Gopher Ridge Farms

Gopher Ridge Farms operates a guided hunting ranch at 315 Combs Run Road, Princeton, WV 24739, offering trophy hunts across the Appalachian Mountains. The property features heavily timbered terrain with thick cover and rolling hills—the kind of landscape that demands real hunting skill.

They guide hunts for: - Whitetail Deer - their core specialty, with 40+ years of combined whitetail-focused experience from the guide staff - Elk - big game hunts in Appalachian terrain - Exotic Game - Watusi, Oryx, Red Stag, Fallow Deer, Blackbuck, Rams - Turkey - spring and fall opportunities

This operation is family-run by the Smith brothers—Jonathan, Justin, and Jason—plus additional guides like Johnny Smith and Matt Dove (who also handles video/photography). Each guide grew up hunting and knows the local terrain intimately. Most shots happen within 100 yards due to the thick cover and rolling landscape. Longer shots are occasionally possible in open fields.

"While I arrived as an acquaintance, I left as a friend." - Jason Smith's approach to every hunt

• •Access to prime hunting grounds
• •Professional, experienced guide for the duration
• •Field dressing and animal care immediately after harvest
• •Transportation of game to processor
• •Optional meat processing (hand-cut, vacuum-sealed, labeled, stored in walk-in cooler)
• •Optional caping for taxidermy
• •Non-hunter companions welcome for photos/video
• •Special accommodations available upon request

Their guides handle field dressing in a professional cleaning shed. Hunters choose butchering options (steaks, burger, other cuts) with guidance from a butcher specializing in exotic game. If you want to keep hunting, they'll store your animal in the walk-in cooler while you head back out.

For taxidermy, they work with local experts or can cape the animal for transport to your preferred taxidermist. They also recommend trusted shipping partners for meat and trophies.

Contact them at (704) 437-0964, [email protected], or through their booking form. A deposit secures your spot; final payment due before the hunt. Early booking recommended as availability fills quickly.

• •Hunting License Required: Valid West Virginia hunting license needed. Check WV DNR for current requirements.

Hunters consistently report the terrain is stunning and the staff knows their craft. Testimonials highlight the guides' expertise, high success rates, personalized attention, and the way staff become friends by hunt's end. This is a multi-generational operation built on genuine passion for the hunt.