,000, more-or-less?

 

[bowhunter104]

The membership is rather inexpensive, compared to some costs of hunting, at $1600 for individuals (you, and spouse) and $1900 for the whole family.

 

[Backcountry]

Seems reasonable... I hunted Hedgepath this past weekend (as a guest) and while we didn't get a pig, it was a nice piece of property that's close. Definately interested...

 

[bowhunter104]

A guy that works with my wife is a member and he hunts the same property every year, for deer, and he is able to leave his trailer up at the property and just go up either during the week and on the weekends to hunt it. It works out kind of nice for him since he doesn't have to constantly haul his trailer and his family can go up and have a comfortable place to stay while he is out hunting. He is the one that actually got me interested in looking into it.