Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine

Flying Ridge setting positive marks
By Larry Claypool, OVO Editor

MILLERSBURG, OH — For being in business less than six months, the Flying Ridge Hunt Club is surely gaining a lot of favorable attention from upland bird hunters. The Millersburg, Ohio hunting preserve opened its fields last October and is building an impressive resume of happy clients already. The hunting’s been good too.

One steady customer, Todd Jones of Clinton, Ohio, has already made six trips to the central Ohio hunting facility. He says it’s the best hunting preserve he’s found. “It’s a great place to go. They have great dogs too,” said Jones. “I’d say it’s the best kept secret in the whole region. They’ve got a good thing going. And they haven’t been open that long.”

Flying Ridge owner Thomas Bird said he’s glad to hear positive remarks about the preserve. He said the intent now is for the Hunt Club to continue growing. The 680-acre farm was previously used to raise cattle. Also on the property is a 150-acre free chase trophy whitetail deer preserve, Dutchman’s Huntin’ Paradise.
“We had a family-owned farm with over 600 acres in Holmes County and intended to keep the ground together. We had real estate people wanting us to break it up. We had five daughters that showed and raised cattle on the farm, they’re gone now, so we came up with the hunting preserve,” said Bird.
With the help of long-time friend, and dedicated hunter, Gerry Humble, Bird set his sights on establishing a top-notch hunting facility. Humble is the CEO of Flying Ridge. “Gerry has always hunted and we’d talked about doing a first-class hunting preserve to suit hunters. We want hunters to feel welcome and give them the service they deserve,” said Bird.

Another satisfied client, Tony Nafe of Alabama, said the service at Flying Ridge is exceptional. He should know a little about hunting facilities, he’s the co-host of the outdoor hunting T.V. show Gone Huntin’ that’s produced over 250 shows on the Sportsman Channel and Maximum Adventure Network. He and his partner, Keith Davis, will soon be seen on the Wildlife Adventure Network.

“I’ve hunted on the show for 12 years, hunted from South Africa to Northwest Canada, a lot of places and they have an outstanding facility. Their wing shooting facility is the best I’ve seen. They have covered shooting stands, that’s very unique. And the fields are set up perfect, with the hunter in mind.”
Nafe visited Flying Ridge late last year and taped his hunts that will be shown this spring. “I was also very pleased with the attention we got, and it’s not because we were doing a T.V. show. They really treat you right. I’ll definitely be back. It’s a really, really nice place.”

Rod Taylor is the man in charge of making sure hunters are taken care of, from every aspect. Taylor is General Manager at Flying Ridge. He’s also the main guide, dog trainer, and sometimes cook. His specialty is venison steaks.

“Rod has a great recipe for venison. It’s great. But, he said he wouldn’t share the recipe,” said Jones.
“Rod is a super nice guy and he’s good with the hunters. He makes it the experience. And the hunting is second to none,” added Jones.
Taylor runs most of the hunts, but is assisted by Humble and Joel Menuez, a local veteran guide.
Taylor said the most popular hunt is the “Get To Know Us Hunt”. It includes seven quail, seven pheasant and seven chukar for 2-4 hunters. The hunt includes a guide, dogs, cleaning and packaging for $475. “Some people want more pheasant and that’s not a problem,” said Taylor.
Flying Ridge features nine different fields, all perfect for hunting. “The land is flat, but with gentle rolling hills. There’s not a lot of hard walking. It fits just about anybody. That’s a benefit we have.”

Taylor added that all of the fields are handicap accessible.
Flying Ridge is open from September to April. Currently hunts can be planned with a couple of days notice. All in-state hunters need a hunting license, out-of-state hunters do not. Plans are under way for a sporting clays six-stand range. Accommodations are available on site in a four-bedroom log cabin. The facility also houses a large room for small conferences and corporate meetings.

The facility, located in the heart of Ohio’s Amish country, also offers individual and corporate memberships. Another feature is the farm is located next to the Holmes County Airport. “Hunters can fly in and spend a day of shooting. It works out real well,” said Bird.
For additional information about Flying Ridge Hunt Club call 330-674-6789 or visit the Website at www.flyingridgehuntclub.com. or Dutchman’s Huntin’ Paradise’s site at www.thebestdeerhunt.com.