I've been to Ripley 5 of the last six years. It's a blast!! The camping part of it is really fun. Don't feel like you have to go to the North side. I know people that hunt just a mile or two out from the gateand they see a ton of deer. I don't see nearly as many deer as a lot of people out there but basically, I just set up on a good funnel w/ a lot of sign. Between my buddy and I we've gotten 3 deer, the best being a 185 pound 8 point. Seen many other nice ones.

I wouldn't hesitate to go up there. It's fun. Yes, there's a lot of people but it's totally possible to find a spot away from everyone else.