I have been a bowhunter (never gun hunted) of biggame starting my 46th year.
I have been fortunate to have hunted many states on public ground and bagged many an animal from Bears, Mule Deer, Elk, Whitetail & Canada several times on guided successful hunts for Bears & Caribou. 2 years ago I wanted to extend my Bowhunting in the off season & did research on high fence/low fence/no fence Exotic & Hog Bowhunting in a few states . In the past 2 years I have Bowhunted 9 times(making a video) for such in all 3 types of facilities & beleive it or not-enjoyed every one of the trips. None of the facilities were no kill-no pay or a guarentee or Trophy fee added to a kill. They ranged from 1 small facility for hogs (200 acres) not high fence to 4200 acres high fence. I was skunked 3 times on high fence operations-saw the animals but never offered a Bow shot or close enough BUT yes, my chances were better than Whitetail hunting my back yard that is full of deer most of the time. This year, I have NOT taken a Whitetail but my 1 tag is being saved for HORNS this year & I have passed on more Does than I can count & many 8-6 & fork horn Bucks. I have taken many Deer over the years & some very respectable Bucks. I just want to get one more nice rack b/4 I go to that happy hunting ground (If the man upstairs wants me to). Thou I like the Bowhunting Exotics, even high fence, I would not consider taking a Whitetail under those circumstances. I guess it is a double standard. I have rambled & made no point at all but feel SOME of these facilities have their place & others do not.
I am not going to say it is hunting as we know hunting is BUT can be just as much fun & exciting as any other trip into the woods. Merry Christmas to all-life is short so enjoy your family b/4 it all passes you by.