The Thrill of the Hunt: Dylan Matter's Perspective on Creating Unforgettable Experiences

Hunting is more than just a pastime; it's a tradition, a rite of passage, and, for many, a way of life. As a landowner and an avid hunter, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the profound impact that a well-managed hunting property can have on both seasoned and first-time hunters. Through my partnership with LandTrust, I’ve been able to share my property, my knowledge, and my passion for the outdoors with others. One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been helping hunters create lifelong memories.

A Young Hunter’s First Doe: A Moment to Remember

One of the most special hunts I’ve hosted involved a young man and his father who had been struggling to get their first deer. His father reached out, explaining that they had been hunting for a while without success. I assured them that they had come to the right place. The young hunter had already bagged a deer with his crossbow the previous week, but this was his first rifle hunt.

I had the perfect setup in mind, thanks to well-placed cameras that helped track deer movement. Within just 19 minutes of heading out, I got the call: “We’re done.” The young hunter had successfully taken his first doe. More than just the hunt itself, what made the experience truly special was the process—the walk through the dark woods, the use of a thermal for scouting, and the excitement of the quick success. This was a hunt he would remember for the rest of his life.

The Bigger Picture: Why Hosting Hunts Matters

When a young hunter takes their first deer on my property, it means more to me than just another successful harvest. Growing up, I didn’t have private land to hunt on. Owning my own land and turning it into a haven for both experienced and new hunters has been a dream come true.

I’ve hosted everyone from kids to adults trying hunting for the first time. One memorable experience involved two men from Philadelphia—one in his mid-30s and his nephew—who had never hunted before. While the nephew was able to take a deer, his uncle missed his opportunity because he was distracted on his phone. Regardless, it was a learning experience and a full-circle moment for me. Hunting was something my grandfather passed down to me, and now I have the chance to do the same for others.

A Commitment to Quality Hunts

A major reason guests love my property is the high-quality hunting blinds. As a dealer for 8 Point Hunting Blinds, I believe in offering my guests the best experience possible. My setup is designed for success—strategically placed food plots, well-managed access points, and comfortable blinds that accommodate hunters of all ages.

For example, one of my friend’s grandfathers, who hadn’t hunted in over a decade, was able to comfortably enjoy a hunt from one of my blinds. The accessibility and ease of the experience made a big difference for him. Seeing the smiles on the faces of hunters who might not otherwise have had these opportunities is why I do this.

Structuring Hunts for Conservation and Growth

One of my primary goals is to manage my property in a way that supports the growth of an older age structure for bucks. In my area, many hunters focus solely on bucks, leading to an overpopulation of does. I designed my hunting packages to encourage doe harvesting while still offering the opportunity to take a mature buck for an added fee.

Interestingly, my doe hunt listing has attracted a lot of new hunters. It’s been a pleasure teaching them not just how to take a deer, but also why proper management matters. By setting clear expectations and structuring my hunts carefully, I’ve found a way to balance my personal hunting goals with my desire to introduce more people to the sport.

Balancing Personal Hunting with Hosting Guests

One of the biggest concerns landowners have about offering hunts is whether they can still enjoy their own property. I can confidently say that my experience proves that hosting and personal hunting can coexist successfully.

I hunt my property religiously, but I’ve designed my setup in a way that allows guests to hunt without interfering with my own plans. Trail cameras, strategically placed blinds, and smart land management practices ensure that my guests and I can both enjoy successful seasons. In fact, I shot my own buck this year from the same blind where two of my guests had their successful doe hunts.

The LandTrust Experience

My experience with LandTrust has been incredibly positive. The booking and communication system is seamless, allowing me to interact with guests easily via text without needing to log into an app constantly. As someone who also manages Airbnbs, I can say that LandTrust’s communication system is superior in terms of ease and efficiency.

Beyond the platform itself, the people behind LandTrust understand hunting and land management. When I have questions, I speak with someone who truly knows the outdoors—not just a customer service representative reading from a script. That level of personal connection makes a big difference.

Looking Ahead

As I continue to grow my property and refine my approach to hosting hunts, my goal remains the same: to create meaningful experiences for hunters while responsibly managing the land. Whether it’s a kid taking their first deer, an adult experiencing hunting for the first time, or an experienced hunter looking for a well-managed property, I take pride in offering a place where everyone can enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

If you’re a landowner considering opening up your property for hunting, know that it’s not just about making money—it’s about creating memories, teaching new generations, and contributing to the future of the sport. And if you’re a hunter looking for a great place to hunt, I can promise you this: at my property, you’re not just booking a hunt—you’re becoming part of a legacy.

-Dylan Matters, Matters Farm

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