Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful information before your arrival
Lodging & Meals
What are the accommodations like?
The lodge at Southern Ohio Hunting Preserve offers comfortable, spacious lodging with a dining area, recreation room, hot showers, and central air conditioning
Will I have to share a room with strangers?
Unlike other preserves that pack hunters into crowded rooms, we prioritize your comfort and privacy. Whether you book a trip with your spouse, your child, or your friends, you will never share a sleeping space with someone you don’t know. The only exception is during select promotions or special events where we sell up to 14 individual spots, but you will always know about this in advance.
Do the rooms have private bathrooms?
Rooms do not have private bathrooms, but the lodge includes two separate, newly renovated bathrooms to accommodate guests comfortably.
Where is SOHP located?
We are located at 31625 Goose Creek Road McArthur, OH 45651, nestled in the the beautiful Appalachian foothills.
How much does lodging cost?
Lodging is $50 per day per hunter, which includes three home-cooked meals daily.
What meals are provided?
We serve three hearty meals each day, starting with breakfast the morning after your arrival (unless prior arrangements are made). Meals feature wild game like wild boar, bison, and more.
What time can I arrive?
Arrival is anytime after 7 p.m. the evening before your scheduled hunt. If you plan to arrive earlier or need a meal upon arrival, please let us know ahead of time.
What should I bring?
Please bring personal items, weather-appropriate clothing, and your hunting gear. A general store is located within two miles of the preserve for any additional needs.
Deposits & Payments
What is the deposit policy?
A $100 deposit per animal is required upon booking. Deposits for whitetails or special-order animals may be higher. Deposits are non-refundable but can be applied to rescheduling within 60 days of your original hunt date, at the owner’s discretion.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payments via checks, money orders, or cash. Pre-approved checks are also accepted for final payment.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but we no longer accept credit cards because the fees charged by credit card companies are unfair to both our clients and us. By avoiding these fees, we can keep our prices as reasonable as possible and focus on providing the best experience for you.
Is there a non-hunter fee?
Yes. Non-hunters pay $100 per day, which covers lodging and meals. This fee applies to non-hunters who wish to participate in activities and join their party on the preserve.
Hunting & Meat Processing
What’s included in the price of my hunt?
Your hunt includes transportation, guiding, field dressing, and skinning. It does not include processing. If you choose not to purchase our processing services, we’ll quarter and pack your meat on ice in your coolers at no extra charge. Ice is available for purchase on-site.
Can I purchase ice and coolers from you?
Ice is available for purchase on-site. You must bring your own appropriately-sized coolers with you prior to arrival.
How big of a cooler(s) do I need to bring?
The appropriate cooler size varies depending on the animal you plan to hunt. For example, you would need at least a 150 quart cooler if you plan to kill a hog. Not sure what size cooler(s) to bring? Reach out to us and we’d be happy to advise you!
What is the no-kill fee?
If you choose not to harvest the animal for which you paid a deposit, a $150 no-kill fee will be charged, and the deposit will be forfeited. This fee does not cover meals or lodging.
Do I need a license to hunt at the preserve?
If you are a resident of Ohio, you must have an Ohio hunting license. If you are not a resident of Ohio, you do not need a license unless you are coming to hunt native whitetails.
Can I handle the processing myself?
Field dressing and skinning is included in the price of your hunt. If we do not process your meat, we can also quarter your meat and put it in coolers you have provided, free of charge. Ice is available for purchase on-site.
Do you offer processing services?
We do offer aging, processing, and vacuum sealing at an additional cost. Please ask about pricing. Field dressing and skinning is included in the price of your hunt. We don’t provide overnight processing because wild game should be aged for about five days to enhance flavor and tenderness.
What is the best way to get my meat home if I don’t have it processed at SOHP?
If you are taking your unprocessed meat (carcass) home, you must have enough cooler space to safely store that meat. You cannot put meat in plastic bags or anything other than a cooler with ice.
General Information
Can hunting at SOHP provide quality meat for my family at a lower cost than the grocery store?
Yes! According to USDA guidelines, if you compare the cost of purchasing all the same cuts from a store that you would get from a 1,000 lb. steer or a 250 lb. hog, you’ll find that hunting your own meat at SOHP costs about the same or even less.
The difference? Our meat is clean, organic, and free from antibiotics, steroids, and growth stimulators. You’ll know exactly where your meat came from, what it ate, and how it lived. There’s no better way to provide high-quality, natural meat for your family.
What if I don’t stay in the lodge?
If you choose not to stay in our lodge, we will assume you also don’t require meals. If you’d like meals while visiting, please notify us in advance.
Can I book a group hunt?
Yes, but group discounts are only honored if the original number of hunters and booking dates remain unchanged.
Why don’t you list your prices on your website?
While we’d love to provide set prices for every hunt, the reality is that pricing can vary on daily basis. Our pricing is influenced by many factors, including market conditions and the availability of game.
We also offer frequent specials and discounts at much lower rates than typical pricing. For the most up-to-date pricing and to learn about our specials, please contact us directly.