Top Racks is dedicated to helping you enjoy the hunt and having a relaxing time in the great outdoors! Whether you like to be a part of the crowd or 'alone' with nature, we'll design a hunt that is sure to be a memorable experience for you or your group for bow, gun, or muzzleload. Our accommodations are designed for 4 or less; however, if you have a larger group we can take you to a local hotel. We have 22 stands for our hunters to utilize. If you're a first-time hunter, Bob can give you great tips on how to track game, keep alert, watch nature's signs, and be ready for a shot! For those of you who have the know-how and are just looking for a different hunting experience, we're sure you can find it at Top Racks. Time is taken with each person to customize a hunting package to meet their expectations. We want children to have a fun hunting experience too, so we have special rates for kids under 14--they will receive 10% off the hunt.
The child must be accompanied by an adult or use our fully guided services (at an additional fee). The adult relative (hunter) who accompanies the child will receive a discount of 10% off a booked hunt as well. For the non-hunter who comes along with the hunting buddy (e.g., spouse, camera operator, etc.), we will provide accommodations and meals for a cost of $50 per day (based on 5 days).
If you have physical challenges, we'll bend over backwards to accommodate you if possible on a one-to-one basis.The cost of our hunts may vary due to the customization of the hunt package, guide services, video, number of days hunting, etc. We offer hunts on private land for whitetail deer but can also arrange a hunt at a preserve.
Accommodations include a twin bed, hot shower, toilet, heat/AC, electric, refrigerator, microwave, TV/VCR, and a coffee pot. Our target range is to ensure that your weapon is sited in and ready for that one shot of a lifetime. We stress to our hunters to take advantage of the target range. For those who harvest their deer early, we have a stocked pond for fishing for catch and release--unless you want fresh fish for dinner! If you like to catfish, our pond has cats, blue gill, crappie, small mouth bass, a few walleye, and large mouth bass. We can also provide some great spots on the Mississinewa River which is within 1 mile of our cabin. (Be sure to check out our FAQ's to find out what other activities we have to offer.)
For any booked hunt, you may change the booking date (if available) no later than 30 days prior to your originally scheduled hunt date. All hunts require a $500 non-refundable deposit. (A $1000 non-refundable deposit is required for the hunting preserve.) Visa or MasterCard are accepted via our web site--see payment buttons below. Contact us at rscase@topracks.com or call us at (765) 206-0717 to get specific pricing information.
Each deer hunt includes (per person):
Airport transportation (Indianapolis or Ft. Wayne, IN)
comfortable down-home lodging
Continental breakfast
country-style buffet supper
brown bag lunch for the stand
semi-guided hunt
transportation to and from the stand
photowith harvest
standard deer processing
stocked pond for catch and release fishing
For additional charges, we can provide fully guided hunts, and coordinate videotaped hunts so you can add your Top Racks hunt to your video collection.
A resident or non-resident hunting license is required as well as any additional seasonal license. For firearm hunting, the hunter education safety course is required for people born after December 31, 1987; however, bow hunter education safety is not required. For additional information you can check out the Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife website at www.wildlife.IN.gov. For a great selection of archery gear and equipment, check out our archery supplier at www.walnutcreekarchery.com.
Cost of private land hunts
The cost of our free range hunts may vary due to the customization of the hunt package, guide services, or videotaping requirements. Please contact us for specific pricing. Please check the calendars for availability for the 2010 hunting season. THANK YOU!!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What class of deer will I see on my hunt?At Top Racks we are confident that you will have an opportunity to harvest a deer. Keep in mind that a missed or wounded deer is considered a completed hunt. In order to fill your tag, it's your job to place a clean shot. Deer management is a high priority for Top Racks so we ask that you carefully consider wise shot placement .
What is there to do after I get my deer? Here are some things to do: We have a stocked pond for fishing (catch and release). There is good catfishing within 1 mile of the cabin (fishing license purchase will be required). We breed whitetail deer and you’ll have a great chance to learn by observation--so be sure to bring your camera. There’s also good arrowhead hunting. Clay pigeon and target shooting are available at a nearby gun club. Pheasant hunts can be arranged as well (that location is within 1 hour of us) and there are blinds set up for coyote hunting (hunting seasons still apply).
Is there a handbook or regulation guide? All hunters who book with Top Racks will receive an Indiana Regulation handbook. For more information about specific rules prior to your arrival, check out the website at www.wildlife.IN.gov.
What does Top Racks expect from us? We expect you to abide by the safety rules and regulations established by Top Racks and to follow all the regulations established by the State of Indiana. You will sign an accident waiver and obtain a copy of the specific rules when you arrive. No smoking is permitted in the cabin, around the hunting area or in the hunting stand. Absolutely no alcohol is permitted on the stand or in the hunting area at any time. We suggest that all hunting clothes be stored in airtight containers to eliminate as much scent contamination as possible. A building near the cabin is suitable to store your gear and provide a dressing area. The balance of the hunt package must be paid in full by the time of arrival (or before).
What will the meals be like? A Continental breakfast will start your day and if you prefer to stay on the stand all day, we'll provide you with a brown bag lunch. The supper buffet can include venison, pork, beef, chicken, or fish, corn, stuffing, green beans, cole slaw, fresh tossed salad, baked beans, potatoes, salads, rolls, homemade jelly, homemade desserts and coffee. Our early bow hunters can enjoy our fresh vegetables from our garden such as sweet corn, tomatoes, and broccoli. We don’t want you to leave hungry! If you have special dietary needs or requests, we’ll do our best to accommodate you as long as you let us know.
How much hunting experience do you have? Bob has over 36 years of personal whitetail hunting experience with 20 years of guiding experience in this county alone.
Do you hunt over bait? It is illegal in the state of Indiana to hunt over bait.
How much hunting experience do I have to have? Each hunter must be familiar with his/her weapon. However, we can assist you with developing good deer hunting skills and techniques so that you can enjoy the best hunting experience.
Acording to the Division of Wildlife, the Indiana whitetail harvest record was 123,086 deer in 1996; the gun-hunting record was 99,886 in 1996; and the bow-hunting record was 25,233 in 1995. Indiana’s deer population is around 450,000. The average harvest is 101,380. Indiana set a one buck rule which has been set for 4 years. We are seeing the buck numbers increase tremendously with better quality bucks being seen. We are starting to see very nice 3 1/2-5 year old mature bucks. The one buck rule that Indiana implemented is the best thing that has happened to hunting quality bucks in Indiana.
