Faq - Camp Kay Outfitters

Camp Kay Outfitters operates from Warsaw, Indiana (322 North Detroit Street) and books whitetail hunts in north-central and southern Indiana, south-central Ohio, and northern Maine, plus black bear hunts in Maine's 2.5 million-acre forest region.

The Midwest average for deer hunting outfitters sits at 10-20% success. Camp Kay averages: - 25-35% on whitetail deer hunts - 90% on turkey hunts - 70% on black bear hunts

Opportunity rates run much higher, but selective hunters pass on younger or smaller animals. Owner Mark Liebner and his guides emphasize that you're paying for legitimate hunting opportunity, not a guaranteed kill.

Indiana Semi-Guided Hunts - You drive yourself to stand locations (10-25 minutes from lodging) - GPS navigation required - Daily contact with guide for stand placement and assistance - Meat processing and check-in included - Lodging and meals NOT included (local restaurants or self-catering) - 3-day minimum to longer seasons

Ohio Semi-Guided Hunts - Similar setup to Indiana - Bow, firearm, and muzzleloader seasons offered - 4.5+ days hunting (muzzleloader: 4 days) - Can bring your own stand

Maine Black Bear Hunts - Mostly All-Inclusive - 5 days hunting (arrive Sunday, hunt Monday-Friday) - Lodging and meals included - Meat processing included - Hunt over active bait sites only - On-site taxidermy available - Remote hunting across 2.5 million acres

Indiana High Fence Hunts - 3-day guaranteed buck hunts - Tag, meals, lodging, and trophy prep included - Fenced property hunts

Camp Kay controls thousands of acres of private leases across Indiana and Ohio. Their approach: rotate and rest hunting areas instead of over-hunting. Terrain varies—natural funnels, bedding edges, feeding areas, small and large woodlots, river bottoms, CRP fields, fencerows, and ditches. All hunts are 100% fair chase.

• •Hunter Pressure is Low. They intentionally limit client numbers per week per weapon type. Peak pressure periods are the last week of bow season and first week of firearms. Most trophy bucks are lost to vehicle collisions, not hunter pressure.

Whitetail Bucks: - Average dressed weight: 175-220 lbs - Regularly harvest 200+ lb deer - Genetics and the one-buck rule in Indiana/Ohio produce quality animals year after year

Black Bears: - Average 200-250 lbs - Several harvested over 600 lbs - 120-year-round scouting and stand placement by guides

Most hunts run under $2,000—significantly cheaper than famous trophy regions. Deposits: 50% minimum to book. Final payment due 60 days before hunt date.

Non-Resident License Costs: - Indiana: $240 (bow/firearm/muzzleloader), $175 (turkey) - Ohio: $257.92 total (license + deer permit), $225.44 (turkey) - Maine: $192 (bear, includes big game license and permit)

Licenses available over-the-counter or online.

• •Indiana/Ohio free-range: 130" minimum
• •Indiana high-powered rifle: 140" minimum
• •$1,000 penalty for shooting under minimum
• •Bear hunters: $1,000 penalty for sows with cubs or bears under 60 lbs live weight

Mandatory items: - Vehicle GPS (Garmin, Tom Tom) for Indiana/Ohio semi-guided - Rubber boots (mandatory) - Orange vest and hat for gun seasons - Weapon and ammunition (practice required)

Bring your own: - Sleeping bag (Maine) - Coolers (for meat) - Comfortable seat cushion or portable chair - Binoculars/rangefinder (archers) - Weather-appropriate clothing - Rain gear - Flashlight (red lens recommended) - Day pack

Thermacells helpful for early season and Maine hunts.

• •Wounded Game: You must shoot your weapon upon arrival before hunting—this verifies zero and builds confidence. Contact your guide immediately after every shot. Camp Kay takes responsibility for recovery, but wounded animals count as harvested if blood is found and the deer isn't recovered. Violating this policy ends your hunt immediately.

• •Cancellation: 100% non-refundable once booked and deposit sent. Travel insurance strongly recommended.

• •No Refund if Unsuccessful: You're paying for the opportunity to hunt, not a guaranteed harvest. Fair-chase whitetail hunts don't include kill guarantees (Indiana high fence hunts are guaranteed).

• •Whitetail: Pre-rut, rut, and post-rut hunts across October-December. Primary rut typically November 10-15. Most deer harvested in November. Temperature range: 30-60°F in Oct/Nov, variable in December.

• •Bear: 4 consecutive weeks during Maine fall season. First two weeks usually most productive, though abundance of natural food can extend good conditions.

Guides scout year-round on their own time, making multiple trips to pattern bucks and set stands. They work with their own equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes, trail cameras). Guides integrate five success elements: land, quality animals, guide expertise, hunting opportunity, and the hunter themselves.

• •Tipping Guideline: Industry standard is 10-15% of hunt cost if the guide worked hard, showed knowledge, and delivered a quality experience. Tips are personal expressions of gratitude.

• •Indiana hunts: Indianapolis International, Fort Wayne International, or Chicago Midway (all ~2 hours away)
• •Ohio hunts: Columbus airport (~1.5 hours)
• •Maine hunts: Presque Isle or Bangor (~2-4 hours)

Bait is used in Maine hunts and can be used in Ohio. Illegal in Indiana (but heavy agriculture provides natural food sources). All hunts are legal fair-chase.

Group discounts for 4+ hunters. Multi-hunt discounts for clients booking multiple hunts over time or across different states.

Phone: - Braden Cottrell (Indiana/General): (765) 427-3228 - Jeff Riley (Ohio): (740) 250-4924 - Matt Morgan (Maine): (207) 398-4456

• •Email: [email protected]

• •Address: 322 North Detroit Street, Warsaw, IN 46580

• •Deposit Address: 5571 East 350 South, Pierceton, IN 46562

Book early to secure preferred dates. Hunt agreement and 50% deposit required to confirm.