With two sons in the military, one who just recently returned from Iraq and the other learning to fly helicopters, the odds of all three of us having an available week to go hunting together seemed too remote even to consider. So, when against all odds it happened, it was essential that we find a place where everything came together: great hunting, great lodging, and friendly people who went out of their way to make for an enjoyable hunt. After a thorough review of online ratings of lodges and guide services, we settled on Magnum Guide Service and did their 4-day hunt in Eldorado, Texas. All three of us agree that Magnum exceeded our expectations in every way. Jim and Melony Roche were the most gracious hosts I have ever encountered. The lodge at Eldorado was wonderful (as was Melony's cooking). The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. But the best aspect was the hunting. We saw easily 20 to 30 deer per day, with many, many trophy-quality animals, along with countless turkey and even a few javelina. We come from an area of the country where just seeing a deer makes for a good day, seeing a buck makes for a terrific day, and seeing a quality trophy buck is a treat for an entire season. Imagine how to reacted to seeing dozens of trophy bucks over a 4-day hunt. This is the first unqualified endorsement I have ever made: you can book a Texas hunt with Magnum Guide Service and you will not be disappointed in any way! Written by: Skip Kazmarek, skazmarek@mindspring.com

I, myself, went on a turkey hunt with 10 other friends. We could harvest 20 turkeys and we got 17. It doesn't get much better, and if you're wondering, yeah we could have got all 20 but one man hunted with his kid the first 2 of 3 days and the 3rd day he huunted by himself, but with a bow, is as you know an even harder challenge. The man who only killed one filmed many turkeys within range but he actually didn't know 2 of them were long beards until they turned sideways and got a better look at them (one at 13 steps). Also, 3 of my buddies went on a whitetail hunt (I beleive on the east ranch, not sure though) and saw either 71 bucks or 71 shooter bucks, one of the two, but either way thats alot of bucks on a 3 day hunt!!!!!!!!!! They all harvested bucks between 127 and 135 and they all saw bigger, but I don't think any over 150, but it is still a great hunt. They also got to pay for a management hunt I think ($300) and they killed one and hit another but didn't find it. The other I guess was content because he didn't even hunt one. The food is so good that I'm not even gonna describe it because it wouldn't even get close to doing it justice. If you ever book a hunt in Texas and you want it at an affordable price this is, without a doubt, the BEST PLACE YOU COULD POSSIBLE HUNT FOR YOU MONEY. I think the owner is Jim. Check them out. Kevin Hinson from tennessee is one of the boys that went turkey and deer hunting he has a test on there. Thanks for your time. Written by: Braden Pace, braden_pace@hotmail.com

Jim and Melony are the best at what they do. They make you feel like one of the family from the booking. Jim is exceptional at dealing with people with special conditions. Magnum guide service, Jim and Melony Roche, are the best I have ever experienced in hunting guides. I highly recommend them to anyone, for any game they offer. Written by: Eric Sharar, elsharar@lodinet.com

This is the second time I have used Magnum Guide Service. There is a reason that I went back and will always use Jim for my hunts. Everything they do, from the time you are picked up until the time you leave, is first class. The hunting is fabulous, the food is outstanding, and the staff is remarkable. I have used other outfitters that promised all of this, but did not deliver. I have already re-booked for next year. Written by Jeff Bubenchik, jbubenchik@muhsd.k12.ca.us