The hay wagon tour

The hay wagon tour is the headline experience at Green's Deer Ranch. It's a classic modified farm wagon — benches in back, a tractor pulling it slowly up front — and it loops roughly four miles of our property in about twenty-five minutes.

A family member drives and narrates. You'll hear the history of the land, how the Green family ended up in the deer business in 1999, and what makes a trophy whitetail a trophy whitetail. Along the way the animals come to you.

What you'll see on the route

• Whitetail deer woodlands. The first stretch of the loop runs through our deer woods. Does, fawns, and bucks in various stages of antler growth — depending on the season, you may see all three in a single trip.
• Elk pasture. We come out of the woods near the back pond, where our elk herd grazes. Bulls can top 700 pounds and their antlers, in late summer, are a sight you don't forget.
• The bison run. The finale of the tour. North America's largest land mammal, at a distance where you can hear them breathe.

When to come for the best viewing

Morning tours — right after we open at 10 AM Thursday through Saturday — generally offer the most animal activity. Late afternoon is a close second, especially in the spring when fawns and calves are on their feet. The middle of a hot summer day is the quietest stretch; the animals stick to shade.

Good to know

• Dress for the weather. The wagon is open-air — bring a hat and sunscreen in summer, a jacket in spring and fall.
• The wagon has a step up. If anyone in your party has mobility concerns, give us a call ahead and we'll do our best to accommodate.
• Strollers don't come on the wagon — leave them at the petting zoo area and pick them up after.
• Light rain doesn't stop the tour. Lightning or severe weather does; we'll rebook you.