November’s here, and the woods are alive with the magic of the season. The birds have been plentiful, and the hunts have been everything we could hope for. There’s no slowing down now, not with the pre-rut upon us, and the deer stirring in the shadows of the trees. The excitement of deer season is in full swing, and I can feel it deep in my bones—the air’s thick with that special kind of anticipation that only fall can bring.
This is the time of year that so many of us in Michigan hold dear. It’s not just about the hunt, but the camaraderie, the laughs, and the chance to reconnect with friends and family. It’s about the tradition, the shared experience, and the memories that are made around the campfire. It’s what makes this time of year so special.
Out at Whiteford, Phase 2 of stumping is done, and we’ve got our eyes set on the future. The spring planting equipment is ready, some of it already delivered, and we’ve got our seed and fertilizer lined up and pre-ordered. We’re already deep into the planning and budgeting to make sure 2025 will be our best year yet. It’s about planting today for tomorrow, doing what’s necessary to ensure the land thrives for generations to come.
I’m also proud to welcome a fine addition to the Royal Stag Preserve team—Sam James. Sam’s been living the outdoor life for as long as he can remember. As a guide, he’s led over 1,000 successful upland bird hunts, and there’s no one I’d trust more in the field. But Sam’s more than a guide—he’s the owner of Uncharted Guide Service, where he’s carved a name for himself leading folks after ducks and geese as well as fishing for lake trout and Cisco through jigging down to the exhilaration of bowfishing. His passion for the land, the water, and the wild is something you can feel when you’re around him, and his commitment to conservation mirrors our own.
Let’s not forget Eco—his black lab, who’s been through more than 5,000 retrieves. I’ve always said a good dog is a hunter’s best companion, and Eco’s a perfect example of that. The bond between a man and his dog is one of the truest things I know in this world. Together, Sam and Eco bring a wealth of experience to the team, and I have no doubt their knowledge will inspire a new generation of hunters.
The field is calling, and if you haven’t gotten out for an evening hunt yet, now’s the time. Don’t let the season slip by. Call JP at 808-284-1038 and get your hunt booked. This is what we wait for all year—the crisp air, the crackle of the leaves underfoot, and the adventure that awaits.
So, shoot straight, enjoy the fall, and always witness the blessings that come with being in the wild. It’s where we belong. It’s where the soul finds its peace. And it’s where the true adventure begins.