Osceola Outdoors

Mike Tussey started Osceola Outdoors because he wanted hunters to experience what he loves: chasing Osceola turkeys through Florida's palmetto country. Two decades later, the operation has grown from that singular focus into a full-service outfitter running four different hunt types across 10,000 acres of private land in Okeechobee and Lakeport.

Turkey hunts are led by guides who've been with the operation since day one. Jim Hook has called in more birds in ten years than most hunters see in a lifetime. Mark Moore brings patience—he'll sit for hours knowing a longbeard is coming. Mike Tussey holds his Grand Slam and Royal Slam with a Mathews bow and guides as a Mossy Oak pro staff member.

Hog hunts are managed by Billy Middleton, Fred Kobie, and Little Fred—the most experienced guides in the Lakeport area. Gator hunts use spot-and-stalk methods with fully guided experience. Duck hunts are run by Coast Guard licensed and insured captains on Lake Okeechobee and private ranch ponds.

Osceola Outdoors operates 8 ranches ranging from 1,000 to 4,500 acres in prime Osceola habitat—pine islands, oak hammocks, improved pastures. The operation books 25-30 hunts per season with a documented success rate over 90%. All hunts are 1×1 guided, three-day packages.

Turkey season in Florida runs from ½ hour before sunrise until sunset. A typical day includes a morning hunt, lunch, and an afternoon hunt. It's not uncommon to have three or more longbeards come to a calling setup. The operation uses DSD decoys, so you don't need to pack your own.

"Osceola Outdoors has grown to become one of the best guide services in Florida." — Mike Tussey

• •Lodging & Meals: Two-story air-conditioned log cabin with home-cooked meals included.

Equipment Notes: - Bring waterproof, comfortable boots (breaking in boots mid-hunt kills opportunities) - Mossy Oak Obsession camo recommended for south Florida terrain - Binoculars, flashlight, Thermacell included in recommendations - Gun patterns are critical—many misses happen when hunters aren't familiar with their firearm - Osceola Outdoors uses Kicks Gobblin Thunder choke tubes for tight patterns on pasture hunting

• •License: Residents ($17 annual + $10 turkey stamp) or non-residents ($46.50 for 10-day + $125 turkey stamp).

No fences, no pens, no hidden trophy fees. Hunts run year-round on private ranches from 1,000 to 6,000 acres with terrain that includes pine islands, oak hammocks, citrus groves, improved pastures, and marsh ponds.

Hunters can choose: - Stand hunting over active feeders with 20+ Family Tradition and Millennium ladder stands - Spot and stalk for physically demanding, up-close opportunities - Dog hunting for adrenaline-pumping action

Pricing: - Full day hunt: $325 per person - Half day hunt: $275 per person - Overnight packages available

• •License: No hunting license required for wild hog hunts.

Fully guided gator hunts with experienced guides using spot-and-stalk methods. No experience necessary. Minimum two-day hunts include lodging at the log cabin.

Pricing: - Alligators 9 feet and under: $1,800 (includes 2 days lodging) - Trophy alligators 9+ feet: $2,500 (includes 2 days lodging) - Transportation to/from included

• •What to Bring: Handgun, rifle, or bow (guides can provide equipment). Large cooler for meat. Guides quarter the meat and can arrange processing.

• •License: Required. Tags included in price or available through Florida Fish and Wildlife (888-486-8356).

Duck hunts are conducted by Coast Guard licensed, insured captains. Hunts take place on 4,500 acres in Lakeport with access to Lake Okeechobee ("the Big O") and private ranch ponds. Target species include Teal, Florida Mallards, Wood Ducks, and Ringnecks.

Pricing: - All day: $325 - Half day: $225 - Overnight: $350 - Combo hog/duck hunt: $400

• •License: Residents need $17 annual + $5 waterfowl permit + $17.50 federal duck stamp. Non-residents need $46.50 for 10-day + $5 waterfowl permit + $17.50 federal duck stamp.

• •Payment Methods: Check, money order, credit card, PayPal, or cash.