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:

  1. Connection with God in Nature: Experience the stillness and beauty of creation to awaken the man God created you to be.

  2. Brotherhood in Christ: Build meaningful relationships through shared experiences and mutual encouragement in faith.

  3. Outdoor Skill Development: Learn and refine essential outdoor and hunting skills in a supportive environment.

  4. 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.