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It’s Tradeshow Season! Will we be seeing you at one of them?

Hello from all of us here at
The Wilderness Reserve once again!

SHeep SHow

Reno, NV

Since our last publication, we have had a fantastic holiday season with friends and family, a few more late-season hunts, and literally a ton of other work being done, on and “off” the property.
When we refer to the work that is “off” the property, it is literally the most important work that we do throughout the year. In order to ensure that our entire fall hunting season is booked full of new and returning clients alike, not only do we need to be on our phones and computers all the time, but we personally want to meet and see everyone in-person. The cold winter months of 2019 means only one thing, and that is “Trade-Show Season”, where we get to travel the country and meet and see all the fellow sportsmen and sportswomen in the business, but more importantly, the phenomenal families and hunters that would like to come hunt with us up here in “Da Northwoods”, if they haven’t already. Obviously, not everyone books a hunt right away, but that never takes away from the excitement of meeting new people in our booth and hearing all their wonderful stories from the outdoor world. Our fantastic management team of Forrest and Lisa Pike, have launched our “Trade-Show Season” into a whole new world by heading out to the Safari Club International Convention in Reno, Nevada on January 9th-12th. With their experience in this business and literally amongst the best competition at any show this this nation, they were able to book several Elk and Whitetail hunts for this upcoming fall, and this is just the beginning!

On the way out to Reno, this dynamic duo stopped out in Denver, Colorado, where they did a television interview on a sports network and were able to share what we have to offer at The Wilderness Reserve, up here in northern Wisconsin and Michigan. On top of that, The Wilderness Reserve, helped to sponsor “The Extreme Rodeo Challenge” in Loveland, Colorado on New Years Eve, which was listed by USA Today at the number 8 event to do on New Years in the country!This event also netted the Wilderness Reserve another hunt!!

The traveling road has only just begun though, as we will be attending the “National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport-Show” in Nashville, Tennessee, on February 13th-17th. We make the journey home, and then make it to “The Safari Club International Sport-Show” in Lake Geneva, WI on February 22nd-24th, immediately followed by “The Dixie Deer Classic” in Raleigh, North Carolina on March 1st-3rd. The end of March brings us closer to home again at “The Wisconsin Deer and Turkey Expo” in Madison, WI on March 29th-31st, which happens to bring us a little closer to our hearts, having so many friends, family, and fellow hunters in the area, visiting us there at our booth. Please believe that it’s not always about booking a hunt all the time, but just enjoying great company and fantastic stories that we get to share about the outdoors!

We have so much more to share about upcoming shows in April and beyond, but that will have to wait for the next publication, as well as our progress here “on-campus”. We have succeeded in harvesting 100% of the animals that we have wanted with our clients for almost three years now, and that comes from a lot of intense herd care and management. Every year, with our growing herds, our seasons are obviously becoming more exciting and literally “breath-taking”. We would love to see everyone at some of the shows so we could show you some of our pictures, and just generally share the same enthusiasm with you that we have here at The Wilderness Reserve on an everyday basis!

With warm regards,
Author Brian Blettner and The Wilderness Team

Hunting Photography Tips

A hunting trip to The Wilderness Reserve will create cherishable memories for a lifetime. Our scenic and challenging 5,500-acre ranch combined with a world-class deer herd, Rocky Mountain elk and upland birds give hunters the opportunity to harvest game in a private, majestic setting. Taking quality photographs to capture your hunt is a great way to preserve your memories of being in the field.

If you are looking for hunting photography tips, look no further! Keep reading our guide for tips for hunters looking to produce quality photos of their hunt.

LIGHTING

The sun provides the best quality of light following sunrise and just before sunset. The light during this time is softer and warmer than during the middle of the day.

Don’t fret over clouds – An overcast day will provide enough light to capture your images while reducing the chance of shadows.

Use your flash – Use your flash even during the day. This will fill in the shadows and freeze movement.

Importance of Lighting Whitetail Deer Hunt Photo

FOCUS

The next of our hunting photography tips is to make sure your image is in focus. Next to lighting, having a clear focal point that is in focus is the most important part of the image.

Out of Focus Whitetail Deer Hunt Photo

VS

Good Focus Whitetail Deer Hunt Photo

QUALITY

While cell phones are readily available, they sometimes lack the ability to capture quality, low-light images. Consider investing in a higher-quality camera to carry in your hunting pack.

Low-Light Whitetail Deer Hunt Photo

LOCATION

Find a spot with minimal background distractions and debris. Try to remove any backpacks, garbage, animal waste or vehicles from the camera view.

CONDITION

If there is a lot of blood, try wiping it away and consider removing the tongue. Since our eyes are drawn to red, blood can distract viewers from the overall image. These hunting photography tips will also make the image more acceptable for social media.

ANGLE

Have the photographer get down on the ground instead of standing over you. This will produce a more dramatic composition.

COMPOSITION

Squat, kneel, or sit behind your animal. Make sure that, like the animal, you’ve cleaned the blood off your hands. If you have blood on your clothing try hiding it behind your trophy. Instead of holding onto the antlers, try propping the animal’s head up with a rock or log. This will give a more natural pose for the animal. If you are hunting alone, the propping method is a great option. Try to be respectful of the natural beauty of the animal.

hunting photography tips Correct Whitetail Deer Hunt Composition

VS

hunting photography tips Incorrect Whitetail Deer Hunt Composition

FILL THE FRAME

Try to compose your image so your trophy animal fills as much of the frame as possible.

CAPTURE

Attempt to take multiple images from several viewpoints. This will give you a variety of images to choose from when you’re done.


The Wilderness Reserve is a massive 5,500 acre pristine hunting preserve that sits on the borders of Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Wilderness Reserve offers world-class big game hunting in a convenient Midwest location. All-inclusive guided hunts for trophy Rocky Mountain elk, whitetail deer, and upland birds are perfect for hunters of any experience level. For more information, contact us today!