Outdoor Obsessions

Outdoor Obsessions operates one of Kansas's most established hunting outfitters, with Erik Vrbas and his guides running operations out of Downs in Osage County. Since day one, they've focused on delivering hunts across thousands of acres of private land—everything from small farmsteads and sloughs to massive CRP fields.

• •Pheasant Hunts run November through January (native birds) or October through February (preserve birds). Kansas allows four native roosters per day—33% more than South Dakota—and you can hunt sunrise to sunset. Rates start at $425/day for groups of 4+, down to $545 for solo hunters. All hunts are guided with professionally trained dogs, and the package includes guides, lodging, meals, and bird cleaning.

• •Turkey Hunts happen in April and May. Outdoor Obsessions maintains a 100% success rate on their 3-day Rio Grande turkey hunts and only take 20 hunters per spring season. Cost is $1,700 per person for a 3-day hunt, with optional shotgun rental packages ($75) available.

• •Dove Hunts take place September through mid-October in feed fields and water sources. 15-bird daily limits are standard. $250 per person, or add fishing for $50/day extra.

Two separate buildings—The Lodge and The Roost—accommodate 30+ hunters across 11 private bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Every hunt package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner cooked fresh daily. The spacious dining room doubles as a corporate meeting space with whiteboard and WiFi. The great room features complimentary open bar (liquor and beer), billiards, cards, TV, and social space.

Guests also get access to a private shooting club with a full trap course and rifle/pistol range. Plenty of parking for hunting rigs and dog trailers.

• •Pheasant: $425–$545/day depending on group size
• •Turkey: $1,700/person for 3-day hunt
• •Dove: $250/person (fishing add-on $50/day)
• •Non-hunting guest: $150/day
• •Deposit: $150/person (non-refundable, 60 days prior)

"I have hunted here over a decade with many family and friends, and come to hunt 4 species of birds. I can't say enough about the quality of the birds—or the staff in conducting safe, effective, well-planned hunts. Success has ALWAYS been 100% for both." — Michael, Colorado

"Having hunted for 45+ years across the country and globe, these guys set the bar." — Hal, Texas

"Fantastic facility, great lodging, awesome home cooked meals, super habitat and the best staff of any hunting lodge in the Midwest." — Kevin, Kansas

"What a great time! Truly a bucket list trip to remember. Great food, accommodations and over the top hospitality!" — David, Texas

785-565-2584 [email protected]

Downs sits roughly 4 hours from Kansas City, 2.5 hours from Wichita, and 5.5 hours from Denver.

Outdoor Obsessions has appeared on The Outdoor Channel and The Sportsman Channel.

Hunters should bring proper blaze orange, shooting glasses, hearing protection, hunting vest, shooting gloves, hunting pants, and boots. Weather in Kansas changes fast—check forecasts and pack accordingly. A gear checklist is available on their website.

You can bring your own hunting dogs. Requirements: enclosed kennel at night if staying in room, must be comfortable in a household setting (no excessive barking), current vaccinations, and no aggression shown.

• •Pheasant (native): State hunting license + hunter safety course (if born after July 1, 1957)
• •Pheasant (preserve): Controlled Shooting Area license
• •Turkey: State hunting license + turkey tag
• •Dove: State hunting license + HIP stamp

Resident licenses $27.50, nonresident $127.50. Purchase online through Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.