Private Mentorship for Hunters

Very rarely do I mention this publicly, but during the winter months I offer limited services as a hunting tutor and guide. Most of the guiding work that I do is by word of mouth and I simply haven't felt the need to advertise it.

Without any sort of doubt, my most satisfying days of work at any job I have ever held have been as a hunting tutor. When a student bags her first deer or his first squirrel, it is a life-changing experience that I am thrilled to be a part of.

What I offer is not the conventional services of a hunting guide. Most hunting guides are in the business of knowing where a trophy animal is, generally on private property. They take you to the spot where they know that trophy animal is likely to be and they tell you when to shoot and then afterwards you can usually go back to the lodge and kick back with a martini while someone else butchers and skins your kill.

That's not how we'll be doing things. My job is to teach a beginner the craft of hunting. If you get an animal at all, it will not have a record-sized rack of antlers. I will teach you how to skin and butcher the kill yourself and we will both be getting our hands dirty. My goal is to make you a capable outdoors person in your own right. You'll learn a little bit of tracking, some natural history, and whatever woodcraft is demanded in the course of the day.

No experience hunting or shooting firearms is required. All materials except for lunch and clothing can be provided, including weapons and ammunition. Basic shooting instruction is available if necessary. This is not the same thing as my deer hunting classes, though there is some overlap in terms of what can be covered. Alumni of my classes are very much welcome.

There isn't much of this deer season left, but available dates include December 27th-31st, and January 2nd-6th. During that time, we can hunt for deer, black bear, squirrels and turkey, with possible opportunities for rabbit, Canada geese, mourning doves, and other assorted small game.

In the latter half of January, dates may be available for small game. My standard rate is $150 per day, with an additional $50 per day for an additional hunter. More than two hunters at a time is not advised.

I am also available for hunts on your own land, although rates may vary depending on how far away you are. In some areas of Northern Virginia, deer season extends into March on private land. If you have any questions, or to schedule a private hunt, please email me at Jack.Landers@gmail.com

[Photo copyright Jackson Landers, copyright 2011]