Pocono News Section

Controlled Deer Hunts Offer an Easier Option

Controlled Deer Hunts Offer an Easier Option - Monday, November 30, 2009 at 8:15PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Monday, Nov 30, 2009 @ 08:15pm EST
WEST PENN TOWNSHIP, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY- Hunters normally trudge into the woods, climb up into a stand and wait for house, sometimes days.

But some deer breeders who raise the animals on their property hold controlled hunts.

The Big Oak Whitetail Ranch in Schuylkill County carefully raises its deer and gives hunters a much easier chance to catch the big one.

A big buck stood right in front of Eyewitness News cameras Monday at the ranch.
Mike Comisac runs the 100 acre property and practically guarantees hunters they'll get a deer.

Mike Comisac, Big Oak Whitetail Ranch, said, "It's just good feelings you know. You get like older people and stuff that hunted all their life and they never had the chance to really put something on the fireplace."

Big Oak is one of hundreds of fenced in hunting ranches across Pennsylvania.

Comisac says business picks up near the end of deer season.

There are about 60 bucks on the land and you don't have to wait until rifle season starts to hunt there.

Big Oak and other controlled hunting ranches open in September.

Comisac raises each deer from a fawn until they get real big.

Comisac said, "I love the animals, you know, and I just love doing it and it's just no different than raising chickens or cows."

Hunters can also choose between elk and even rams instead of a buck.

The average price depends on how big of an animal you're hunting.

For example, it's $1,500 for a 125-inch white tail deer.