Available Hunting Dates 2010 Season We have limited dates available for 2010 for archery and muzzleload.  Please contact us with your specific date requests.  2011 Season Plan ahead for the 2011 archery and muzzleload season today!  Make sure that you don't miss out on your opportunity to hunt with us by confirming your reservations for the 2011 season!  Contact us by phone or email to start the reservation process. 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 for archery or muzzleload.  Our accommodations are designed for up to 4; however, if you have a larger group we can make arrangements at a local hotel.  We have 22 stands for our hunters to utilize--all areas have been pre-scouted are ready for you. If you're a first-time hunter, Bob can give you great tips on how to keep alert, watch nature's signs, be ready for a shot--and track game!  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 with us at Top Racks.  Time is taken with you to customize a hunting package to meet your 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. Just a few requirements for the child discount:  The child must be accompanied by an adult or use our fully guided services (available for an additional fee). The adult relative (hunter) who accompanies the child will also receive a discount of 10% off the 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 a 5 day stay).  If you have physical challenges, we'll do our best to accommodate you if possible on a one-to-one basis. The cost of our hunts may vary due to the customization of each individualized hunt package, guide services, video, number of days hunting, etc.  Our hunts are on private land for whitetail deer; however, if you're interested in a preserve hunt we can also arrange this adventure as well for not only whitetail deer but also elk. Accommodations include a twin bed, hot shower, toilet, heat/AC, electric, refrigerator, microwave, and TV/VCR. We will help you 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 a deer early, we have a stocked pond for catch and release--unless you want fresh fish for dinner!  Our pond has catfish, blue gill, crappie, small mouth bass, walleye, and large mouth bass.  We can also provide some great spots on the Mississinewa River, which is within one 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 or call us with your payment information.  Contact us at rscase@topracks.com or call Bob at (765) 206-0717 to get specific pricing information. Each deer hunt includes (per person): Airport transportation (Indianapolis or Ft. Wayne, IN) comfortable country lodging Continental breakfast country-style supper brown bag lunch for the stand semi-guided hunt transportation to and from the stand photo with harvest standard deer processing stocked pond for catch and release fishing For additional charges, we can provide fully guided hunts, coordinate videotaped hunts so you can add your Top Racks hunt to your video collection, and we also do specialized processing including seasoned varieties of summer sausage and snack sticks.   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 please visit 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 online at www.walnutcreekarchery.com or visit Bill in the store at their Upland, Indiana store location (call Bill at 765-998-1146 for store hours). If you would like to have a link on our website, please give us a call or send us an email.  We'd enjoy the opportunity to provide services to our friends in the hunting industry! 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.   Remember that we do not have any gun hunts available for the 2010 season! 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 me? 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.  Supper can include venison, pork, beef, chicken, or fish, vegatibles, salads, baked beans, potatoes, rolls, homemade jelly, homemade desserts and coffee.  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.