2021 Readers & Writers Adventures Announced

In many ways 2020 was a year to forget. But for Shooting Sportsman it was a year of unprecedented interest in our Readers & Writers Adventures program—followed by a dose of resiliency, possibility and vigilance. Hunters from around the country safely found their way to a mix of wingshooting destinations as we carefully navigated unsettled times. As we turn to 2021, we are ready to hit the fields again and turn cabin fever to bird fever with four exciting trips.

This will be our 26th year offering these hunts and, as always, we will be hosting them at some of the most dynamic, comfortable and inspiring wingshooting lodges in the US. Beginning in the fall, we will host groups of hunters at venues ranging from South Dakota to Georgia, Utah and Kentucky. Yes, these are world-class hunting destinations, but they also are stunning backdrops for forming friendships between fellow bird hunters and creating wingshooting memories that will last lifetimes.

For the 2021-’22 season, we are pleased to be hosting the following trips.

Utah’s spectacular monument and butte country is the setting for Castle Valley Outdoors. On October 9 hunters will be picked up at the Salt Lake City airport and driven to Emery, Utah, where they will enjoy three days of no-limit pheasant and chukar hunting before departing on October 13. Three hunters will be grouped with a guide, and the trip will be hosted by SSM Editor in Chief Ralph Stuart. The cost of $4,098 for a single-occupancy room includes airport transfers, lodging, meals, licenses and ammunition—making this a very affordable way to enjoy no-limit hunting at a first-class destination.

South Dakota is known for offering some of the country’s premier upland hunting. And this year we’ve chosen Firesteel Creek Lodge as the destination for a multi-species hunt for sharp-tailed grouse, Hungarian partridge and ring-necked pheasants. SSM Editor Ralph Stuart will host this hunt in north-central South Dakota. Everything at Firesteel is world-class, from the food and lodging (including cocktail hours and banquet-style dinners) to the guiding and hunting. The trip will be held from October 31 to November 4. Hunters will be picked up at the Bismarck, North Dakota, airport, and the cost of $4,745 for a double-occupancy room will cover lodging, meals, licenses, ammunition and ground transfers.

Fistfuls of pheasants at Firesteel Creek Lodge

Kentucky is more than thoroughbreds, basketball and Daniel Boone. For example, did you know about the Bluegrass State Bourbon Trail? What about the state’s amazing quail hunting? On December 15 hunters will fly into Nashville, from which they will be transported to Winghaven Lodge, near Providence, Kentucky, for three days of wingshooting before departing on December 19. In addition to no-limit quail, pheasant and chukar hunting on Winghaven’s 3,000 acres, guests will enjoy the 10,000-square-foot main lodge, which boasts one of the region’s finest collections of bourbon and an impressive collection of trophy mounts. SSM Associate Publisher and Director of Wingshooting Terry Bombeke will host this hunt, and the cost of $3,995 includes all relevant fees including gratuities and airport pickup.

We finish out the season with a trip to Pine Hill Plantation, in Donalsonville, Georgia, from February 17 to 22, 2022. Associate Publisher Terry Bombeke will host this hunt in the heart of Georgia’s quail belt, moving through some of the world’s best bobwhite habitat on mule-drawn wagons. This is an iconic American hunt that is a rich celebration of Southern quail hunting. Hunters enjoy first-class lodging and meals on this three-day adventure. Total cost is $5,570 for single occupancy and includes everything but airfare, taxes, gratuities and shipping quail home.