This is my 4th hunting season to have to travel 2hours to hunting land that I've been hunting since the late 90's. I've been in Birmingham since April 2011, got married last spring and am understanding(slowly but surely) that being gone all weekend at my parents house in Troy in order to hunt on the weekends may not be in my best interest for long term happiness at home.
I am used to hunting 1000 acres of relatively low pressured, trophy managed(8 points, 120", 3,5 yr old minimums)(personally I am a very picky hunter since I've been fortunate to hunt big bucks with a group of strict/picky hunters) cutover/planted pines/draws/food plots in lower Alabama. Not necessarily a place with a cabin and lake and extracurricular, although those things are nice. I'm just used to having a large peice of property that's strictly managed for mature bucks with like minded members.
I have been wondering what might be the best way to network and "shop" around for a lease/club that is affordable(this is a relative term I know), closer to home, wife friendly(necessary for those couple hunts a year), and truly trophy managed. So I figured I'd give it a go and mention it to you fine guys and gals.
I look forward to hearing some feedback. Thanks.

Do I smell bad or something? haha

Many a married man hath traveled this road, my friend. Good luck.

What you're describing is very hard to find near Birmingham. I'd venture to say you're unlikely to find it nearer to you than the black belt. Now I'm sure somebody's uncles cousin has 1000 acres of virgin cypress right by Helena that has it, but seriously it's gonna be tough to find.
If I was you I'd be taking my wife hunting WITH me maybe even get her a .243. It may be your only hope.

So your wife didn't expect you to be staying at your parents all weekend while hunting? That should have been brought up and talked about way before marraige was talked about.

Thats why my wife doesn't complain and likes to hunt when she gets a chance...be strong and good luck..

Thanks for the words of wisdom.
Soooo finding hunting land to meet my expectations is not going to be easy. Yes, my wife and I are exceptional in the communication department. Thanks for your concern.

If you could ever control enough land in Jefferson county, you could grow some huge deer. Problem is most of its broken up, and the stuff that is worth while is invite only.

Just to add, I am looking to move to either Trussville or Helena in the next year or so. We live in Vestavia Hills now. I've heard good things about Shelby county deer hunting. Any information about leases or trophy clubs in the area would be very much appreciated.

Bump

THE ONLY TROPHY CLUB IM AWARE OF IN SHELBY CO IS GOING TO COAT YA A SECOND MORTGAGE. UPWARD TO 3500/YEAR OTHER THEN THAT NOPE

I can stroke $1600 today if it's a win-win.

Somebody said money talks on another topic. We'll see

1600 ain't getting you what your asking for.

You better be ready to stroke $3-5000 for what you want.

I dont know . He might get close for 2-3000 dollars

The acreage amount isn't necessary. But a group of guys on the same page is. I'd think I can afford that, financially.
I really hope to have the opportunity to talk with someone that would like to include somebody like myself.

If I fell in love with a place I could swing that. I'd have to quit my other lease in Troy, but it's possible. Let's see: 10-12 members on 2,000 acres at $2500/member. It would have 20-25 one-acre, ph balanced, food plots with nice big shooting houses. A year round feeding program. Great road system. Camp site. Skinning shed. There's other stuff too. And last but not least, a true TROPHY MANAGED property with very picky, knowledgeable members.


The places I've looked at and talked to are trying to fill the spots ASAP. So, I'm guessing others will get more urgent as their leases get closer to due date which seem to be May-Aug. But I'd hate to have a pretty good place offer me a spot and me miss out completely because I am trying to hold out for perfection.

Surely there's people out there that are looking to fill a spot on a trophy managed lease and yes I'm just trying to keep this thread alive, lol!!!

Dream On!!!

Yeah, I doubt you'll find that within an hour of the largest city in the state. Too much competition from other hunters looking for the same thing.