Hunting Testimonials

Eric Emery

David & Lisa,
Thank you for the fabulous hunt earlier this month. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your entire family's interest in my success. You are the best, I don't think I could find better service anywhere!
Merry Christmas!

Greg Reynolds

David, Lisa, Preston and the girls, Thank all of you for being such warm and friendly host. I have been on three guided hunts and enjoyed yours the most. I appreciated your hard work David on trying to put me on a Kansas trophy whitetail. I would like to look at a muzzleloader hunt next year send me the info for next year when you catch your breath and get that tree cut down.
Thank you all very much and GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

Brennan Kllassen

David, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you! When we had a Kansas tag and no place to go you were willing to help! Everything was as advertised, it's nice to know there are still honest people out there! I really enjoyed the whole experience, plus i shot a nice buck. That was just a bonus!
Look forward to hunting with you every year!

Steve and Eric Hendrix

David, Just a note to say thank you for some great turkey hunting action. Even though the weather conditions were sometimes difficult, you went the extra mile to ensure we had a good hunt. You made it possible for my son to bag his first and second turkey. Thanks again for the fellowship and our best to you and the family.

Russ

David, I just wanted you to know that I have watched Samantha tell others about her turkey hunting trip many times. (You didn't have the over flowing toilets like when we went to Florida but there was still plenty to talk about). Thank you so much for hanging in there after the first couple of misses. Your professionalism and your obvious passion for turkey hunting really showed when you kept putting us on more birds. We really had a great time.
Remember, Evan my 11 year old will probably want to get a Rio some day too so I look forward to returning to Kansas to do it all over again. I am really interested in bow hunting whitetails also so one way or another I hope we will hunt together again.
Can't say it enough but thank you so much for everything you did!
Stay well!

Jane Andrew

Hi David, Steve asked me to e-mail you so you could send some pictures of Steve and his turkeys. You can send them to this e-mail address. Thanks so much for showing him such a great time! It really meant a lot to him to get to go and he was so excited that he got such nice birds. You are a great guide!
Thanks again, Jane Andrew

Bill Hanna

David and Lisa,
First of all Happy Mother's Day to Lisa and thanks for slaving over the hot stove for us the other night. It hit the spot and was very good.
David,
Thanks for the experience of hunting with you. Our trip home was uneventful. We left at 5AM your time and were home by 6PM our time. Your deer ticks were certainly a friendly bunch as we removed several from ourselves the next day. My dad had a good time and that means a lot to us. Thanks again for all of your hard work, we really appreciate it. Good luck this deer season.

Greg Clouse

David,
Thanks again for a great hunt this yr, it’s hard to believe that I’ve been out there 6 yrs and taken 3 great buck , with bow, rifle and muzzleloader . You do a great job of setting up stands and scouting in advance with the trail cameras. Hopefully I can get out there again!
Happy Holidays to you, Lisa and the kids,
Greg Clouse

Josh Isbell

Hello David,
Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed my hunt. Being able to see animals in bow (recurve) range was on just about every hunt was awsome.I am setting my schedule up to be able to come back as some as I can. Looks like that will be Oct./Nov of 2013. And you can tell your son there may not have been a trophy in the back of the truck but the hunt and fellowship is still a trophy for me. I was able to bring home good memories of a good time. Thanks, Let me know your openings for 2013 so I can get a spot locked down.
Thanks,
Josh Isbell

Brandon Wickman

I hope this message finds you well. My good friend, To my brief understanding, I hear that you seek hunting opportunities. I was hoping to assist you navigate to the best locations I know. I hosted Bass Pro Shops The Next Generation TV show, which airs yearly on the Outdoor Channel. The TV show gave me countless hunting experiences across the United States. There are only a select number of outfitting operations I'd recommend.
Very briefly, Blue River Whitetails, in north central Kansas is the absolute best deer hunting operation I've ever been to; hands down. And I've hunted at over (45) deer/turkey hunting outfitters. BRW is a family run business that pride themselves in a quality hunt at an exceptional price. Owner, David Schotte, is one of my great friends and a notorious whitetail slayer in our industry. His track record speaks for itself. Schotte has hosted several national TV shows at his operation; both deer and turkey hunts.
Drawing a tag is a guarantee, tag prices are reasonable, and the opportunity to come back home with a giant whitetail is incredible. You may contact David Schotte at 785-337-2530 or view his website at http://blueriverwhitetails.com. Thank you for you time and I hope this helps. Feel free to contact me with any further questions.
Respectfully,
Brandon Wickman (see blog post The Best of Kansas)

Greg Armentrout

Dear Dave and Lisa,
I want to start out by thanking you for the best time while I was there for my hunt. Dave you spent a great deal of time putting me on the deer. Your professionalism and knowledge really shown that you have great pride in what you are doing with the wildlife there. I learned alot even though i didn't get my trophy. It really didn't matter the experience of being on my first trophy hunt was outstanding. I really would like to return next year and give it another try. Thank you for the great hospitality and the supper was great . Lisa is an outstanding cook. In my opinion you did everything humanly possible to put me on a trophy but the weather wasn't cooperating with us. I made it home on thursday morning and friday we got about 3 inches of snow. The colder weather would have nice out there, maybe things would have been different.
Thanks again, Sincerely and Appreciative,
Greg Armentrout

Eric

David - I had a great time last week. I think you have a great service and go the extra mile to help your clients harvest a deer and have a good experience. I also appreciate the hospitality, please thank Lisa for me.
Thanks again,
Eric

Steve Hetrick

Dear David and Lisa, Well another archery season at Blue River Whitetails is in the books. Hard to believe it's over already. Although maybe not a successful as you may have liked and often frustrating I'm sure, I guess we save the best for last again. Dave said he figured that between Tony and I, we took about 300" of antler in about an hour and fifteen minutes of hunting. That is truly amazing and a credit to you for doing all the hard work setting up the stands and knowing your hunting properties. I for one am very pleased with my buck once again. He is the third largest whitetail I've ever taken and will make a fine European mount. As I get older, I have found that it is not always the size of the trophy but the memories made that are what is most important and I'm sure you will agree that this past season was very memorable and unique.
On behalf of myself and all my friends that hunt with, goes a very sincere and heart felt "Thanks" to the both of you and your family for your friendship, hospitality and for allowing us to pursue our whitetail hunting dreams. I'm sure in the years to come, there will be many more memories made and dreams fulfilled.
On another note, if you have any openings in the years to come and need to fill them, please don't hesitate to let me know as I could probably be able to help you fill them with some good people. I have also enclosed some upgrades to the tree stand amenities, I'm sure you will put them to good use.
Thanks again. I know Joe and I are already looking forward to next year and I'm sure it will be here before we know it.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Steve Hetrick

Joe Scrips

1Dave, Lisa & Preston, Once again I am totally overwhelmed by my great success in Kansas at Blue River Whitetails. For the last decade, I've been pursuing big mature whitetails in western, midwestern USA & Canada. Never had I more success than with you folks. I'm taken back, 3 years, 3 bucks, 510" of horn. Where could a person go and have more success than that.
For me to even think of trying to hunt whitetails with anyone else, would be a huge mistake. I know my day is coming, when I come home empty handed, but that is hunting. At least I know when I'm hunting with you, my chances are as great as anywhere. Bottom line is "You're Stuck with Me" Hope that's OK with you.
Once again, thanks to my adopted family in Kansas. You really made us feel at home, when we're with you. Lisa has been the perfect hostess every year we come out to Kansas. It's something I now wait all year for.
As you can see from the family picture, God has blessed me with more that a man could ever ask for. Please give the girls a big hug and a kiss from me.
Thanks again for all you generosity,
Joe Scrips

Nelson Abdalah

Hello David, First of all I would like to thank you for your hospitality. We enjoyed the hunting and had a great time. We want to prepare everything for next years hunt during rut season. Say hello to your family and hope to hear from you soon.

Terry Cockburn

David, Just a note to tell you that I really enjoyed my hunt this year. You did your job to get me in front of a shooter. Congratulations again on your buck and I hope your hunters, and of course Preston, put some big bucks down the rest of the season. Let me know when you know what openings you have for next year and we will see if we can work it out to come back next year.
Thanks,
Terry Cockburn

Greg Moseley

David, Trust y'all are well & set for a wonderful Christmas with family. My Dad & I are still interested in a Spring Turkey hunt. Do you have potential openings for us to look at? Hope so! Looking forward to seeing you guys again. Sloppy Joe's were the best!
Thank you again,
Greg Moseley

T Michael Moseley

David, Just a note to say thank you again for a glorious time. You & your family's gracious hospitality is much appreciated. Greg & I enjoyed every minute. Thank you again for a great hunt & a great look at Kansas huge deer. Hope to see you in the spring!!
Best Wishes & God Bless,
T Michael Moseley

Brandon Wikman

David, I just wanted to take a moment to not only sincerely thank you for the incredible years of hunting but wish you & your family a wonderful Holiday season. I wish everyone the absolute best for 2011 & hope to see everyone again soon!! Read more...
Happy Holidays & God Bless,
Brandon Wikman
Bass Pro Shops Next Generation

Curt King

Hey David I just wanted to tell you THANKS again for a great turkey hunt. I will be in touch with you and Preston on a duck hunt to Tennessee soon.

Adam Hassell

David,
I want to personally thank you and your family for a great hunting experience in Kansas. Curt, Shane and I had a wonderful hunt even in the worst of conditions and with your knowledge and expertise we were still able to harvest 5 birds. Thanks to you and Preston for your patience and perseverance and we look forward to booking with you again next year. If you have time, please e-mail the pictures from our hunt with you over the last few days. I will stay in touch and I hope you and your family have a great summer. P.S. also send a map of your area roads so I can study up on how to get back to Hanover in the dark! HAHA.
Thanks,
Adam Hassell

Keagan

Dear David and Lisa,
I would firstly like to thank you for the incredible hunt. It was my first turkey ever and it was really great! Not only that but the very next day we got another!!! I enjoyed the multiple styles of hunting plus the fact that we both heard and saw turkeys the entire hunt. Lisa, thank you for the dinner you had made us, especially the awesome cheese dip. It was really great of you to let us eat with you guys and it was a fun night. I’m already looking forward to the next time we’re coming. Once again thank you guys!!

James

Hi David and Lisa this is James, I want to say thank you for taking us out and helping me get my two turkeys. It was really fun and exciting, I hope my Dad will sign us up for next year. Also thanks for having us over for dinner, it was really good.
Thanks again and hopefully see you next year,
James

Glen

Dear David and Lisa,
I am not sure where to start with this thank you note. Every year I want to believe that it is one of the best hunting experiences that I have ever had, but then it just gets better. This year has been no exception. It's been my dad and myself, my brother-in-law and myself, and now my sons and myself. I am not sure who will be next, but this was indeed an absolute highlight. I could have not have scripted these turkey hunts better and it is a memory that will remain with us forever. I still reminisce about it with the boys. It was four totally different hunts, each with an exciting end. Lisa, it was very kind of you to have us over for dinner, especially due to the amount of food my children consume! Thank you so much for your hospitality and friendship. I am indeed pleased to have met you and hope to see you again next year. Looking forward to seeing the photos. I hope the rest of your season has gone well.
Kind regards,
Glen

Scott Nordman

Hey David, I'm glad to hear that Noel got his buck. I think he was growing impatient until he got it. It was fun getting to know the guys over dinner & sharing stories. The food was great & they sure know how to give good portions there. Had a steak that 1st nite & could not eat it all and that never happens with me. I had a great time & a great hunt . You had a good setup there & have done your homework well. It was fun getting filmed by Jason. Looking forward to seeing it. I would definitely want to return & hunt again with you. Maybe in 2011. Going moose hunting next year in the Yukon. Jason told me that one can buy a second turkey tag for 100 bucks, is this true? I think my wife would enjoy turkey hunting. Already talked to her about it. I think she would do it.
Hope this note finds you & your family well & Merry Christmas to you all,
Scott Nordman

Brandon Wikman

Grow the Hunt Hunting With Blue River Whitetails By Brandon Wikman. There aren't many hunting locations around the country that consistently produce giant whitetail and tubby gobblers year after year. Read more...

JT Harden
Hardcore Hunting TV

Well the trip is over and I just got back from a great 4 days hunting with Jason Irish at Blue River Whitetails in Hanover Kansas. Owner David Schotte and family were more then great hosts. David took me out and volunteered to run the camera for 2 days of bow hunting before the shotgun opener. I only wish I could have returned the favor with a clean kill, but instead have no one but myself to blame for clean miss on a nice Kansas long beard. As luck would have it or bad luck would have it Jason was out there missing as well. As the mid week approached we were anxious to grab the shotguns and try to redeem ourselves. Lucky for us we were able to have a nice double with some steller footage ran by camera man Lonnie. I have uploaded one pic of us on our new Hunt Ve with our nice Rio Grande Gobblers. Thanks again to David Schotte and his super family for having us as guests.

Mooch

Dear David,
Well, it’s back to the grind and walking wheat fields. I miss Kansas already. Our season opener is still about a week away.
I just wanted to say thank you for a most memorable hunt. Four nice toms in two days with less than ideal conditions was more than we could have asked for. Your expertise with the birds made it seem almost easy.
Buzz could be in for a rude awakening if he expects the same results here, but I do think you helped create another turkey hunting addict. He got to experience just about everything that turkey hunting has to offer; the strutting, the spitting & drumming, and oh yeah, all the gobbling in just a short time.
Your hospitality and that of you entire family is unmatched. We certainly felt more like friends than clients. I’m already eyeing next years calendar for a return trip.
If you need references for folks to call, by all means give them my number.
Take care and give my best to the family,
Mooch

Glen Jacobs

Dear David and Lisa, What a weekend and one to remember for a long time. David, thank you for a great hunt. Those birds kept us busy and that is what I call hunting! I appreciate the effort and time you put in to make this work. Although you take many people to hunt, you made us feel very welcome and special. It was indeed a very memorable time for my dad and myself and he loved the experience. I am already thinking of next year. Lisa, you guys have a great house and I best get my tips for keeping a place tidy and immaculate from you. Congratulations with your son's graduation and I hope the party went well. Once again, thank you for making this hunt a day for my dad and I to remember and talk about for many more years to come. I am sure that we will be in touch.
Kind regards, Glen
P.S. David, thanks for the gift out of the deep freeze.

Joe Scrips

Hello Dave,
2007 marked my 31st year of hunting out of state. I've hunted Alaska, 3 Canadian Providences, 4 western states, 2 Midwest states and 3 eastern states. I've gone for sheep, grizzly, caribou, wolf, elk, mule deer, pronghorn and whitetails. But, after all these years, I seem to pursue my #1 love of hunting whitetails. In all of these 31 years, very few times have I gone back with the same outfitter. Even though I've killed some incredible animals, the outfit wasn't exactly what I was looking for until I found you. And this isn't just because I killed an incredible whitetail. It's your true professionalism. From getting into the stands early, to playing the wind, to putting minimal human pressure on the deer, I could go on and on. The morning I killed that deer, I don't know who was more excited me or your family when I came in the house. This just goes to show how involved your family is with your success. After 31 years, I think I've found the place where I'd love to come back time and time again. I've hunted enough to know that the next time I come hunting with you, I may go home empty handed but, I also know that my chances of getting a good quality whitetail are as good with you as anyone else. If you think is a pat on the back, and a big thank you, that's exactly what it is.
Not only was the hunt great but sharing your house and family are a bonus. Playing and loving up your two granddaughters was one of the highlights of my hunt.Included are pictures from the hunt. Also included are pictures of the biggest blessing God ever gave me, my two sons and their wives, my wife and my new granddaughter MaKayla.
I hope you take this letter as a compliment. You deserve it. All your hard work is done long before the hunter ever arrives. I know Steve and I will be back. We'll probably send you a deposit after the first of the year.
Thanks again, Joe
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
May God Bless You & Your Family at this joyous time of year

Kent Zocher

David,
I hope the turkey season has continued to be a success for you. I just wanted to thank you once again for a great hunt. Tanner and I learned a great deal on this hunt and really appreciate all the hard work you put in! When you get a spare moment, I would appreciate some pics of Tanner and his bird. I still can't believe that I forgot my camera that day! Thanks again and all our best to you and your family.

CJ Carter

David,
Hope everything is going well. Here is our local newspaper with the photo of our trip in it. I sent it thinking the caretaker at the Pony Express Station might want one and the other paper is for you. I also wanted to let you know what a great time we had; you have a topnotch hunting outfit. The turkey hunting is totally different than what we are use to in Georgia, we enjoyed every minute of it. You and your family showed great "Southern Hospitality" and made us feel very, very welcome. You have got a great outfit and I hope we get to come back and experience some more great turkey hunting. Things just ain' t the same here in Georgia after hunting out there. THANKS for putting up with a few Georgia rednecks for a few days!
Good Hunting,
CJ Carter

Brandon Wikman

Mr. David Schotte & Family,
I'd just like to take a moment & show my appreciation towards your aid & assistance. You've got a great outfit, but more importantly a great family. Often times people take for granite, but let me assure you, you've become not only my turkey huntin' man, but a true friend. And that's what is really important. Thank you for your generosity and kindness, it goes a long way. Take Care, Brandon
Check out Brandon's Journal on HuntingNet.com
Brandon Wikman, Bass Pro Shops Next Generation

Wayne V. McIntyre, Cantonment, FL

Dave, Just wanted to let you how much I enjoyed my hunt with you. You are class act . Being the first out-of-state hunting trip me and my son I got to go on was fantastic . I enjoyed the meals, lodging and the meal and ball games at your house with your family. I still marvel at my twelve point look forward to another good hunt with you.
Wayne V. McIntyre, Cantonment, FL

Hayes Pettaway, Elizabethtown, NC

David and Lisa, Thank you for a memorable hunting experience and your outstanding Kansas hospitality. I am delighted with my Kansas deer - Antlers grossed 121 7/8 inches and is my personal best. The beauty of Kansas was a revelation to me. I had no idea of the panoramic vistas or the abundance and variety of wildlife. "Hunt of a Lifetime" for sure and I cannot wait to experience it again. I hope that the Schotte family has a great Thanksgiving and our Lord continues to shower you with His blessings.

Don Hester, Saltillo, MS

Dear David, I would just like to take the time to let you know how much I enjoyed myself on my hunt with you. Thank you so much for your professionalism and dedication to seeing to my every need. I also thank you for letting Martin go with me. Also please let your wife know that I enjoyed her cooking very much. Your entire family made us feel right at home. If you have any openings for turkey season please let me know. Thanks again.

Joe Weaver, Warminster, PA

David, I cannot express enough thanks to your family. Dave, the smile cannot be wiped off my face. As I show off the pictures, and all 25 of them, people cannot believe how big it was. I still cannot believe how big it was. Feel free at any time to use me as a reference. Saw the web site and thanks for putting me there.
Dave, you are good. You taught me a ton that will only make me a better hunter. See you can teach an old dog new tricks
Lisa, cooking was exceptional. The way you open your house to me was just fantastic. I felt like I knew you for years. You made me like part of the family. Those pictures on the disk have gone out to the world and will continue going to whomever wants to see the deer. All my friends are is amazed.
Someday I hope to be out there again and maybe by some luck and with my dad on my side I might see something bigger?
Enjoy the rest of your season. Again, THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY DREAM COME TRUE. I KNOW YOU REALIZE HOW I FEEL.
Joe Weaver, Warminster, PA

Brent Plackner, River Falls, WI

Dear David,
I am so glad I decided to meet up with your on my first trip to hunt Kansas turkeys. You sure do know the terrain and had no troubles getting us on the birds. Not only did we have birds come to your calls off the roost but experienced "fast set up" action as well as spot and stalk scenarios. The action you said was a "little slow" the first part of May than you'd have liked but having three nice Rio toms by noon the first day went about and beyond my expectations! I truly enjoyed meeting you and your wife Lisa. Thanks for the hospitality and genuine desire to see that we had memorable hunting experience. I will be back to hunt with you again.

J Tweedie

David,
I just wanted to let your know, I had a great time on my hunt with you. Your efforts were everything I could have expected, and more in some cases. I'd love to come out for an early season bow or muzzleloader hunt. Thanks again for everything your did for me, and good luck with your business in the future.
Sincerely,
J Tweedie

Gene Alt

Dear David,
Just wanted to let you know that the turkey's are in the freezer and the tails are nailed to a board to dry as you suggested. It was a real pleasure to hunt with you. I learned a lot. You were a great guide.
Sincerely,
Gene Alt

Jim Gilmer

Dave:
Thanks for everything you did to get Bob his first birds! We were all very happy. The end results were much better than I hoped for.

Rick Moore

David:
The pictures turned out great. I weighed the Rio on a better scale: 23.24 lbs, 1 ½ inch spurs, and a 10" beard. What a trophy! I'll be getting with you about my next trip.

Bob Bowersox

Dear Dave and Lisa,
I want to thank you for a wonderful time. I have not enjoyed a hunting or fishing trip more than this one. Sneak hunting those birds was incredible. One thing I don't think I mentioned, but I have a nasty habit. I write. Needless to say, I was able to gather ideas for a few stories during this trip. Dave, you talked me into mounting the Rio I shot Friday morning. What I didn't tell you is what my wife told me about bringing something home to mount.
This story was born from a short conversation she and I had Sunday night. I hope you enjoy it, and if I am able to sell it, I will let you know what magazine publishes it.
Thanks again for a great trip. By the way, she hasn't said no. Of course she has no idea of the size of the bird.

click here to read Bob's story