Indiana’s Waterfowl Heritage has a Name

LACROSSE, IN --

The word Kankakee conjures visions of duck-filled skies in the minds of waterfowl hunters who have read about this historic Indiana region of the Mississippi Flyway -- and also for a select few who have been fortunate enough to hunt there.  It is one of those great names in North American waterfowl history, as is the name of the family who has hunted and guided there for generations.

            The Gumz Family has established itself as one of the Nation’s great sporting families, and has developed and owned some of the best waterfowl hunting ground in the country.  For years, the Gumz Family has been known for waterfowl hunting and conservation in Indiana’s Kankakee region of the Mississippi Flyway.  In 1982, the State of Indiana purchased nearly 800 acres of Gumz Family property adjacent to the Kankakee State Fish and Wildlife Area – the state’s premier waterfowl property, and that 800 acres still contains the property’s most popular draws.

            Kevin Gumz has been an avid hunter and conservationist his entire life.  He and his excavating company have designed and built wetlands for Ducks Unlimited and Waterfowl USA, as well as habitat improvement projects for numerous hunt clubs and private individuals.  Today, as owner of the Kankakee Marsh Hunt Club, Kevin has brought the exceptional hunting of the fabled Kankakee region within reach of anyone.

            Kevin’s new facilities at the Kankakee Marsh Hunt Club -- like the hunting itself -- are second to none.  Located along the Kankakee River near the Town of LaCrosse in northern Indiana, the Kankakee Marsh Hunt Club offers world-class waterfowl hunting on nearly 1,200 exclusive, owned acres of prime habitat.  Additionally, the club offers exceptional fair chase hunting for whitetail deer, wild turkeys and upland game.

            Completed in 2005, the 5,000 square-foot lodge offers all the amenities of the finest hunting establishments.  It boasts an exceptional great room for relaxing after the hunt, a commercial kitchen, wet bar, locker room, dining hall and kennels.  Access to the lodge is included in all outings.  A large pole barn is connected to the lodge for convenient and secure storage of ATVs, boats, decoys and other gear.

            The Bunk House is a completely remodeled 3,000 square-foot farm house with four bedrooms and two full baths, kitchen, dining room, TV lounge, dressing room and garage.  The new lodge and bunkhouse are sure to meet the approval of both the casual and most discriminating hunter alike.  The facilities are also available for weekend rental during the off-season.

            One of the more unique features of the Kankakee Marsh Hunt Club is that it successfully caters to both members and visiting non-members alike.  Above all else, it is a place for passionate hunters -- regardless of their membership status, yet membership does have its advantages.  A variety of individual and corporate memberships are available at most favorable prices for waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, upland game, turkey hunting or combinations of all hunting opportunities offered.

            Additionally, a variety of individual hunt packages are available for those who wish to partake of the great hunting that the 1,200-plus acre property has to offer -- without paying the cost of an annual membership.  Again, you won’t believe how affordable these hunt packages are -- especially when one considers the productivity of the property, the extensive site amenities and the deep tradition and history that the Kankakee Marsh Hunt Club affords.