February and March are a melancholic period for most North American wingshooters. With the peak of the shooting season having passed, many folks turn their focus toward winding things down—mothballing guns and gear until the following fall. Others, however, refuse to throw in the towel until the final buzzer. These are the types of hunters for which Winghaven Lodge, in Providence, Kentucky, remains open and ready to serve. Here are a handful of reasons why Winghaven is considered a top destination for those looking to stretch the season.

Yes, We’re Open
Many lodges close for the season in February and early March. Winghaven is one of a select few that remain open until April. And not only is the lodge open but, with the busy part of the season past, it is very likely to have availability for last-minute bookings. While contacting the lodge in early December to try to book a hunt before Christmas would be risky, trying to book something three weeks out in the late season is a different story—with the chances of securing desired dates very good.
Birds, Birds, Birds
While some lodges’ late-season hunts are characterized by dwindling bird numbers, Winghaven prides itself on producing the same staggering number of birds in February and March as it does for its legendary peak-season hunts. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a guest to burn through more ammo on a March trip than at any other point in the season.


Good Hunting Conditions
Late-season hunts are often affected by weather. In some parts of the country, late February and March can be icy messes. In others, it can be the opposite, with temperatures getting too warm. Of course, there’s no guarantee for great weather anywhere at any time, but in the late winter and early spring, the typical conditions in western Kentucky are about as good for wingshooting as they get.


Same Great Service
Winghaven’s owners and staff have a well-earned reputation for pulling out all the stops to ensure that guests experience an unforgettable level of service and hospitality. Clients often marvel at the herculean efforts that Winghaven’s personnel put into serving a lodge filled with 24 guests during the peak season. The good news for late-season visitors is that the staff never hits the brakes, ensuring a great experience through the last day of the season.

Bourbon Bar
Just as the stock of gamebirds at Winghaven remains strong during the late season, so does the stock of bourbons in the lodge’s bar. From Blanton’s to Eagle Rare and Pappy, all the famous labels that have made the bourbon bar one of America’s best remain in full force. After all, fine bourbon is always in season.
Winghaven Lodge is a full-service Shooting Sportsman Endorsed Lodge. To learn more or make a reservation, call 270-836-7998, email redwards@apex.net or visit winghavenlodge.com.
Photographs courtesy of Winghaven Lodge.
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