Testimonials

I met Patrick and the staff at "Big E Outfitters" about 4 years ago at the outdoor show in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Myself and another friend worked a booth next to them at that show and several other shows. Getting to know Patrick and his staff has been a truly great experience.

After several years of Patrick trying to get me to come hunt with "Big E", I finally stopped making excuses not to hunt and agreed to come out this year with Mike Maggio, a long time hunting buddy of mine. Having never experienced any type of elk hunting before, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I sure am glad I made the decision to go now!!!

Immediately upon arrival "Big E" and his staff went to work to make us feel at home on the ranch. The accomodations were comfortable and cozy. The food was excellent and the meals were prepared and served in "Big E's" kitchen and home. I felt like part of the "family" during each meal. This was my "first elk hunt, and the hunting was beyond my expectations. My guide, Forrest, and Patrick encouraged me to take my time look over a lot of animals before deciding to take one. I finally took my bull on Saturday morning. I saw more, at least 15-20 bulls and several "LARGE " whitetails each time we went into the woods. I had many "close encounters" during the three days of my archery elk hunt. The hunt couldn't have been more exciting and went "FAR ABOVE" my expectations. On Sunday, I was treated to the unexpected pleasure of pheasant hunting, another first for me. The memories will last a "Lifetime" I encourage everyone to go hunt with "BIG E", they will do everything in their power to make it the best experience for you too!!!

Thanks, Patrick, Brandon, Hillary, and the rest of the staff for everything!!!!

December 29th, 2009 was the most memorable hunting day in both of our lives thanks to Big E Outfitters. Dad and I started hunting together 4 or 5 years ago and never really had much luck in SC. We decided to book a hunt with an outfitter in hopes of changing that luck. We could not have asked for better hospitality, lodging and guide services while hunting with Big E Outfitters.

It was -6 degrees when we went out that morning with over a foot of snow on the ground. I'm guessing most outfitters would have looked at us and said to stay in by the fire. Brandon and Hilary were not bothered by the cold and quickly put us on two of the biggest bucks we have ever seen that morning.

We were so excited after coming in for lunch that we decided to take in an Elk hunt that afternoon. It had warmed up to at least 10 degrees by mid-afternoon so we decided to head out in search of another trophy. Just before sunset 4 of the nicest bulls we have ever seen came out of a draw beside our stand. I was able to take one from about 325 yards crossing a snow covered field. I had never made a shot from that far away but Brandon talked me through it perfectly.

It was an extra special hunt taking my first bull and having my dad sitting in the stand watching. What a day - two whitetail bucks and a bull elk.

Thanks again to Big E Outfitters! We hope to see you guys soon for another trophy hunt!

June and I and our son, Jeff and daughter-in-law Nancy, and grandsons Justin and Collin, spent the week after Christmas at the ranch with Patrick, Natalia, Brandon and Hilary. The women shopped while the men hunted. At 6 degrees below zero in a foot of snow with a layer of ice over it, my son Jeff, shot his first buck ever, a thirteen point, 170 class, 270 lb whitetail about 9 am on Tueday Dec. 29. At about 11 am, I shot a 150 class 8+ point 225lb buck. They grow much bigger there than in South Carolina where we usually hunt. I decided to let my son try for an elk so after lunch we went on an elk hunt. With one 325 yard shot from his new 270 Remington, he dropped an 8x7 800lb elk. The next afternoon, both grandsons got a pheasant each, as did their dad. What a superb hunting trip for us! And the grandkids got to snowball fight with Grandpa and Brandon. Thanks to Patrick, Natalia, Brandon and Hilary for good food, lodging, hunting, and the best winter vacation we have ever had!

This hunt was a first for us as well. Being an outdoorsmen all my life, this was the first guided hunt,first elk hunt and first bow hunt for our son Hunter. My son, like many at the age of thirteen had already slung some arrows but never to the point of being ready for this elk hunt he had dreamed of. We came to know the staff of Big E Outfitters at a game show in Virginia. With much encouragemant from guide Forrest we sealed the deal.I wanted my son to have the chance to make a dream come true and that is exactly what Big E Outfitters delivered. For anybody who has never hunted a ranch and thinks it may be easy I just ask try it before you knock it. We spotted the bull Hunter wanted on the first day and the hunt was on. After stalking this bull for three days this young mans dreams had come true. The bull that had become known as Sweeps was down. Each and every one at Big E Outfitters made this happen. The lodgeing was by far the best. The meals prepared by Natalia were unbeleivable. Big E,Natalia,Brandon,Hillary,Forrest and Lisa, my family would like to say THANK YOU for making us feel so very welcome. Again I encourage anyone to Check out BIG E OUTFITTERS you will be glad you did.

I must say this was the best Trophy Archery Elk hunt that I have been on. I shot the biggest Elk that I have ever had a chance to hunt. My hat is off to Patrick (Big E). The hunt was first class and had all the perks to go along with it. Accommodations were great, Natala's cooking was awesome, my guide Brandon made great strides to make sure I was having the hunt of my life. There are plenty of quality game animals to hunt. I would love to come back in the future!

Just wanted to send a big thanks to the whole staff at Big E Outfitters! This was my first experience with an outfitter and it was one I will never forget. We had some tough conditions as far as whitetail hunting goes including warmer than normal weather at first then faced some very strong winds but my guide Brandon kept changing tactics and areas until we killed an awesome animal. This place is awesome in all aspects from the cabin we stayed in, the cooking, and the animals we hunted. Everyone makes you feel like you are hunting with a group of your best friends. I can't wait to book another hunt with Big E Outfitters.

A huge thanks again Big E Outfitters!!

Gerald Niemisto

This hunt was a Memorial hunt in honor of my sons whom I lost to a rare genetic disorder called Mucopolysaccharidoses II. I booked this hunt on the 8 year anniversary of my oldest son Erich’s passing and hunted on the 2 year anniversary of my youngest son Garrett’s passing. The men and women of Big E Outfitters could not have been more accommodating and went way above and beyond what you would expect from an outfitter. The hunt was both challenging and intense and everyone works together to make sure your hunt is a success. The accommodations are extremely comfortable and cozy, while the meals are both home-cooked and delicious and you certainly will not leave the table hungry. The entire staff is not only personable, but genuine, and when you leave, you not only take home an outstanding trophy, but you leave with many new friends. For a father to take his son hunting is a right of passage, but I could never take my sons with me. On this weekend, they were both with me on this hunt of a lifetime, and I want to personally thank the men and women of Big E Outfitters for helping to make this hunt and tribute to my little boys a success. Special thanks to my guide Forrest for all his hard work and determination during the pursuit, and Natalia for the awesome meals. It could not have been a more enjoyable or rewarding experience.

This was my very first guided hunt,and not to mention first elk hunt. Big E Outfitters did an amazing job. Everything was outstanding from the super meals cooked up by Natalia to the staff. Big Thanks goes out to Hilary, for being my guide. My brother and I will certainly be back. Switching roles I will go for the Monster Whitetail and he will go after a Monster Bull. If you think hunting on a Ranch is boring and easy. I Challenge you to book a hunt with Big E Outfitters. It is non stop fun and out of a 4 day hunt it took me 3 days to get the bull I wanted. We seen a lot of animals, but it was far from easy. Thats is why I will be back. Hated to have to leave. Thanks Big E.
Paul

This hunt was a first on a number of fronts; my first guided hunt, elk hunt, first harvest with a bow and first harvest with my new BowTech Captain. The hunt was outstanding and the quality of trophy game superb. Special thanks goes to our wonderful hosts Patrick and Natalia. They graciously opened their home to us, and I was always anxiously for the next grandiose spread laid on by Natalia at mealtime. Brandon and Hilary were excellent guides. Brandon kept the bulls bugling and coming. I have searched for a good long time for an outfitter I felt could deliver on quality hunting, accommodations and price. Big E Outfitters surpassed all my expectations and then some. I don't believe any other outfitter can deliver the quality of service, trophy game, accommodations or price. We are already booked for next year.

This is not the first guided hunt I have been on, but is one of the best. It will be hard if not impossible to find another outfitter that has the level of service, dedication and quality of game that you will find with BigEOutfitters. Patrick, Natalia, Forrest, Lisa, Brandon and Hilary will make every effort to ensure your comfort and success. Kevin and I thank you for your friendship, hospitality, and all great food Natalia prepared during our stay with you.

We booked our elk hunt at a sportsman show in March 2009. We were skeptical about hunting on a private ranch. Our hunt was 9/24 - 9/27/09. Well, if anyone tells you it is not fun or a challenge, they are mistaken or chose the wrong private ranch. Our guide worked hard to get the elk we desired & the perfect shot. My husband hunted from a box blind for the first bull elk. I was not a hunter until we went to the ranch. The guides at the ranch encouraged me to try hunting for the first time. Our guide was patient and supportive of me as we stalked a cow elk. We had the opportunity to do an additional management hunt for a bull elk. We stalked this elk for 2 1/2 days with the help of our devoted guide & Big "E". As long as we wanted to keep hunting for this elk, they were more than willing to continue on.

All the staff members work well together and made us feel like we were part of the family. This is a relaxed & down to earth group of people. The accommodations were nice and home cooked meals were wonderful (special thanks to Natalia). There was never a dull moment.

Thank you to all at Big "E" Outfitters for a very enjoyable hunting experience & vacation. We will be planning another hunting trip with Big "E" and highly recommend them.

Thanks again,

Lynn & Lisa Rolfe
South Carolina

We made it home safe and sound. The meat stayed frozen with the dry ice except for a few packages of the burger. I’m sure it will be good though.

What a marvelous time we have at the ranch. The hospitality was great, food was wonderful, lodging was very nice and the hunt was outstanding with Brandon. Jay really enjoyed kidding with him. We hope to do it again next year and I am sure Jay will want to shoot one of those big bucks. Tell Natalia the tomatoes are really good and we appreciate her sharing with us.

Hope your new clients enjoy their hunting experience as much as we did.

Take care and we’ll see you in Montgomery.

Jean and Jay