Hornsnfish
We run a similiar operation here in Idaho for self-guided hunters. I don't know anything about your ranch other than size.
Some guys will argue, but the $2500 is about right if you can expect the following:
1) The property has produced bucks or bulls the size you want in the last two seasons and they have proof.
2) You know exactly how many other hunters will be there when you are. Depending on if you're just hunting resident deer (versus migrating deer that come on the ranch), then you might need to know how many hunters were there in the second deer season, too.
3) We have lower deer numbers in Idaho, but if we had an 8500 acre ranch, I'd manage for 9 hunters or less for that ranch for all rifle seasons. This is just a rough guage, but with about 1 hunter allowed per 1000 acres, I can at least predict a quality hunt based on low hunting pressure.
4) A good property orientation showing you good areas, even if they drive around and show you the areas from a road or short walks and a good topo map of the property. If there are other ranches adjacenet that you must stay off, then those boundaries must be clearly marked on the map.
5)The operator should be able to tell you the success rate for your species for the last few seasons by other hunters going self-guided.
6)The operator should be able to provide references of past hunters both sucessful and unsuccessful.
7)Finally, while I wouldn't demand it, if they allow you a day or so of scouting preseason, that can really increase the value, too. I allow our hunters to come out for a weekend in the summer if they want to. I can do their property orientation then and they can scout. This isn't always possible on ranches due to other things, but if they will let you and you can, it's a bonus for sure.
That's what I'd expect for what you're paying. If you need more than that, then keep shopping for an undiscovered ranch that charges less or offers more, but if they do, they will only do so for one season in most cases before prices go up or number of hunters go up or both.
You can also double the price and go on a fully guided hunt which often, but not always, increases your chances. Or you can times the price by 4 and get in on some hunts that you might have a legit chance at a great buck and probably top-notch service.
I only list those options to give you an idea of what the market is.
The Christian
