Chariton Valley Outfitters
Chariton Valley Outfitters sits in south central Iowa's farm country—the region famous for producing some of the largest whitetails in North America. Located in Iowa's Zone 5, this is where record book bucks live. Owner Marvin Swan was born within miles of the lodge and has spent his life learning t...
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Chariton Valley Outfitters sits in south central Iowa's farm country—the region famous for producing some of the largest whitetails in North America. Located in Iowa's Zone 5, this is where record book bucks live. Owner Marvin Swan was born within miles of the lodge and has spent his life learning the land, the deer, and the patterns that separate good hunts from great ones.
- •Year-round scouting by resident guides. Unlike outfitters who parachute in seasonally, every guide at CVO lives where they hunt. They're watching deer movement, tracking patterns, and managing the land constantly—not just before your hunt starts. Scott Vandever (Head Guide), Dennis "Wormy" Egbert, Butch Williams, and others know their properties like the back of their hands.
- •Multiple properties across two states. CVO controls thousands of leased acres in Iowa and Missouri. Since the properties sit just over the state line, the deer size and quality are identical. If you don't draw an Iowa tag, you can hunt Missouri over-the-counter tags on the same caliber of land.
- •Success that backs up the claims. Recent hunts posted a 75-80% kill ratio on mature bucks. That's not luck—that's preparation, knowledge, and guides who work to put you in position every single day.
All hunts include: - Lodging at Marv's Lodge (described by hunters as "clean, warm, and friendly") - All meals and home cooking—breakfast, lunch, packed for all-day sits, plus sit-down dinners - Professional guide service throughout your hunt - Pre-hunt scouting and planning assistance - Help with Iowa/Missouri license application process
"I have been going to Chariton Valley Outfitters now for about 7 hunting seasons. Every time I go, it is like going home for Christmas to be with my family...The girls will pack you a nice lunch if you choose to hunt all day, or come in for a baby nap for an evening hunt. The hospitality, hunting, and guides are all top notch." — Lenny Delycure Jr.
| Role | Name | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Marvin Swan | Lifelong Iowa resident; born near the lodge; scouts continuously |
| Lodge Manager | Shalita Sales | Marvin's daughter; handles all client needs and meal planning |
| Head Guide | Scott Vandever | Wildlife Management degree; 10+ years with CVO; known for going extra mile |
| Guide | Dennis "Wormy" Egbert | Lifetime area resident; puts in hard work before and during hunts |
| Guide | Butch Williams | 50+ years hunting experience; 4 years with CVO |
| Guide | Scott Merrill | PA hunter; 10+ years at CVO; handles booking and web presence |
Whitetail Deer Hunts - Fall gun season hunts - Muzzleloader hunts (special resident-only early season pricing available) - Archery hunts - 2025-2026 hunt dates and rates available on website
Turkey Hunts - Spring season hunts available - Same quality guides and preparation as deer hunts
Group hunt discounts available. Call for details on pricing for parties of 3+ hunters.
CVO limits hunters per season intentionally. Spots fill fast.
- •How to book: Call for a live conversation rather than email—they prefer building a personal connection first.
- •Scott Vandever (Head Guide): (660) 346-1467
- •Main line: (641) 895-8038 or (814) 574-2410
- •Email: [email protected]
- •Deposit: $500 per hunter required to secure your spot. Applied toward your hunt. If you don't draw an Iowa tag, deposits roll to the following year or can be used for Missouri hunts (no draw needed).
- •Accommodations for physical limitations: CVO works with hunters who have mobility or medical obstacles. Notify them at booking.
"I have hunted whitetails for 40 years, all over the country and CVO is the Finest! They truly are some of the nicest People you can be around." — Terry H., Montana (repeat hunter with 2025 deposit)
"The stands are all excellent quality. During all of my Iowa hunts, lots of deer are seen and one would see bucks virtually every day. This year I saw 16 bucks. 2 were 140 class and 1 was a monster, 160-170, 10 point." — Bill Toth, New Jersey (8-year hunter)
"Although I was not successful in harvesting a deer, it was one of the most enjoyable hunting experiences I have ever had. From the time I walked in the door till the time I left I was treated like family." — Jamie Leibrandt (muzzleloader hunt)
- •Hunter demographics: Repeat clients from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Montana, Colorado, Texas, Michigan, Alabama, and across the Midwest. Many book multiple years in a row.
Promise City, Iowa (south central, Zone 5) Nearby: Chariton County farming country; access to Iowa and Missouri properties
2025 trail camera photos available online showing current buck population on properties.