Turkey Hunting
Wednesday, April 23 2025 - Sunday, April 27 2025
Location:
Rising Sun, Indiana – Grace Woods (Private Property)
This retreat takes place on 40 acres of private land featuring serene, varied terrain—wooded areas, open fields, ponds, and creeks
Lodging:
Chalet at Grace Woods
Participants will stay at the Grace Woods Chalet. This is a 8 bed, 3.5 bed lodge situated on a 5-acre lake. Accommodations include beds in shared or private rooms (based on availability). The chalet is a cozy retreat with all the amenities you need to relax after a day in the field.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
Enjoy hearty, energy-packed meals to fuel your hunt. Dietary restrictions or preferences can be accommodated if communicated during the reservation process.
Cost:
$2,500 per participant
This all-inclusive price covers lodging, meals, hunting equipment, and guide services. Full payment is required upon approval of your application to confirm your spot. Price includes and not limited to:
lodging in a chalet that rents at appox $1,200/night
12 meals (4 breakfast, 4 lunches, 4 dinners)
use of hunting equipment, skill practice and hunting experience
Weather Conditions:
In April, Rising Sun, Indiana, experiences spring weather with average high temperatures ranging from 61°F to 71°F (16°C to 22°C) and average low temperatures between 44°F and 54°F (7°C to 12°C). The area receives approximately 4.53 inches (115 mm) of precipitation during the month, indicating a moderate chance of rain. Skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 50% of the time. Given these conditions, it's advisable to prepare for cool mornings, mild afternoons, and the possibility of rain during your turkey hunting adventure.
Permit/License Requirements:
Participants must hold a valid Indiana hunting license through the Department of Natural Resources (Indiana DNR). We will provide instruction on how to obtain.
Packing List:
Clothing:
Camouflage attire for turkey hunting (essential for blending into the environment).
Layered outfits suitable for varied weather conditions (base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer).
Waterproof jacket and pants for protection against rain.
Insulated gloves and a warm hat for colder mornings.
Durable, waterproof boots with good traction.
Comfortable indoor clothes for lounging at the house.
Extra socks (thermal and regular) to keep feet dry and warm.
Hunting Gear:
Bring your bow if preferred, or use the provided archery equipment.
Camouflage face mask or face paint to blend in during the hunt.
Hunting backpack or daypack for carrying essentials.
Personal Items:
Hygiene products: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and a razor if needed.
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries for early mornings and evenings.
Prescription medications
Reusable water bottle or hydration pack.
Optional Items:
Camera or smartphone for capturing moments.
Notebook or journal for reflections or documenting the experience.
A good book to read during downtime.
Snacks for personal preference (though meals are provided).
Tips:
Check the weather forecast and adjust your packing accordingly.
Pack all hunting gear in a scent-free bag or container to avoid spooking wildlife.
Equipment Provided:
We supply archery equipment, hunting blinds, turkey decoys and calls. You may bring your own hunting gear if preferred.
Skill Level Required:
Intermediate: Participants should have hunting experience, basic tracking skills, and familiarity with archery equipment.
Physical Fitness:
Moderate: Be prepared for rugged terrain and extended outdoor activities.
Wildlife & Terrain:
Grace Woods offers diverse hunting conditions with dense woods, open fields, and creeks. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and small game. Expect challenging terrain with occasional steep slopes.
Schedule Highlights:
Wednesday:
Arrival, orientation, and camaraderie-building activities.
Thursday:
Morning: Archery practice and scoping the land.
Afternoon: Hunting session.
Friday:
Full day dedicated to hunting.
Saturday:
Full day dedicated to hunting.
Sunday:
Early morning hunt followed by departure.
Note: This is a highly abbreviated outline of activities. A more detailed, comprehensive schedule will be provided to each participant before the retreat to ensure clarity and preparedness. This plan emphasizes a balance of skill development, hunting, reflection, and fellowship.
Group Size:
10 participants maximum
A small group ensures personalized attention and plenty of space for a rewarding experience.
Guides/Leaders:
Matt Frankey, Founder of Primal Heart
Matt will lead the retreat, offering guidance on hunting techniques, safety practices, and creating a meaningful connection with the outdoors and with God. Additionally, 1-2 other guides will be in attendance to assist in ensuring a safe, successful, and enriching experience for all participants.
Booking Process:
Application Submission: Applications reviewed for mission alignment; approval is not guaranteed.
Spot Confirmation: Approved participants submit full payment to secure their spot.
First-Come, First-Serve: Spots are reserved in order of completed payments.
Additional Notes:
This retreat is intentionally designed to focus on spiritual growth, camaraderie, and outdoor adventure. Key priorities include:
Connection with God in Nature: Experience the stillness and beauty of creation to awaken the man God created you to be.
Brotherhood in Christ: Build meaningful relationships through shared experiences and mutual encouragement in faith.
Outdoor Skill Development: Learn and refine essential outdoor and hunting skills in a supportive environment.
Turkey Harvesting as a Bonus: While harvesting a turkey is an exciting possibility, it is not guaranteed and should be viewed as the "icing on the cake."
Additional considerations for this experience:
Respectful Hunting Practices: Prioritize ethical hunting and field safety throughout the retreat.
Early Mornings: Be prepared for pre-dawn starts to maximize the hunting experience.
Tranquility and Adventure: This retreat offers the thrill of hunting and the peace of private, natural surroundings.
Fellowship and Skill-Building: Bond with fellow participants while developing your abilities under expert guidance.
This retreat is about more than hunting—it's a journey of faith, connection, and growth amidst the serenity of nature.