Prairie Wildlife is considered by many to be one of the finest sporting lodges in the South. Those who have been there know exactly why. For those who haven’t, General Manager Bennie Atkinson was happy to answer some questions about what makes Prairie Wildlife a one-of-a-kind wingshooting destination.
Where is your lodge located?
We are in West Point, which is in Mississippi’s famous Black Belt region. It is a very rural but prosperous area. Mossy Oak (and their retail mall) and Old Waverly golf course are here in West Point. We are just 25 minutes from Mississippi State University as well as 20 minutes from Columbus, Mississippi.
What bird species do you offer, and what is the limit?
We offer straight quail hunts, mixed-bag hunts and walk-up pheasant hunts. So pretty much everything. Plus nearly all of our hunts are no-limit hunts.
What is your hunter-to-guide ratio?
For walk-up hunts we typically pair two to three hunters with one guide based on the customers’ preferences. Our tower and line shoots can accommodate much larger groups.
What are the terrain and cover like?
Our guests hunt in native-grass prairie land that is mostly flat with a few subtle hills. We have worked hard to restore the native grasses, and this has resulted in a very unique and very natural kind of bird cover.
Do you hunt with pointing or flushing dogs? Can a hunter bring and hunt with his or her own dog?
We use both pointing and flushing dogs, depending on the guide. Sometimes we hunt with both. And, yes, we have many guests who bring their own dogs.
Do you welcome non-hunting spouses—and if so, what is there for them to do?
Don't worry, we did not forget the non-hunting spouses! We have many walking trails to enjoy as well as local shops in West Point, Starkville and Columbus. Of course, spouses are always welcome to walk and observe hunts in the field. However, if they choose to relax inside, our lodge has a wonderful great room with a grand fireplace where many guests simply elect to grab a good book and hang out. Hunters and non-hunters can also take advantage of our relaxing spa room and schedule an appointment with our licensed message therapist. With the environment we provide at Prairie Wildlife, everyone has the opportunity to spend quality time relaxing and doing the things they love. Our hospitality manager, Courtney Hutchins, is happy to arrange the perfect trip for you and your spouse.
How is your lodging managed?
Our lodge has 16 rooms total: eight private king/queen bedrooms and eight semi-private rooms with two queen beds in each. We also have a cabin that was built in 1846 and updated with all the modern conveniences. The cabin beautifully accommodates up to eight hunters and offers a more rustic, secluded setting for extra privacy.
Prairie Wildlife is a full-service Shooting Sportsman Endorsed Lodge. To learn more or make a reservation, call 662-494-5858, email Courtney at chutchins@prairiewildlife.com or visit prairiewildlife.com.
Photographs courtesy of Prairie Wildlife.
