It’s a crisp fall morning, and the steady rumble of the all-terrain vehicles pierces the serenity of the woods. Richard Gray guides 12 eager hunters to their stands at Whitetail Dreams Ranch in Princeton, Kentucky. Although the goal is to bring home a trophy buck, today is about more than just the hunt — it’s about overcoming limitations and sparking hope.
After being inspired by a hunter afflicted with a debilitating disease, Richard opened Whitetail Dreams Ranch in 2019. With more than 20 years of experience as a guide, he believed a hunting reserve might offer those types of patients the opportunity to recapture the magic of the hunt while also creating a unique outdoor experience.
“I wanted a place where memories could be made with families and friends,” says Richard. “Hunting together and getting a trophy deer is something that people don’t forget, and I think it’s important that everyone has the chance to do that.”
When Richard’s father, who is also named Richard, asked to go hunting with his son not long after his illness was diagnosed in 2017, Richard realized the sport was more than the pursuit of trophies or meat for the table. Hunters bonded with friends and family, established traditions based on hunting seasons, and made memories that would last a lifetime. After the hunt with his father, Richard made a commitment to launch his own preserve, but it quickly became apparent that he would need help.
“I started looking into breeding deer and met with breeders across the South to get guidance on how to start a hunting preserve,” says Richard. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and mentorship.”
Richard credits staff at United Farm & Home Co-op’s Waverly location with helping him provide the feed and supplements necessary to produce white-tailed bucks with the body size and antlers to be considered trophies. He first met Keith Earhart, manager of the Waverly store, at a hunting seminar in 2021 and discussed the challenges of obtaining feed for his herd. Keith helped with the feed supply to keep Richard’s deer thriving (see sidebar) and, through proper herd management, growing into trophy animals.
“I’m thankful for the relationship I have with Keith and the folks at the Co-op,” says Richard. “I sleep better at night knowing that my herd is being well taken care of by people I trust.”
Because he is confident in the size of his bucks, Richard offers a 100% guarantee kill or no-pay promise, meaning a hunter won’t be charged if he or she doesn’t get the trophy they were expecting.
Hunters come from across the state and surrounding areas to hunt on the 350-acre preserve, and Richard says guests are encouraged to stay on-site at the remote lodge inspired by his farming background. With grain bins already on the property, he decided to use the storage structures to create unique, handicap-accessible accommodations that maintain a farm-style atmosphere.
The lodge has six bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a half-bath, and a game room with a pool table, darts, checkers, and chess. Guests can also relax on the observation deck and play corn hole. Hunters can enjoy breakfast and supper at the lodge, and sack lunches are provided for them to take to the stands.
According to Richard, some clients want private bookings, while others bring corporate boards, have staff retreats, or make reservations for larger groups to experience the thrill of hunting together.
In addition to the lodge, Whitetail Dreams Ranch partners with an on-site taxidermy service, and local meat processors are available for preparing and packaging the venison from the hunt. The ranch also provides rifles and bows if hunters don’t have their own.
Whitetail Dreams Ranch is now booking for the 2022 season. There are no hidden trophy costs and no tag or hunting license requirements. Booking with Whitetail Dreams Ranch includes three full days of lodging, home-cooked meals, and guide services. It is truly an all-inclusive experience for the hunter.
The ranch is located five miles from Eddy Creek Marina on Lake Barkley and 16 miles from the Land Between the Lakes Recreational Area. Plans are underway for a special hunt for those with disabilities later in the year.
For more information about Whitetail Dreams Ranch, visit https://whitetaildreamsky.com or call Richard at 270-625-5903.
Rely on Co-op for developing trophy deerRichard Gray relies on United Farm & Home Co-op for supplements and nutrients to keep his deer healthy. The AntlerMax® Breeder 16 Deer Feed is 16% pelleted ration designed to optimize the deer’s body condition before and throughout the rut and is best used during stress periods with low forage quality (#3004225-206).
Purina Mills AntlerMax Deer Feed 20 with Climate Guard is a 20% protein ration, with the addition of the Climate Guard supplement that is specifically reformulated for what free-range deer require to support overall health, reproductive performance, and antler growth (#3004559-206).
Visit your local Co-op for more information about deer feed and supplements and to purchase hunting supplies.