In October 2017, my father and I went on a mule deer hunt in Columbus, Montana. Not knowing what to expect, we got so much more than a mule deer hunt.
We traveled by air to Billings, Montana where John and his son Michael picked us up. Then we drove to John’s house where we lodged for the week. The whole family provided hospitality for our stay. John’s wife Ms. Bonnie provided all our meals during the weeklong hunt. If you are looking for top notch eating and hospitality, the Sherwood’s certainly know how to give it! Certainly Exceptional! Since deer season did not open until the next day, we had the opportunity to get some fishing in. This was one of the best fishing trips that I have ever had the opportunity to experience. To top it off it was on the beautiful Yellowstone River. John’s son, Michael, was very impressive with his knowledge of the river. He could navigate that shallow river because he knew it so well. The fishing was unbelievable. We caught about 75 small mouth bass that ranged from one to 3 pounds. Of course, it was catch and release, but we kept enough for our dinner.
The next day we were ready to get us a nice mule deer. John took my Dad arid Michael carried me. Michael demonstrated that he was experienced well above his years as a hunter and a guide as we searched for deer. Yes, I was in good hands. There were numerous deer and I ended up harvesting a great 4-point that opening day. My Dad had multiple opportunities to harvest a buck the first two days of the hunt, but he was holding out for that specific one. The deer he was waiting on showed up the third day of my Dad’s hunt and he harvested him.
Oh, by the way let me tell you about the third day when we decided to take a break from the deer hunting. John took us to his island where we hunted pheasants and chuckers. Equipped with great working pointers and retrievers and talented Michael who knew how to position us to harvest the bird, we had a great time. Yes, we ate them! MS Bonnie cooked a gourmet meal for us.
The day before we were to return home, John and Michael carried us up into the mountains to their trout honey hole where we caught our limits of brown trout. It just cannot get any better than those breathtaking views while doing what you love to do, Fishing!
A few words could not just sum up the experience my Dad and I had with the Sherwoods in Montana. As you can see, we had the trip of a lifetime. The Sherwoods are unbelievable hosts and guides. Michael was a remarkable guide and it is clear he is going to be an outstanding outfitter as his father turns it over to him. I look forward to the day that I may be able to return with my two sons to give them the hospitality and hunting opportunities that the Sherwood family can provide.
Sincerely,
Chad Neal
