--- title: How to make a hunting property the pros would envy description: Lifelong hunter Steve Simmons shares lesson's he's learned about creating a successful hunt club that will thrive for years to come. image: https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hubfs/Blog_Photos/Rural_Life/Hunting/Steve%20Simmons/Steve%20Simmons%20How%20to%20Create%20Hunting%20Club.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/how-to-make-a-hunt-club-the-pros-would-envy#Main) [![Raydient Rural Logo](https://www.raydientrural.com/images/RR_Header_Logo.png)](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/) - Search Our Communities Close - [Land For Sale](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/) - Alabama - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Alabama Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/) - [Baldwin County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/baldwin-county/) - [Butler County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/butler-county/) - [Coffee County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/coffee-county/) - [Covington County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/covington-county/) - [Old Salt Road](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/covington-county/old-salt-road/) - [Crenshaw County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/crenshaw-county/) - [View all in Alabama](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/) - Florida - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Florida Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/) - [Baker County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/baker-county/) - [Steel Bridge](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/baker-county/steel-bridge/) - [Bradford County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/bradford-county/) - [Columbia County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/columbia-county/) - [Falling Creek Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/columbia-county/falling-creek-farms/) - [Duval County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/duval-county/) - [Brandy Branch](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/duval-county/brandy-branch/) - [Madison County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/madison-county/) - [Nassau County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/) - [Andrews Grove](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/andrews-grove/) - [Bay Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/bay-farms/) - [Brandy Branch](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/duval-county/brandy-branch/) - [Stave Branch](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/stave-branch/) - [View all in Florida](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/) - Georgia - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Georgia Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/) - [Bulloch County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/bulloch-county/) - [Lanes Creek Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/bulloch-county/lanes-creek-farms/) - [Charlton County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/charlton-county/) - [Riverhaven](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/charlton-county/riverhaven/) - [The Refuge](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/charlton-county/the-refuge/) - [Laurens County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/laurens-county/) - [Bluewater](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/laurens-county/bluewater/) - [View all in Georgia](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/) - Louisiana - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Louisiana Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/) - [Allen Parish](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/) - [Evergreen Trace](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/evergreen-trace/) - [Hidden Forest](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/hidden-forest/) - [Mallard Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/mallard-farms/) - [Calcasieu Parish](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/calcasieu-parish/) - [Jefferson Davis Parish](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/jefferson-davis-parish/) - [Gander Way](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/jefferson-davis-parish/gander-way/) - [View all in Louisiana](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/) - Texas - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Texas Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/) - [Angelina County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/angelina-county/) - [Liberty County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/liberty-county/) - [Gaylor Creek](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/liberty-county/gaylor-creek/) - [Polk County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/) - [Plum Creek Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/plum-creek-farms/) - [Stryker Mill](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/stryker-mill/) - [Sugar Hill](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/sugar-hill/) - [Walker County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/walker-county/) - [Willow Creek](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/walker-county/willow-creek/) - [View all in Texas](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/) - [![Menu CTA Checklist](https://www.raydientrural.com/media/22vjatsz/menu_cta_checklist.jpg?width=345&format=webp&quality=80&v=1db3feb614d9360)](https://info.raydientplaces.com/questions-to-ask-when-buying-rural-land) - Rethink:Rural Blog Resources Close - [Rethink:Rural Blog](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/) - [Most Recent](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog) - Why Go Rural - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Why Go Rural](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/why-go-rural) - [Health & Wellness](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/health) - [Family Life](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/family) - [Country Life](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/country-life) - [Freedom](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/freedom) - Rural Lifestyle - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Rural Lifestyle](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/rural-lifestyle) - [Birding](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/birding) - [Farming](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/farming) - [Gardening](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/gardening) - [Hunting & Fishing](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/hunting-and-fishing) - [Recipes](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/food) - [Recreation](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/recreation) - [Sustainability](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/sustainability) - Rural Lands - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Rural Lands](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/rural-lands) - [Alabama](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/alabama) - [Florida](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/florida) - [Georgia](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/georgia) - [Louisiana](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/louisiana) - [Mississippi](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/mississippi) - [Texas](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/texas) - Buying Land - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Buying Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/buying-land) - [Buying 101](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/buying-101) - [Finance](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/finance) - [Insurance](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/insurance) - [Finding Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/finding-land) - Owning Land - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Owning Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/owning-land) - [Improving Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/improving-land) - [Managing land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/managing-land) - [Making a homesite](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/making-a-homesite) - [Rural People](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/rural-people) - [Starting a farm](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/starting-a-farm) - [The Rural Rules](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/the-rural-rules) - [E-Guides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/e-guides) - [County Guides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/county-guides) - [Buyer Video Testimonials](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/buyer-video-testimonials) - [Landowner Video Stories](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/landowner-video-stories) - [About Us](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/about) - [Subscribe](https://info.raydientrural.com/subscribe-to-the-rethink-rural-blog) - [About](https://www.raydientrural.com/about/) - [Contact Us](https://www.raydientrural.com/contact-us/) Menu - Search Our Communities - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg)back - [Land For Sale](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/) - Alabama - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Alabama Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/) - [Baldwin County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/baldwin-county/) - [Butler County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/butler-county/) - [Coffee County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/coffee-county/) - [Covington County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/covington-county/) - [Old Salt Road](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/covington-county/old-salt-road/) - [Crenshaw County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/crenshaw-county/) - [View all in Alabama](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/) - Florida - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Florida Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/) - [Baker County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/baker-county/) - [Steel Bridge](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/baker-county/steel-bridge/) - [Bradford County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/bradford-county/) - [Columbia County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/columbia-county/) - [Falling Creek Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/columbia-county/falling-creek-farms/) - [Duval County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/duval-county/) - [Brandy Branch](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/duval-county/brandy-branch/) - [Madison County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/madison-county/) - [Nassau County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/) - [Andrews Grove](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/andrews-grove/) - [Bay Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/bay-farms/) - [Brandy Branch](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/duval-county/brandy-branch/) - [Stave Branch](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/stave-branch/) - [View all in Florida](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/) - Georgia - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Georgia Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/) - [Bulloch County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/bulloch-county/) - [Lanes Creek Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/bulloch-county/lanes-creek-farms/) - [Charlton County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/charlton-county/) - [Riverhaven](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/charlton-county/riverhaven/) - [The Refuge](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/charlton-county/the-refuge/) - [Laurens County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/laurens-county/) - [Bluewater](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/laurens-county/bluewater/) - [View all in Georgia](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/) - Louisiana - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Louisiana Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/) - [Allen Parish](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/) - [Evergreen Trace](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/evergreen-trace/) - [Hidden Forest](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/hidden-forest/) - [Mallard Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/mallard-farms/) - [Calcasieu Parish](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/calcasieu-parish/) - [Jefferson Davis Parish](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/jefferson-davis-parish/) - [Gander Way](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/jefferson-davis-parish/gander-way/) - [View all in Louisiana](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/) - Texas - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Texas Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/) - [Angelina County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/angelina-county/) - [Liberty County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/liberty-county/) - [Gaylor Creek](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/liberty-county/gaylor-creek/) - [Polk County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/) - [Plum Creek Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/plum-creek-farms/) - [Stryker Mill](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/stryker-mill/) - [Sugar Hill](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/sugar-hill/) - [Walker County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/walker-county/) - [Willow Creek](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/walker-county/willow-creek/) - [View all in Texas](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/) - [![Menu CTA Checklist](https://www.raydientrural.com/media/22vjatsz/menu_cta_checklist.jpg?width=345&format=webp&quality=80&v=1db3feb614d9360)](https://info.raydientplaces.com/questions-to-ask-when-buying-rural-land) - Rethink:Rural Blog Resources - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg)back - [Rethink:Rural Blog](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/) - [Most Recent](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog) - Why Go Rural - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Why Go Rural](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/why-go-rural) - [Health & Wellness](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/health) - [Family Life](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/family) - [Country Life](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/country-life) - [Freedom](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/freedom) - Rural Lifestyle - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Rural Lifestyle](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/rural-lifestyle) - [Birding](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/birding) - [Farming](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/farming) - [Gardening](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/gardening) - [Hunting & Fishing](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/hunting-and-fishing) - [Recipes](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/food) - [Recreation](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/recreation) - [Sustainability](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/sustainability) - Rural Lands - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Rural Lands](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/rural-lands) - [Alabama](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/alabama) - [Florida](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/florida) - [Georgia](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/georgia) - [Louisiana](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/louisiana) - [Mississippi](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/mississippi) - [Texas](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/texas) - Buying Land - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Buying Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/buying-land) - [Buying 101](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/buying-101) - [Finance](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/finance) - [Insurance](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/insurance) - [Finding Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/finding-land) - Owning Land - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back - [Owning Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/owning-land) - [Improving Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/improving-land) - [Managing land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/managing-land) - [Making a homesite](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/making-a-homesite) - [Rural People](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/rural-people) - [Starting a farm](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/starting-a-farm) - [The Rural Rules](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/the-rural-rules) - [E-Guides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/e-guides) - [County Guides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/county-guides) - [Buyer Video Testimonials](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/buyer-video-testimonials) - [Landowner Video Stories](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/landowner-video-stories) - [About Us](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/about) - [Subscribe](https://info.raydientrural.com/subscribe-to-the-rethink-rural-blog) - [About](https://www.raydientrural.com/about/) - [Contact Us](https://www.raydientrural.com/contact-us/) ![Desktop Hero Image](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/ReRu_Home_Hero.jpg?width=1800&height=340&name=ReRu_Home_Hero.jpg "Desktop Hero Image") ![Rethink Rural Logo](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/ReRu_Logo.png?width=840&height=192&name=ReRu_Logo.png) - [Rethink:Rural](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/) | - [Blog](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog) | - [How to make a hunting property the pros would envy](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/how-to-make-a-hunt-club-the-pros-would-envy) - [![Facebook Link](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Icon_Facebook.png?width=10&height=21&name=Icon_Facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rethinkrural/421805577985766) - [![X/Twitter Link](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Icon_X.png?width=20&height=20&name=Icon_X.png)](https://twitter.com/rethink_rural) - [![Instagram Link](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Icon_Instagram.png?width=20&height=20&name=Icon_Instagram.png)](https://www.instagram.com/rethinkruralblog/) - [![Pinterest Link](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Icon_Pinterest.png?width=16&height=21&name=Icon_Pinterest.png)](https://www.pinterest.com/rethinkrura0483/) - [![RSS Feed Link](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Icon_RSS.png?width=20&height=20&name=Icon_RSS.png)](https://rethinkrural.raydientplaces.com/blog/rss.xml) - [![Subscribe Link](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Icon_Email.png?width=23&height=20&name=Icon_Email.png)](https://info.raydientplaces.com/subscribe-to-the-rethink-rural-blog) December 2016 # How to make a hunting property the pros would envy ![How to make a hunting property the pros would envy](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Photos/Rural_Life/Hunting/Steve%20Simmons/Steve%20Simmons%20How%20to%20Create%20Hunting%20Club.jpg?length=1151&name=Steve%20Simmons%20How%20to%20Create%20Hunting%20Club.jpg) *Lifelong hunter and real estate company owner Steve Simmons shares his expert advice for creating a hunt club that will flourish for years to come.* *This is the first article in a three-part series. See also:* - [*Why manage wildlife on hunting land?*](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/why-manage-wildlife-on-hunting-land) - [*How to find the best hunting land in Florida: 8 tips*](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/how-to-find-the-best-hunting-land-in-florida-8-tips) Deep in the woods in total darkness, Steve Simmons waits for day to begin. [![Florida Rural Land for Sale](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1710963/9733a874-d79a-47cc-b132-ab9bcdf3acc6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1710963/9733a874-d79a-47cc-b132-ab9bcdf3acc6)As the first hint of light brings his surroundings into focus, he watches the shadows, waiting to see if they are bushes, logs, or maybe even animals. Finally, first light blankets the beautiful pines and oaks around him. Birds begin their morning songs, squirrels chatter as they chase each other from branch to branch, and a majestic buck meanders through the forest, leaves and twigs crackling under his hooves as he seeks out a breakfast of freshly-fallen acorns and honeysuckle. **His beautiful 8-point rack would tempt many hunters, but Steve puts down his bow and goes for his camera instead**. Already the proud owner of a trophy room full of impressive mounts, he’s here just as much for the awesomeness of nature as he is for any game he may be hunting. “It’s a shame that so few people have ever been in a deep woods setting to experience the woods waking up or going to sleep,” Simmons will later observe. “It’s so rewarding to simply observe the wildlife and see nature at its best.” ## The making of a hunting land expert After more than a half century of bow hunting, Simmons has learned the art of patience. **Whether hunting in the South; the frigid, untouched wilds of Alaska; or anywhere in between, he has been known to pass on many prized bucks and other big game.** Unless they are more impressive than the ones on his wall, he’d rather let them go. He accepts the fact that they may never meet again, but if they do, the animals are more likely to have matured enough for Simmons to take a closer look. Letting so many bucks walk is just the beginning of Simmons’ efforts to manage the wildlife on the land he hunts, helping to make it the best it can be for him and others to follow. Because in addition to his love for nature and hunting, he is a man who loves great real estate. The owner of [ERA Fernandina Beach Realty](http://www.fernandinabeachrealty.com/) in Fernandina Beach, Florida,  for 43 years, Simmons has played a major role in countless individual home and property sales as well as some of the biggest real estate deals on Amelia Island, including the island’s first and second Kmart, Publix shopping center, oceanfront condominiums and spec homes to many of the area’s prominent subdivisions. His real estate career started when he and his brother, Ralph Simmons, got involved with the Sea Pines Company on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. In the early ‘70s, they moved to Amelia Island to help pioneer the Amelia Island Plantation development for the Sea Pines Company. But before he began his real estate career, Simmons went to school to study forestry, reinforcing his deep appreciation for forest land that continues to this day. **With this unique combination of expertise in nature, hunting and real estate, Simmons has a superior perspective in understanding how to evaluate - and create - the best hunting land in Florida and Georgia.** **![Simmons Hunting Trophy Room.jpg](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Photos/Rural_Life/Hunting/Steve%20Simmons/Simmons%20Hunting%20Trophy%20Room.jpg?width=1000&height=470&name=Simmons%20Hunting%20Trophy%20Room.jpg)***Simmons' trophy room boasts a wall full of prize bucks. See more pictures of his trophy room in the second article in this series, "[Why manage wildlife on hunting land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/why-manage-wildlife-on-hunting-land)?" / Photo courtesy of Steve Simmons* ## 3 major factors that influence the quality of hunting land Sitting in his office just steps from the ocean recently, Simmons reflected on what qualities are required for ideal hunting land in Florida, Georgia and the rest of the United States. **He said that there are three major factors – genetics, nutrition and age -- that influence the quality of game on most tracts of land. While genetics depends on the region, the other factors can be controlled by the quality of the land, itself, and the way that land is managed.** Simmons should know. He once created an exclusive hunting club under a hunting agreement with Rethink:Rural’s parent company, Rayonier Inc. The timber company, which owns more than 2 million acres of land primarily in the Southern United States, [licenses much of its timberland for hunting](http://www.rayonierhunting.com/), in addition to [selling hunting land](https://raydientplaces.com/) on tracts it no longer needs for its timber operations. Simmons’ club was on a pristine tract north of Jacksonville off Lem Turner Road. As the owner of the exclusive hunting rights and manager of the club, **Simmons wrote out a detailed plan to ensure the land gave hunters the best possible hunting and outdoor experience**. He: - **mapped and named the more than two dozen dirt roads** throughout the property; - **set rules to manage the wildlife**, such as establishing a minimum antler size for deer to be harvested; - worked with local rescue personnel to establish **pre-arranged emergency landing spots for helicopters**, should the need ever arise; and - implemented **supplemental feeding programs** that not only attracted wildlife but also assisted in growth quality and sustainability. The result was a property that continued to improve year after year -- and Simmons never had to search for members. He said he would still be managing and hunting there if the land had not sold to the State of Florida. ## Exclusive hunting rights vs. buying hunting land ![Steve Simmons on Hunting Land.jpg](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Photos/Rural_Life/Hunting/Steve%20Simmons/Steve%20Simmons%20on%20Hunting%20Land.jpg?width=400&height=600&name=Steve%20Simmons%20on%20Hunting%20Land.jpg)Simmons said obtaining exclusive hunting rights is a great opportunity and option for hunters who don’t have the resources to purchase land outright. But **he prefers ownership** so he knows he'll have that land for many years to come, perhaps even for generations to come. “Even something small, like 50 to 100 acres, can provide a lot of enjoyment to someone who is looking for a hunting tract,” Simmons said. In addition to the Rayonier tract he licensed, Simmons purchased land for a bow hunting club in Pulaski County, Georgia, in the 1980s. This club was especially tailored to Simmons’ preferences: he created deed restrictions against guns, allowing for an archery-only club, and the rule book was written before any members were brought in. Again, **Simmons set limits to what the hunters could harvest, allowing the deer to mature in order to truly become trophy animals**. The result of the carefully-managed property was undeniably successful. The first Pope and Young whitetail bucks to make the state record book in and around Pulaski County were taken there. ## Deer hunting with a bow rather than a gun To Simmons, who’s been bow hunting since 1965, archery is a much more challenging and rewarding experience than hunting with a gun. While he has plenty of gun-hunting friends and contends archery isn’t for everyone, he says he prefers it because: - It’s more challenging to get a clear shot and make the right hit. - Taking a shot is not as disturbing to the woods and wildlife (and sometimes, more importantly, nearby neighbors). - It’s safer, especially for a hunter who likes to take family along -- and to Simmons, family and good friends should be an integral part of any hunt. - You must become skillful to get close and disciplined in taking a shot. - Bow hunting is more peaceful and relaxing. - You’ll be able to see more game and understand their habits and movements so much more. - To your benefit, the process will take more time and patience. “**The best way to become a good hunter is to bow hunt**,” Simmons said. “You’ll learn so much that will help you become a better hunter, from the pre-season preparation to having more wildlife encounters when you can’t get a shot.” ## Learning to hunt as a child Simmons can’t remember a time in his life that he didn’t hunt and fish. He grew up on a South Georgia farm with a large lake, and his school bus driver knew to look for him first at the lake a half mile down the road from his house. Most mornings, he would get up early to fit in some fishing before heading to class. He and his family still own that farm, hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors whenever they go back. On part of the family’s land, Simmons has managed the Simmons Mill Pond Duck Hunting Preserve and Fishing Club for almost 25 years. [![Land for sale in Bradford County FL](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1710963/699be6a5-7dcb-4851-9e82-ddf4609de7c2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1710963/699be6a5-7dcb-4851-9e82-ddf4609de7c2)Other hunts take him much further from home: He and a close friend hunt in the wilds of Alaska every September. Without a guide, they are flown out to remote areas typically more than 100 miles from civilization to be dropped off on a mountain ridge or a river bed and left to fend for themselves for a week or more. “There’s no camp or facilities, just raw nature at its best!” Simmons says. With other friends in October, he hunts bears and record-book whitetail bucks in Canada. Regardless of how far he goes from home to chase the excitement that comes with bow hunting, he says, “**Nothing is more enjoyable than gathering my arrows and hunting with lifelong friends in the beautiful woods of North Florida and South Georgia**.” *All photography except trophy room by Gary Clark, a former Southern Living Magazine travel photographer and photographer of the United States Postal Service 2014 Star-Spangled Banner Forever stamp. See more of Gary's work and contact him at [www.thegaryclark.com](http://www.thegaryclark.com/).* ![Tiffany Wilson](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tiffany%20Wilson-1000.jpg?width=100&height=100&name=Tiffany%20Wilson-1000.jpg) Tiffany Wilson The former editor of Rethink:Rural, Tiffany Wilson has been passionate about writing - and country life - since childhood. She grew up in a log house in the hills of a small town in Upstate New York. She previously worked as a newspaper reporter and hospital communications coordinator. Today, she lives with her husband and children in Yulee, Florida. Read [all of Tiffany Wilson's posts](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/author/tiffany-wilson) Categories - ![Nav_Icon_Most_Recent](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Nav_Icon_Most_Recent.png?width=38&height=36&name=Nav_Icon_Most_Recent.png) [Most Recent](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog) - ![Nav_Icon_Why_Go_Rural](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Why_Go_Rural.png?width=30&height=30&name=Nav_Icon_Why_Go_Rural.png) [Why Go Rural](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/why-go-rural) ![Arrow Icon](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Nav_Arrows.png?width=12&height=12&name=Nav_Arrows.png) - [Health & Wellness](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/health) - [Family Life](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/family) - [Country Life](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/country-life) - [Freedom](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/freedom) - ![Nav_Icon_Rural_Lifestyle](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Rural_Lifestyle.png?width=26&height=32&name=Nav_Icon_Rural_Lifestyle.png) [Rural Lifestyle](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/rural-lifestyle) ![Arrow Icon](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Nav_Arrows.png?width=12&height=12&name=Nav_Arrows.png) - [Birding](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/birding) - [Farming](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/farming) - [Gardening](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/gardening) - [Hunting & Fishing](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/hunting-and-fishing) - [Recipes](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/food) - [Recreation](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/recreation) - [Sustainability](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/sustainability) - ![Nav_Icon_Rural_Lands](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Rural_Lands.png?width=31&height=31&name=Nav_Icon_Rural_Lands.png) [Rural Lands](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/rural-lands) ![Arrow Icon](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Nav_Arrows.png?width=12&height=12&name=Nav_Arrows.png) - [Alabama](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/alabama) - [Florida](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/florida) - [Georgia](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/georgia) - [Louisiana](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/louisiana) - [Mississippi](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/mississippi) - [Texas](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/texas) - ![Nav_Icon_Buying_Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Buying_Land.png?width=33&height=38&name=Nav_Icon_Buying_Land.png) [Buying Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/buying-land) ![Arrow Icon](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Nav_Arrows.png?width=12&height=12&name=Nav_Arrows.png) - [Buying 101](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/buying-101) - [Finance](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/finance) - [Insurance](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/insurance) - [Finding Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/finding-land) - ![Nav_Icon_Owning_Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Owning_Land.png?width=34&height=34&name=Nav_Icon_Owning_Land.png) [Owning Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/owning-land) ![Arrow Icon](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Nav_Arrows.png?width=12&height=12&name=Nav_Arrows.png) - [Improving Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/improving-land) - [Managing land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/managing-land) - [Making a homesite](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/making-a-homesite) - [Rural People](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/rural-people) - [Starting a farm](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/starting-a-farm) - ![Nav_Icon_Videos](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Videos.png?width=35&height=27&name=Nav_Icon_Videos.png) [The Rural Rules](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/the-rural-rules) - ![Nav_Icon_EGuides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_EGuides.png?width=35&height=31&name=Nav_Icon_EGuides.png) [E-Guides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/e-guides) - ![Nav_Icon_County_Guides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_County_Guides.png?width=35&height=37&name=Nav_Icon_County_Guides.png) [County Guides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/county-guides) - ![Nav_Icon_Videos](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Videos.png?width=35&height=27&name=Nav_Icon_Videos.png) [Buyer Video Testimonials](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/buyer-video-testimonials) - ![Nav_Icon_Videos](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Videos.png?width=35&height=27&name=Nav_Icon_Videos.png) [Landowner Video Stories](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/landowner-video-stories) - [About Us](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/about) - [Subscribe](https://info.raydientrural.com/subscribe-to-the-rethink-rural-blog) Subscribe Today! Sign up for articles and tips on rural living [Subscribe](https://info.raydientplaces.com/subscribe-to-the-rethink-rural-blog) \* By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from Raydient and accept our [Privacy Policy](https://www.raydientrural.com/privacy-statement/). You can unsubscribe at any time. ![Grass Illustration](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Grass_Signup_Box.png?width=172&height=73&name=Grass_Signup_Box.png) Recommended For You [![Freeze Dryer Vs. Food Dehydrator: Which is Right for your Homestead?](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_2400208861-1.jpg?length=420&name=shutterstock_2400208861-1.jpg)](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/freeze-dryer-vs.-dehydrator) [Freeze Dryer Vs. Dehydrator: Which is Right for Your Homestead?](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/freeze-dryer-vs.-dehydrator) [Read more](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/freeze-dryer-vs.-dehydrator) [![How to Raise Turkeys on A Hobby Farm: A Complete Guide](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_683555938.jpg?length=420&name=shutterstock_683555938.jpg)](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/how-to-raise-turkeys-on-a-hobby-farm) [How to Raise Turkeys on A Hobby Farm: A Complete Guide](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/how-to-raise-turkeys-on-a-hobby-farm) [Read more](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/how-to-raise-turkeys-on-a-hobby-farm) [![Flower jellies](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GettyImages-1073262600.jpg?length=420&name=GettyImages-1073262600.jpg)](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/flower-jellies-recipes) [How to Make Flower Jellies + Violet Jelly Recipes](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/flower-jellies-recipes) [Read more](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/flower-jellies-recipes) [![The Benefits of Tourism Offices for Trip Planning](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mize_Tourism%20Article%20Lead.jpg?length=420&name=Mize_Tourism%20Article%20Lead.jpg)](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/benefits-of-tourism-offices-trip-planning) [The Benefits of Tapping into Tourism Offices for Outdoor Trip Planning](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/benefits-of-tourism-offices-trip-planning) [Read more](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/benefits-of-tourism-offices-trip-planning) Leave a Comment Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked\* [![Raydient Rural logo](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/RR_Footer_Logo.png)](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/) Raydient Places + Properties is on a mission to connect potential land buyers with our properties that best suit their needs for homesteads, recreation and investments. \*Raydient is a taxable subsidiary of [Rayonier Inc.](http://www.rayonier.com/), a timber real estate investment trust. Keep up with new lots through our newsletter Contact Us [1-844-877-LAND](tel:1-844-877-LAND) [info@raydientrural.com](mailTo:info@raydientrural.com) 1 Rayonier Way Wildlight, FL 32097 - © 2025 Raydient LLC. All rights reserved. - [Privacy Statement](https://www.raydientrural.com/privacy-statement/) - | - [Terms of Use](https://www.raydientrural.com/terms-of-use/) - | - [Accessibility](https://www.raydientrural.com/accessibility/) - [![Icon Facebook](https://www.raydientrural.com/media/bxhgogti/icon_facebook.png?format=webp&quality=80&v=1db3a61abc7d340)](https://www.facebook.com/RaydientPlaces) - [![Icon X](https://www.raydientrural.com/media/yksatwuc/icon_x.png?format=webp&quality=80&v=1db3a61aec55bd0)](https://twitter.com/RaydientRural) - [![Icon Instagram](https://www.raydientrural.com/media/x25fxrve/icon_instagram.png?format=webp&quality=80&v=1db3a61abaa6030)](https://www.instagram.com/rethinkruralblog/) - [![Icon Youtube](https://www.raydientrural.com/media/o5jj10pz/icon_youtube.png?format=webp&quality=80&v=1db3a61aed00a30)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAlCW048HTdGwrrTo26NcjA)