Outfitter Review For Oak Tree Lodge
HuntTheNorth.com Outfitter Review On
Oak Tree Lodge
For the month of October, 2004, we will be reviewing the outfitting services of Oak Tree Lodge. The Oak Tree Lodge is located in Clark, South Dakota. We’ve had an opportunity to get to know camp manager John Luttrel very well over the last year and a half and have been pleasantly surprised with what his camp has to offer. During an early goose hunting adventure this September we were able to visit with John and his crew after a filming of an upcoming outdoor show. This time HuntTheNorth.com outdoor writer Mike Moen was able to join us and give a detailed report of what we were able to experience during our tour of The Oak Tree Lodge!
An Afternoon Under The Old Oak Tree
by Mike Moen
When the action slowed on the first morning, Dan thought we should call it quits and head out to visit with the guys at Oak Tree Lodge. I thought this was great idea as the 90 degree heat and bright sun were starting to turn my blind into a large toaster oven, and sipping a cool beverage in a nice air conditioned lodge sounded better than a serving of “broiled Mike”. So after dropping off our gear, we headed north out of town for the quick ride to Oak Tree….
About The Outfitter
World renound hunter and business man Bill Makens founded The Oak Tree Lodge in 1994. The original homestead property was owned by his grandfather and Mr. Makens took it over and completely renovated it in the year 2000. An absolutely gorgeous 8,600 sq. ft. lodge was added on to an already beautiful English Colonial hunter’s headquarters pictured above. Oak Tree has also added on 7,000 acres of pristine South Dakota habitat to complete it’s work of art. In addition to the full time outfitting business, camp manager John Luttrel also runs a year round professional gun dog training and breeding facility on the property as well. The camp employs 6 full time guides and an excellent fulltime camp chef in Bill Hackett. All of the opportunities that the Oak Tree Lodge has to offer are listed in the paragraphs below.
Hunting Accommodations
Located in east central South Dakota, the Oak Tree Lodge’s accommodations are second to none. With the addition of the 8,600 sq. ft. lodge in 2000, any group size of corporate or private hunters can be accounted for. The lodge includes 7 bedrooms, all first class, along with a huge dining room capable of seating 20+ guests. The main floor great room includes a relaxing and comfortable setting to wind down from a long days hunt.
After dinner is served, a trip to the third floor sports bar/game room is a must. An entertaining evening is assured no matter what your preference. With the capabilities of a full time chef, the lodging experience is complete.
For smaller group sizes who desire a less formal lodging setting, the traditional English Colonial house runs a close second. This completely renovated home is only a smaller version of the mansion located next door.
Custom Hunts Available
South Dakota Upland Bird Hunting
Pheasant Hunting
With over 7,000 acres of prime South Dakota pheasant country managed specifically for the pheasants, it is not hard to believe that there is plenty of opportunity to harvest a limit of roosters out here. Oak Tree Lodge offers both preserve and wild pheasant hunts for corporate and private hunts.
Do not be afraid of being placed with a large group of strangers out here. Hunting groups are kept small and manageable. Your dogs are welcome or feel free to utilize the professionally trained dogs that Oak Tree has to offer. The camp is open during the complete regular South Dakota upland bird hunting season as well as September through March for preserve pheasant hunts.
South Dakota Waterfowl Hunting
Fall Waterfowl Hunting
Located in the eastern prairie of South Dakota’s pothole region, the ducks and geese out here are bountiful. Camp manager John Luttrel has access to thousands of private acres of sloughs and fields full of ducks and geese throughout the fall.
Starting during the early Canada goose season in September, where South Dakota licenses are available over the counter, Oak Tree can place you in fields full of fresh Canada Geese! Later in the year, from October through December, as the migration develops Oak Tree can place you in the midst of a waterfowl meca! With 6 experienced, full time guides on staff, your hunting success is their number one priority. Hunting groups are kept private and small to assure your satisfaction. Weather you prefer field hunting or big water they can accommodate. To double the height of your adventure an upland/waterfowl combo is a must!
Spring Snow Goose Hunting
Spring Snows
Having the opportunity to reside in the direct fight path of millions of migrating snow geese annually, Oak tree Lodge has a unique spring snow goose hunting opportunity. They have access to one of the main staging lakes that these geese use each spring, as well as leases on thousands of acres of local fields surrounding it.
Years of success guiding hunters on this incredible spring waterfowl hunting opportunity have proven successful for the guides at Oak Tree Lodge. To add to your enjoyment the lodging found at Oak Tree Lodge is First Class all the way. All lodging and meals are included in this all time package deal!
Gun Dog Breeding and Training
Gun Dog Services
Oak Tree Kennels also offers quality Gun Dog Training for your hunting companion. Their facilities are air conditioned and heated year round. John Luttrel is also the head dog trainer and is a professional with many years of experience working with the top hunting dogs across the country. Oak Tree Kennels offers several training packages for your dog as well as pups and started dogs for sale from time to time. They specialize in High Quality Labrador Retrievers.
Reference List
A list of references will be posted shortly. Please check back soon for the names and phone numbers of many satisfied Oak Tree Lodge customers and freinds.
Hunting Rates
Our hunts our designed to offer you the very best South Dakota has to offer! All packages include lodging, meals, guides, dogs, bird processing and storage. Whether you’re looking for a pheasant hunt, waterfowl hunt, or both, we have the package for you.
PHEASANT HUNTING PACKAGE
- 3 days/4 night ($1,500) *
WATERFOWL HUNTING PACKAGE
- 3 days/4 night ($1,500)
PHEASANT/WATERFOWL COMBO PACKAGE
- 3 days/4 night ($2,100) *
- Additional Pheasants on Preserve ($25 per bird)
Additional Policies
- Prices do not include 4% South Dakota sales tax, SD hunting license or ammunition.
- 50% deposit required to reserve date. Deposit non-refundable within 30 days of arrival.
Oak Tree Lodge Outfitter Rating
| Catagories | Comments | Ranking 1-5 best |
|---|---|---|
| Outfitter Knowledge/Personality | John and his crew are very professional, experienced and enjoyable to be around. | 5 |
| Quality Of Equipment & Decoy Spread | Although we we not able to hunt over their spread, Oak Tree has the top of the line equipment available to use for the hunt. | 4 |
| Opportunity To Take Game | The area where Oak Tree Lodge is located has an aboundance of pheasants, ducks and geese of all species throughout the season. The only drawback is the limitation of mobility. | 4 |
| Ability To Tailor Hunt To Customer’s Needs | The crew works very hard to meet the needs of all their customers. They also have the facilities to back it up. | 5 |
| Quality Of Lodging & Meals | With a full time chef and Five Star Lodge, the quality of the meals and lodging are First Class all the way!!! | 5 |
| Pricing Of Hunt & Additional Costs Of Trip | The fact that all meals, lodging and bird cleaning/packaging are included makes the entire package reasonable. There are however several additional costs stated above to be aware of. | 4 |
| Overall Quality Of Hunt | The overall quality of everything that Oak Tree has to offer is first class all the way | 5 |
| Overall The Oak Tree Lodge Scored 32 Out Of 35 Giving Them An “A” Rating. We Would Not Hesitate To Refer Them For Any Of The Hunts That They Offer! | 32/35 |
For More Information
Please contact The Oak Tree Lodge
John Luttrel- camp manager
RR 3 Box 87
Clark, South Dakota 57225
Phone: 605.532.3335
Email: info@oaktreefarm.com
website: www.oaktreefarm.com
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