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Windy Ridge Outfitting is located in Van Buren County, Iowa—arguably the best whitetail hunting destination in North America. Founded in 2006 by Nick and Abby Boley, the operation has grown from two clients to a management-focused outfitting business with a waiting list that extends three years out.
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Full description and what we offer
Windy Ridge Outfitting is located in Van Buren County, Iowa—arguably the best whitetail hunting destination in North America. Founded in 2006 by Nick and Abby Boley, the operation has grown from two clients to a management-focused outfitting business with a waiting list that extends three years out.
"Over 80% of our clients are repeat business each and every year and become great friends." — Windy Ridge team
The math is simple: Iowa produces more Boone & Crockett bucks than any other state while running one of the lowest hunter densities nationally. No firearms hunting during the rut, world-class agricultural food sources, and genetics that put mature deer at their full potential.
Lodging & Meals - 2017-built lodge with 12 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms - All bed linens, pillows, and towels provided - Three meals daily: breakfast (toast, bagels, donuts), field lunch (sack lunch), evening home-cooked multi-course dinner - Snacks available; bring favorites if desired
Stands & Equipment - Lock-on stands with 20-foot climbing sticks (archery) - 20-foot ladder stands and enclosed shooting houses (firearm seasons) - Pre-hung on property - Hunters may bring climbing stands if preferred
Guidance & Field Work - Fully guided hunts with experienced guides - Field dressing included - Cape work available if pursuing trophy mount - Transportation from lodge throughout hunt
| Hunt Type | Dates | Price | Season Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery Rut | Nov 1-6, 8-13, 15-20 | $7,000 | 5 days |
| Shotgun 1 | Dec 6-10 | $8,000 | 5 days |
| Shotgun 2 | Dec 13-17 | $7,000 | 5 days |
| Late Muzzleloader | Jan 5-10 | $7,000 | 6 days |
| Turkey Hunt | Spring (3 days) | $2,000 | Fully guided |
Deposit Structure: 50% deposit required for hunts within one year; $1,000 deposit for hunts booked 1+ year out. Balance due September 15 the year of hunt. Non-refundable, but transferable to another hunt within 24 months with 90-day written notice.
Food Plot Management Windy Ridge manages over 100 acres of food plots including: - Corn and soybeans (primary food sources) - Brassicas, clover, wheat, chicory, and oats (seasonal) - Year-round Wild Eighty Mineral supplement program
Buck Standards - Iowa minimum: 140" or 4.5+ years old - Most harvests range 140-165 inches - Pope & Young and Boone & Crockett deer common - Some seasons see bucks exceeding 200" - $500 penalty for shooting under minimum
Success Metrics - Shot opportunity rate: 130% over last 3 years (meaning 10 hunters typically see 13 encounters with shooters) - Firearm hunter success rate: 85% on bucks - Bowhunter success rate: 65% on bucks - Five-year harvest success average: 60%
No Trophy Fees: Unlike many outfitters, Windy Ridge includes all Pope & Young and Boone & Crockett bucks in your package price. No add-on trophy fees.
During springtime, hundreds of eastern gobblers use Windy Ridge's food plots as strutting areas. Fully guided, semi-guided 3-day hunts across thousands of acres of hardwood forest. Meals, lodging, and local transport included at $2,000 per hunt.
Windy Ridge applies selective harvest—taking the right number of does while letting smaller bucks mature undisturbed. Combined with food plots, mineral programs, and strong regional genetics, this creates whitetail density and quality that ranks among the world's best.
Owners Nick and Abby Boley bring 40+ years of combined whitetail expertise. Their kids are often in camp with hunters, helping with food plots and trail camera work year-round.
Windy Ridge recommends a local meat locker and preferred taxidermist for post-hunt processing.