Great Expectations Hunting Preserve
Great Expectations Hunting Preserve operated from 1991 through 2017 as a full-service upland bird hunting operation in Kimberly, Oregon, near the John Day area. Owners Jerry and Kitty closed the preserve to pursue retirement after more than two decades of consistent operation. The preserve sat on ex...
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Overview
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Great Expectations Hunting Preserve operated from 1991 through 2017 as a full-service upland bird hunting operation in Kimberly, Oregon, near the John Day area. Owners Jerry and Kitty closed the preserve to pursue retirement after more than two decades of consistent operation.
The preserve sat on extensive acreage with a guest lodge located at 43176 Cupper Creek Road, Kimberly, OR 97848. The property sits between Kimberly (10 miles west) and Monument (4 miles east), accessed via Cupper Creek Road/Country Road 2. The owners retained their 400-acre home place after selling the hunting preserve property.
Great Expectations specialized in:
- •Pheasant hunts - Primary game bird offering
- •Classic upland bird hunts - Including quail and chukar
- •Hunting lodge rental - Multi-day trips for groups and families
The operation became known for hospitality and accommodation. Clients sent farewell letters praising the lodge itself—one customer even borrowed design ideas from it for their home construction.
Starting in 2012, the preserve expanded into professional gun dog training with three structured packages:
| Package | Duration | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tune-Up | 2 days | $195/day | For trained dogs needing refresher work; 2 hours morning and afternoon with trainer; 3 birds per session |
| Training | 2-3 months | $700/month | For green puppies (4+ months, vaccinated); basic obedience, field commands, fetching, pointing, retrieving basics; owner instruction day included |
| Finishing | 3-4 months | $650/month | Advanced program for naturally talented dogs; competitive pointing breed standards; required good genetics and hunting drive |
The preserve built 10 new dog kennels in 2012—each 6 feet wide by 31 feet long with individual septic and watering systems, 10 feet of covered concrete, and 21 feet of graveled run.
Training used live birds (pheasants and chukar) for realistic field experience. Jerry retained the right to discontinue any program if a dog lacked the necessary genetic foundation or hunting drive.
Clients returned year after year, viewing their trips as family traditions. One customer brought children who grew up visiting the lodge starting in diapers. Another scattered their deceased dog's ashes on the property and left a name plaque in a juniper tree at the front entrance.
The sentiment across farewell letters: Great Expectations offered more than a hunting experience—it was a life experience. Families looked forward to their yearly gathering more than any other point in the calendar.
Great Expectations Hunting Preserve has been officially closed since 2017. Jerry and Kitty retired and are no longer accepting clients or bookings.
Their son Brogen and daughter-in-law Emma continued the hunting tradition by taking positions at Horseshoe Curve Hunting Preserve near Pendleton, Oregon—carrying forward the ethics and approach learned at Great Expectations.
Great Expectations Hunting Preserve 43176 Cupper Creek Road Kimberly, OR 97848 (541) 934-2395 Fax: (541) 934-2117
The hunting preserve property is for sale, but the owners retained their 400-acre home place and continue to live on the property.
Fire Restrictions Active
Check current conditions before visiting. Smoking and open flames may be prohibited.
Restrictions
- •Hunting season dates apply
- •Valid hunting license required
- •Group hunting available with advance booking
- •Dogs must meet vaccination and health requirements for training programs
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