About Samson's Mountain
THE MAN (AND DEER) THAT STARTED IT ALL:
The idea of Samson’s Mountain started many years ago with its founder, Jerry Stafford, as a child. Fond of the outdoors, Jerry got into trapping at the ripe age of 7, skinning muskrats and raccoons in his family’s fur shed. Years later, Jerry began hunting deer and took a keen interest in taxidermy.
Wanting to figure out how to create a more natural and realistic mount, he bought his first captive deer, at the age of 21, to study the animals anatomy and posture. After applying the knowledge gained from studying the whitetail, Jerry took first place in a local taxidermy competition. Stafford was hooked. A year later, Stafford took the record for having the largest deer in captivity at 180 inches. Due to his size and musculature, this deer was given the name “Samson”. By the time this monster whitetail was five years old, he was the single largest deer in the United States, scoring a whopping 251 inches and later went on to become the biggest deer in the entire world.
Although Samson is no longer with us, his name has forever been immortalized here at Samson’s Mountain.
THE MOUNTAIN:
After studying at Texas A&M, Jerry fenced his first property and began guiding high fence hunts. In 2013, he regained the crown of owning the largest deer in the United States with a deer he called “King of The Mountain”. At 4 years old, King of the Mountain scored 251 inches and a year later reached an amazing 523 inches! Samson’s Mountain has since become synonymous with some of the best high fence deer hunting in the country.
Today, we continue to build on the legacy of Samson and King of the Mountain by offering exceptional whitetail, elk, and more. With expanded acreage and lodging options, a dedicated guide team and award winning in-house taxidermy staff, we are proud to offer world-class hunting here at Samson’s Mountain.
As Jerry likes to say, “Just come with your weapon, we’ll take care of the rest.”
Samson's Mountain Highlights
Lodging
Enjoy a range of comfortable lodging options at the Mountain, from the iconic rustic lodge to scenic lakeside cabins, all designed to provide relaxation, convenience, and memorable views throughout your stay.
Experienced Guides
Our knowledgeable guides know every inch of the Mountain and work closely with hunters to track trophy whitetail or elk, guiding hundreds of successful hunts each year with pride and dedication.
Taxidermy
Preserve your trophy with our award-winning on-site taxidermy services, using detailed data and firsthand experience to create exceptionally lifelike mounts that showcase craftsmanship, accuracy, and lasting quality.
Hunting Facilities
The Mountain features diverse hunting terrain, including elevated stands, ground blinds, open valleys, and wooded areas, thoughtfully designed to give hunters flexibility and freedom to hunt their preferred way.
Community
Located near the Shawnee National Forest, our Southern Illinois setting offers hiking, climbing, fishing, and quiet rural charm, providing a peaceful escape while remaining conveniently close to modern essentials.