Orvis Ratings and Reviews
ELOG(3)
ENDORSED FF GUIDES(877)
ENDORSED FF LODGES(679)
ENDORSED WS LODGES(739)
SCHOOL TUITIONS(197)
TRAVEL TRIPS(176)
Shop Now At Orvis
Top-Rated Products
Flying B Ranch, ID
(92)
Paul Nelson Farm, SD
(39)
Top Rated Product
Dream Ranch, AL
Dream Ranch is a family owned property that was a dream and a beautiful piece of acreage just a decade ago. The Ainsworths' passion for hunting, wingshooting, and the beautiful terrain and views of North Alabama were the catalyst for what is now one of the premier destinations for wingshooting in the United States. The Ranch is 2,000 acres of prime woodlands and wetlands that are pristinely manicured for quail and duck. The 14,000 square foot log hunting lodge sits high above Lake Guntersville and Brown's Valley and offers breathtaking views in all directions. The lodge is a retreat all to itself with 8 bedrooms, locker room, Pro Shop, hot tub, pool table and card tables, Covered and screened porches and massive rock fireplaces inside and out. We invite you to visit and see what dreams are made of.
Average Customer Rating:
Rating Snapshot (60 reviews)
5 stars
59
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
60 of 60(100%)customers would recommend this to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Dream Ranch, AL
Review 1 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Dream Ranch is a Appropriate Name,
March 27, 2013
By: Anonymous
from Carlisle, PA, USA
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Reviewer Images
(click to see full-size image)
"I just returned from my second trip to the Dream Ranch and hope it will not be my last. The outstanding staff (Melanie, Kathie and Alan) cooked and served delicious meals, and went above and beyond to assure we had everything we desired. The accommodations were luxurious. The guide and his setters were superb. The terrain we hunted varied from open to areas with just the right amount of trees and cover to make for a challenging experience. Everything you would expect from a quality wingshooting operation was covered to the last detail."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 2 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
WOW! What a trip!,
March 21, 2013
By: LNT1
from Huntsville, AL, USA
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
"What an amazing place! The lodge, the food, the rooms, and most of all the hunting was amazing! The guides and dogs were top notch, and the birds were plentiful. Everything about this place is first class down the last detail. I would highly recommend Dream Ranch to everyone that loves to hunt."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 3 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Top notch,
March 21, 2013
By: Chilli
from Alabama
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
"We had a quick guy trip to the Dream Ranch. There was one huge problem, our trip was too short. This place is off the charts. From service to hospitality, it is an amazing time and place to relax."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 4 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Top Notch!,
March 7, 2013
By: GAW3
from South Carolina
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
"We have a mixed group of quail hunters from multiple states. We have hunted at many Orvis-endorsed lodges as well as independent properties. We typically try new places each year. Now that we've visited the Dream Ranch, it may be hard to keep rotating locations. This was by far the best lodge we've seen. The staff is welcoming without being "clingy". The food had excellent flavor and was well varied. Recent storms had hurt the ground cover in some fields. Despite this impediment, our guide planned the hunt well and the wingshooting was as good as anticipated. We'll be back."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 5 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Pinnacle Retreat,
March 4, 2013
By: CRASHem
from Sarasota, FL
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
"The food, atmosphere, and hunting experience were all outstanding."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 6 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Outstanding in Every Way,
March 2, 2013
By: Titan05
from St. Petersburg, FL
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
"Dream Ranch is truly outstanding in every way. The lodge, food and service are at the highest level. The birds flew great and the dogs are a pleasure to watch work. We will definitely be returning again!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 7 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Quail Hunting Heaven!,
January 27, 2013
By: Gunner88
from Eden Prairie, MN, USA
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Additional Thoughts:We take a lot of pictures and the guide and dogs were very patieint (and held point!) while we took a number of pictures!
"Dream Ranch was a revelation! Overall, it is the finest hunting facility that I have had the pleasure of visiting. A warm, professional staff, stunning scenery,a magnificent lodge, excellent birds and great dogs and handlers add up to a an extraordinary hunting experience. FYI - I have Celiac's Disease and food allergies and they went out of their way to accommodate my needs! They are very flexible and have a "can do" attitude. Good Lord willing, I will definitely be back!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 8 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Exciting Hunting Experience!,
January 25, 2013
By: DianeO
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
"I greatly enjoyed by time at Dream Ranch. It was one of my most exciting and thrilling hunting trips! My husband and I will defintely have to come back again!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 9 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Great Quail Hunt,
January 22, 2013
By: King30327
from Atlanta
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Reviewer Images
(click to see full-size image)
"We stayed 3 nights in early January and had a fantastic time. The guides and their dogs were first rate and the birds were plentiful and flew great. Lodge was awesome and the food was outstanding. We have already booked for next year."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 10 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Unbelieveable Deer Hunting,
January 10, 2013
By: Powell101
from Madison, MS
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
"The owners and staff at Dream Ranch know how to grow and hunt Big Bucks. This is a first class operation that is rivaled by few."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 11 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Fantastic trip,
January 8, 2013
By: mrvhuntquail
from Atlanta, GA, USA
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Additional Thoughts:Very focused on making sure we had a great experience
"The trip was an overall great experience. The hunting was superb with great dogs and experienced guides. The lodge, food and hospitality were tremendous"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 12 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
First Rate Experience,
January 6, 2013
By: Toxaway
from Atlanta, GA
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
"Having hunted extensively in South Georgia, I was a bit apprehensive about what I might find in North Alabama. Not any more! Dream Ranch is every bit the traditional Southern experience. Lots of birds that flew well, great lodge, experienced guides and wonderful food."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 13 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
dream Ranch lives up to its name!,
January 5, 2013
By: Justatiza
from Maine
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Additional Thoughts:Can't improve on perfect
"Quail flying everywhere, superb guides, great dogs, courteous and friendly staff and delicious food made our third trip to Dream Ranch the best yet. You made perfection look easy!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 14 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Flawless On Every Level!,
December 26, 2012
By: ShootingSportsman
from Camden, Maine
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
"Having been fortunate enough to experience many of America’s finest wingshooting lodges, I can honestly say that Dream Ranch is operating at the highest level. The lodging, dining and guiding were stellar, especially the dog work. In addition to great quail hunting, my group of 11 was treated to a duck hunt that showed us hundreds, if not thousands, of ducks. It was also comforting to see that the DR staff is comprised of some of the hunting industry’s top pros. (Thanks for taking such great care of us, Melanie!) To sum it up, Dream Ranch has made a rightful place for itself amongst the best in the biz."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 15 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
One of a Kind!,
December 24, 2012
By: nicoma
from Stevensville, MT 59870, USA
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Additional Thoughts:Great
"I am a cameraman doing tv hunting shows for over 20 years. I have traveled around the world a couple of times! This is a one of kind lodge with hospitality at the top of the list! I don't see how any improvements can be made! It was a perfect trip!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 16 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Best I have seen,
December 23, 2012
By: theoriginallumpy
from San Jose, CA
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Additional Thoughts:hunting and hospitality at its finest
"I have just returned from 3 days at Dream Ranch and am looking forward to a repeat performance. The quail and deer hunting was great. The service and staff was even better! The dogs were rock solid on point, honored the partner and marked the birds almost to perfection."
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 17 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Another great hunt at the Dream,
December 5, 2012
By: LVQuailHunter
from Las Vegas, NV
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
"This was my third trip in eighteen months and I am returning in February. Need I say more. Great dogs, great hunts, great food and great people. Austin, Mel, Keith and the crew do an excellent job. It does not get ANY better!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 18 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Memories,
December 5, 2012
By: BaxterGroup
from Reno, NV, USA
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Reviewer Images
(click to see full-size image)
"For 40 years now my Son and I have been hunting together each year.
Dream Ranch has become our Hunting Operation of choice. It provides the opportunity to enjoy each others company and create new memories. Our group of family and friends loves the staff, Management and Ownership as they demonstrate the same level of quality and service that we expect in our own family business. We highly recommend Dream Ranch!"
Dream Ranch has become our Hunting Operation of choice. It provides the opportunity to enjoy each others company and create new memories. Our group of family and friends loves the staff, Management and Ownership as they demonstrate the same level of quality and service that we expect in our own family business. We highly recommend Dream Ranch!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 19 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
Jack's Favorite Spot to Hunt,
December 5, 2012
By: BaxterGrp
from Las Vegas, NV, USA
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Reviewer Images
(click to see full-size image)
Additional Thoughts:Lynn was great working Jack while we shot.
"Dream Ranch has again exceeded expectations and is clearly the best place to hunt in the south. Extremely Dog Friendly, and the Staff is amazing! The Food is wonderful and the Facility is Fantastic. This is Jack's second trip to Dream Ranch. He's our English Cocker and he also loves the staff. This truly is the place to bring your well trained hunting dog, either pointer or flusher. Our guide did a great job working Jack while my Father and I shot. In Fact Jack will be at Dream Ranch hunting 4 different times this season. What Fun!"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
Review 20 for Dream Ranch, AL
Overall Rating:
3 thumbs up,
November 29, 2012
By: Aubie01
from Huntsville, AL, USA
Billing / Reservation:
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on knowledge of the sport or activity::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on his/her ability to instruct and communicate::
5
/
5
Please Rate your Guide/Instructor/Host on overall enthusiasm and personality::
5
/
5
Meals:
5
/
5
Trip service:
5
/
5
Dog performance based on breed
Poor
Excellent
Satisfaction level on cover to hold birds (appearance of the hunting grounds)
Poor
Excellent
Reviewer Images
(click to see full-size image)
"Great facility's, huge deer, wonderful guides, awesome dogs, Fantastic quail hunting, Will not be my last time to visit. A++++++"
Would you recommend this experience or trip to a friend? Yes
Share this review:
