Sounds like the property in Troy is the real deal. I wouldn't leave that looking for something that is going to be harder to find.

It is VERY hard to get all members on the same page! Trust me on that one. A lot of members will screw you over in a heartbeat and you will never have a clue. I know this by seeing small deer leave the property with members who swore they would never shoot a small buck. I finally gave up and go out. Can't stand a liar and a thief.

Good luck on your epic quest.

Just a little bump. I've visited 3 clubs the last 2 weekends. A couple decent spots that seem to be as strict as I am. But nothing that has floored me. I've made up my mind that I will definitely be joining something though.

Question I have: If there's a club I know is the front runner that is taking the steps to grow mature deer, should I join or should I hold out until I find something that might come along later in the summer? This is the perfect 'one in the hand, 2 in the bush' scenario. But it's not like I will lose anything. Worst case is I keep hunting the same way as I always have. In other words, I'm not desperate, but I'd hate to miss on a place that's pretty decent.

Don't think 10-12 hunters on 2000 acs would be a trophy club. I'd think you would want less than 1/2 that many hunters and be willing to pay the difference. Also, I'd want a very strict guest policy that would include paying members only