Kansas Air

By Bethaney Phillips

Pheasant hunting gets an upgrade in north central Kansas with Heartland Game Birds’ guide and lodge services. Since 2018, owners Clay Wallin and Nathan Lindberg have helped hunters snag some of the best pheasants the area has to offer. In 2021, they brought a new overnight venue to Courtland, allowing out-of-town hunters to book luxurious digs with a Main Street vibe. The Lodge includes two levels (which can be split off or connected for a large party), two full kitchens, multiple bathrooms, and room to sleep 18.

Completely gutted and restored with classic wood finishes, bunk beds, and cozy leather furniture, The Lodge allows hunters to rest and relax after a hunt. Off-seasons, the locale is also available for Airbnb rentals.

Travelers from as far as Washington, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Texas, Minnesota, and California have contributed to a doubling of hunting bookings.

The guest accommodation, which takes up three lots on a corner of downtown Courtland’s Main Street, benefits from being on the same block as the town’s restaurant and brewery.

“Courtland has a unique vibe that we’ve got going on,” says Wallin of the town with a population of approximately 300 people. “We’ve got all the pieces together to make it something unique. We’re in the entertainment business as much as we are in the hunting business.”

Guests can also ask for add-ons, such as meal plans (which Wallin and Lindberg cook themselves), to make their hunting tourism gig as all-inclusive as possible. Wallin says he and Lindberg plan additions to The Lodge, including outdoor patio space, and more living quarters. A new mess hall should be completed by the end of 2023, and eventually there will also be an upgraded area for cleaning birds.

Wallin says there are many challenges in remodeling such an old space.

“There’s a lot of brick and a lot of maintenance to that. But it’s all been

worth it.” heartlandgamebirds.com | 785.243.0600

Deer hunters can take a break in a cabin at Life’s Finer Moments when they travel to the Clay Center area. Partnering with area guides, the Cott family maintains the 40-acre property for guests.

In addition to a massive event space in the main lodge, Life’s Finer Moments also offers two cabins that each sleep six. The cabins have fully supplied kitchens, covered patios, and plenty of ground to explore. Meals are also available.

In the southwestern portion of the state comes 10 Gauge, a lodge and hunting guide service for hunters harvesting prairie dogs, Rio Grande turkeys, and more. The brand is known for its full-service approach, from offering all meals, to hauling hunters to the field and offering portable stands. The 10 Gauge cabin boasts impressive wood layout, full mounts, and furs. It can also be rented by nonhunting parties for events or stays.