Traxler’s Hunting Preserve

I adopted my golden retriever, Friday, a year ago. I was told he had been trained by his previous owner to be a hunting dog. Since Friday is terrified of thunderstorms and fireworks, I wasn’t sure Friday’s nerves could stomach hunting and gunshots. Still, I wanted to see what my boy could do, so I talked my boss (who actually owns a gun and could actually hit something while shooting it) to take us out and see what kind of hunter Friday really was.
Traxlers is located about an hour south of cities in Le Center, MN. The preserve is beautiful, and the staff is very friendly. I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Traxler, but given the lodge full of life size buffalo, giraffes, and even a shark, I can only imagine a little pheasant doesn’t excite him much these days.
You select how many birds you want to «hunt» that day (they run $ 20/​each), and the staff places them out in the field. You head out to your rented plot and do your thing. This is my kind of hunting, no getting up early, little chance you won’t catch anything, and only a few hours spent traipsing in the tall grass. Extra bonus, the staff will clean your birds and seal them in freezer bags for a mere $ 3/​bird.
In case you were wondering, Friday did great! He flushed out a bird within the first 5 minutes and retrieved it like a pro. He insisted on bringing all his trophies back to me rather than my boss with a look that said – Mom! Mom! Look what I brought you. A picture of my dog, his catch, and my boss has been added iin case you want to see a dog who is proud of himself.
If you are looking to do some training with your pup, this is a great place to check out.

While I have never hunted at Traxler’s preserve (although have seen and talked to many delighted hunters of all ages), my several visits were highlights of my Minnesota trips because of the food served in the club house, the accomodations in the lodges, and the overall ambiance on the setting outside (rolling Southern Minnesota prairie, wetlands and woodlots) and in (warm and welcoming; fascinating in terms of mounted heads and WW II weapons).
Story telling may be the best currency here. No one will surpass Jeff and Kathy in this regard (ask about her elephant hunt, ask him about his WWII interests!), although the patriarch of the Traxler clan, Dale, will visit and explain how each and every speciman found its way into the lodge.
The food has always been marvelous and creative. Wild game is the focus, but a simple lunch of gumbo and burger is as good as any, anywhere.
This is a very family friendly endeavor. Come with your pals or your kids or your spouse… or all of the above. In fact, I can’t think of a better setting for a private party be it family or company. Wish they were 1500 miles closer!