Ever had a coyote roll over onto your lap? We never know what stories our guides will tell us. Newcomer Chris Barnhart, up-and-coming 23-year-old guide/outfitter of Tallgrass Lodge in Kansas, relates the story of how a coyote ended up in his lap while he was turkey hunting one morning!
Dream Sporting Trips
Thanks, Chris, for taking time to talk to us. We hear you're a busy guy. How did you get into this business? What made you decide to become a hunting guide?
Chris Barnhart, Tallgrass Lodge
I'm attending a Kansas University and will graduate in May with my Bachelor's. I majored in Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise and minored in Biology, Business, and Hospitality Management. I was fortunate to do my internship at Tallgrass Lodge. When the previous owner offered to sell the business to me, I jumped at it. My goal is to make running Tallgrass Lodge a career, not just a hobby, and never to sacrifice the quality of wildlife for profit.
Dream Sporting Trips
Where do you take your customers/clients to hunt?
Chris Barnhart, Tallgrass Lodge
We hunt primarily in the flint hills of northeast Kansas--the Junction City, Chaplin, and Abilene areas, the heart of the Kansas trophy whitetail deer country. We keep the total number of whitetail deer hunters booked every season to a very low number, ensuring an increased success rate. But there is much more to hunt here than just whitetails!
Dream Sporting Trips
What is your personal favorite game to hunt? What game do you primarily hunt with your clients?
Chris Barnhart, Tallgrass Lodge
Hands down, waterfowl is my personal favorite. My clients primarily go after whitetail deer, turkey, pheasant, and quail. Our eastern properties have Eastern turkeys; Rio Grande turkeys are found in our western properties and hybrids are in between, making our area rather unique.
We offer more than deer hunts; we have some of the best waterfowl hunting in Northern America, in my opinion.
Dream Sporting Trips
Is there a particularly exciting hunting adventure you'd care to share with our readers?
Chris Barnhart, Tallgrass Lodge
I'll never forget this one. I was a junior in High School and didn't have a car yet so took the bus to school each morning. I asked my Dad if I could go turkey hunting before school, and he said as long as I was back in time to catch the bus, he didn't mind.
Being in a hurry and not wanting to take my decoy out to the middle of the field behind our house, I instead placed it within arm's reach as I positioned myself on the property line near the fence.
It wasn't long before a flock of turkeys landed, but to my surprise, they left as quickly as they had arrived. As I was contemplating this curiosity, a coyote was creeping up the fence line to my rear, and it suddenly pounced on the decoy, bounced off, and rolled over into my lap! I'm not sure which of us was more startled! He looked at me... I looked at him. He went one way and I went another!
Dream Sporting Trips
Well, that's one story we've not heard before!
Tell us, what is the most commonly asked question you get from potential clients?
Chris Barnhart, Tallgrass Lodge
“How many acres do you have?” We currently have over 6,000 acres and my goal is to increase that number significantly during the next few years.
Dream Sporting Trips
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Chris Barnhart, Tallgrass Lodge
We realize that some people save for years to go on the hunting trip of their dreams. We treat everyone who comes through here like family. Our goal is for you to have a good time and a great hunting adventure. Whether you're seeking some great whitetail deer hunting or some terrific waterfowl hunting opportunities, if you book one of our hunts just once, I promise you'll want to come back!
And from the Trail Cam, how about this pose?
What do others say?
"Great accommodations and even better upland hunting experience. Controlled shooting area hunt was terrific. Large and healthy birds moved and flushed just like the real thing. Nothing beats taking birds over good dogs and this trip really delivered. Staff treats you like family and takes care of anything you need. Thanks Chris for a great hunt, I am sure you will hear from us again." - Trey D.
"If you want great dog work and bird hunting, this is the place to go. And the added bonus is the lodging and hospitality. Will definitely come back." - Daniel B.
"Accommodations were cozy and personal, almost B&B style, in this historic old farmhouse. Meals were first rate, while the staff and guides were knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you for a great experience, hope to be back next year." - Andy K.
"Friendly environment. Awesome people. Supper was out of this world. Spud, the lab, is friendly as all get out. Great hunting experience." - Gregory C.
"Wonderful place. The house itself is beautiful and welcoming after a long trip. Hospitality at its best. Very peaceful and quiet. Fell asleep watching lightning bugs outside my window the second night. The scratch-made breakfasts were delicious. Very friendly and accommodating staff, especially Tanner, the house dog." - Rene D.
The Lodge
Tallgrass Lodge is a five bedroom, four bath, two story hunting lodge that can sleep ten individual hunters comfortably. There is a large living room with a big screen TV, wood burning stove, dining area and kitchen as well as a more casual living room with large screen TV and great views of the property. Free WiFi is available throughout the lodge.
As far as the food goes, they promise you will not go hungry! They serve three large meals a day tailored to your tastes with plenty of desserts and sweets mixed in.
- Rooms: 5
- Price: Included
- Facilities: Air Conditioned, All Meals Included, Central Heating, Kitchen, Linens, Parking, Refrigerator, TV, WiFi
So many stars once you get away from the city lights!
Ready for a great hunt?
Find out more about the hunts offered at Tallgrass Lodge and how to contact Chris at this link:
