Mike Weinkauf of Field Logic (The Block, Rage Broadhead, GlenDel Buck) and I recently had the chance to go hunting with John Redmond of Fair Chase Outfitters. Located in the bluff country of southern Minnesota, Fairchase Outfitters is settled in the heart of some of the most awe-inspiring scenery I've ever seen.

John has an outstanding property encompassing some 4,000 acres of prime Minnesota bluff country — and he manages it with the passion and knowledge needed to produce trophy whitetail bucks. Bowhunting World writer Steve Bartylla consulted John on the design and management of the land for years (see Bowhunting World magazine's feature in the October 2010 issue). It's obvious John spared no expense creating ideal deer habitat, as there are plenty of food plots holding grains, green forage, and strategically placed waterholes — a great ingredient for attracting trophy bucks. It was an eye-opener for me to listen to the trials and tribulations they've experienced over the years managing this operation. But clearly, all the hard work has been worth it!

Frustrated with changing wind current while hunting around bluffs, I was interested to see how the guides at Fair Chase would overcome the challenging effects of swirling wind. Not surprisingly, they prefer a steady wind between 5 and 10 miles an hour. Anything less than this creates unpredictability and what they call a push-and-pull effect that can quickly cast your scent in an unfavorable direction. But of course, it's rare to be blessed with perfect wind conditions — which is why Fair Chase has put in the effort to create an estimated 150 stand locations. The property is large enough that they rarely hunt the same stand twice in succession.

Fair Chase's treestands are hung at a height designed to counteract the wind as well. I did not sit in a stand that was less than 20 feet off the ground, and a few were more like 30 feet. Like elk hunters do, Fair Chase's guides pay particular attention to air thermals and choose stand locations according to rising or descending air currents.

My mission on this trip was to help with the outfitter's Quality Deer Management (QDM) and pursue a mature cull buck. On day two I was blessed with a 20-yard shot on a gray-faced 7-point; a unique buck to be sure! Brad Naquin took a fine trophy — a 151-inch mainframe 10-point with split G2s!

All aspects of this experience were outstanding. I highly recommend Fair Chase for those who have the desire and passion to pursue a trophy whitetail buck of a lifetime.

Fair Chase Outfitters

John Redmond

32406 Stinson Rd.

Houston, Minnesota 55943

612-805-5636