Frequently Asked Questions
- What licenses and permits are needed to hunt in Kentucky or Ohio?
Both states offer over the counter hunting licenses and permits. You may choose to purchase these online or at a local store such as Wal Mart. You will need to purchase a hunting licenses and deer permit. Your guide will review your license with you prior to hunting to ensure all necessary licenses and permits have been purchased.
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- What methods of payment do you take?
Barnhart Outdoors accepts check, cash and credit card.
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- Is there a local deer processor?
Yes, there are a few local processors in the area. We will provide you a list of which ones are accepting deer at the time of your hunt. Some processors also offer a donation program if you would like to donate your deer to a feeding the hungry program.
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- How long have you been offering hunts?
This is our first year offering a professional guide service. However, the Barnhart family are lifelong hunters that have hosted dozens of friends and family on successful hunts over the years.
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- Is there a local taxidermist?
Yes, if you would like to have your trophy mounted by a local taxidermist we will be able to provide you with our recommended partners.
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- Do you hunt mornings during the Kentucky Velvet Hunt?
We highly advise hunting the afternoons only. However, if we have a target deer patterned for a morning hunt and feel that we can get in to hunt that deer without risk of spooking him, then we may give it a try if conditions are correct.
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- Are there restaurants or other amenities close by?
Maysville is the closest town to most properties with all the amenities. You will find restaurants like Applebees, Bob Evans, Pizza Hut as well as several quality local restaurants. There is also a Wal Mart, Rural King, Tractor Supply and Grocery Store in town. We will provide you a list of all amenities available.
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- What supplies should I bring for the lodge?
Accommodations include towels and bedding. Each lodge has a full kitchen for your use. We recommend bringing food and drinks, clothing for the expected weather forecast, safety harness, knife and any other personal items that you may need in the field.
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- Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, Barnhart Outdoors carries a full hunting guide insurance policy and is available to be provided upon request. Tom is also a licensed commercial guide authorized by the KDFWR. Proof of license available upon request. Barnhart Outdoors LLC is based in the state of Ohio.
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- What type of tree stands do you provide?
We primarily have new, quality ladder stands. However, in certain areas we may use lock-on stands, ground blinds or box blinds. Each stand will also be flagged and bright eye tacked for ease of finding in the dark.
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- Am I permitted to hang and hunt my own stand?
Yes! Even though we will have plenty of stands on each property you are free to hang and hunt your own stand. Once you have been shown your specified hunting area you will be free to hunt as you wish.
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- Can I bring my own ATV?
Yes! However ATV use is strictly for hunting purposes of transportation to and from your stand and game retrieval. There are also areas to not drive unless to retrieve a downed animal. We prefer for you to walk as much as possible on the predefined entry/exit routes.
Important Policies
BOOKING and DEPOSIT INFORMATION
Once a hunter decides they wish to move forward with booking a hunt they will be sent a confirmation email with all the specific details of their hunt. A deposit of 1/3 the hunt cost is due at the time of booking to hold your date. Your hunt is not fully confirmed until the first deposit is received - reservations will not be held without a deposit. The second deposit is due 90 days before your hunt. The final payment is due 30 days prior to your hunt. All deposits and payments are non refundable.
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CANCELLATION POLICY
We understand that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances that are beyond your control and you cannot make your hunt. If a hunter cancels their trip at least 45 days prior to their hunt, they may roll their deposit over to another hunt the following year or reschedule for the current year based upon availability.
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DRAW BLOOD and HARVEST POLICY
If a hunter wounds a buck, we will do all we can to recover the deer, however, the wounded deer will count as your buck (unless otherwise determined by the guide). Once a hunter has harvested or wounded a buck, we ask that they respect the property and enter only if needed to help out their hunting partner. We strive to provide unpressured deer by doing our part with limited hunters and resting the property between hunts - we expect our hunters to do all they can to keep the pressure to a minimum to maintain our quality ground. There is no harvesting of doe during trophy hunts. Doe management, where necessary, will take place after all trophy hunts are completed for the season.
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MINIMUM DEER SIZE
Kentucky Properties have a 130" minimum and Ohio Properties have a 140" minimum.
There is a penalty for harvesting a deer that does not meet these requirements. The penalty is $50 per inch ($500 maximum) that a buck is under this requirement.
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SAFETY HARNESS
All hunters using a tree stand must use a safety harness. If you do not have one, we will provide one to you at no charge.
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ATV USE
Your personal ATV may be used for the purpose of transportation to and from stands and game retrieval only. Any other use of the ATV is strictly forbidden.
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BAITING
Barnhart Outdoors will have established bait sites and pre-baited tree stand hunting locations. These areas will be freshly baited and ready for your hunt. You do not need to bring or put out your own bait but you may if you wish. Bait will not be provided for DIY or full season leases.
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TRAIL CAMERAS
Barnhart Outdoors will have many trail cameras running and will provide you with up to date pictures. However you may hang your own trail cameras during your hunt.
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PROPERTY ACCESS
You will have access to the property only during your hunt dates. You may not enter the property before or after your hunting dates. You will be permitted to enter the property after meeting with the guide the day prior to your starting hunt day.
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NO TRESPASSING
You will be provided an aerial map and shown the boundaries of the property. Do not trespass onto the neighbor's land. If you shoot a deer and it runs onto the neighbor's property, contact Tom Barnhart immediately for assistance.
Liability Waiver
Prior to entering the field all hunters must agree to and sign our hunting liability waiver. The hunter assumes the risk of injury or loss while hunting with Barnhart Outdoors.
Please click the button below to view Barnhart Outdoors's hunter liability waiver form.