Blonhaven: A Legacy of Birds, Grit, and Generations of Outdoor Tradition

Blonhaven is piece of Wisconsin’s outdoor heritage. Long before Blonhaven became a destination for unforgettable hunts, it was a family-run farm fueled by ingenuity, hard work, and a deep respect for the land.

From Blonde-Haven to Blonhaven: Where It All Began

The story starts in the late 1930s, when a small farm in the Johnstown area was lovingly named Blonde-Haven Farm, inspired by the Scandinavian matriarch of the family known for her long blonde hair. By 1945, the family had purchased new land in Milton, Wisconsin, and the name morphed into Blonhaven, a name that would soon carry serious weight in the upland hunting world.

By the early 1950s, the operation evolved from raising quail, pheasants, and peacocks to becoming a full-fledged game farm and hunting preserve. The very first hunt was held on October 25, 1953.

The Pheasant Guy, Jim Clark

If Blonhaven had a face, it would be Jim Clark. He bought the farm from his parents at just 26 years old and ran it for over three decades. Under his leadership, Blonhaven grew into a pheasant powerhouse, producing up to 100,000 birds annually and selling tens of thousands of chicks each year. What started as a way to use up surplus birds became a robust operation that not only sold birds but sold “the experience.”

Jim helped transform Blonhaven from a hatchery into a destination for upland bird hunting, pioneering a model that prioritized the full hunt over bird quotas or body counts.

And if you ever heard the phrase “Sure beats cleaning maggots out of the triplex,” then you’ve had a proper introduction to a classic “Clarkism.”

From Chicks to Champions

As the farm grew, so did its infrastructure: old dog kennels were repurposed, chick “triplexes” were built, and eventually, Blonhaven entered into a lasting partnership with McFarlane’s to buy, hatch, and distribute birds across the region. At its peak, the operation was releasing 11,000+ birds per year.

One of the most innovative evolutions came with the shift from per-bird pricing to "no-limit" hunts, introducing a trust-based system that turned guests into loyal regulars.

The Land, the People, the Politics

Operating a hunting preserve in Wisconsin hasn’t always been smooth shooting. From weather challenges to changing local politics and permit battles, Blonhaven has weathered its share of storms. But it’s also been shaped by resilience, by neighbors who became friends, by negotiations that led to growth, and by the unwavering belief that great land makes for great hunts.

Over the years, the team built fencing, planted habitat grass, and added facilities including a full kitchen that became the center of European shoots and small events.

A New Chapter Begins

In 2007, the Clark family sold the business. But the legacy remained. And today, as Geronimo Hospitality Group reimagines the future of Blonhaven, we do so with deep respect for the land, the traditions, and the stories that got us here.

Blonhaven is a place where local kids grow up learning how to hunt, where generations of families have gathered for fall openers, and where stories are told over coffee, tailgates, and bird dogs at your heel.

Experience the Legacy

Today, Blonhaven is stepping into its next era—still rooted in heritage, but infused with modern hospitality, thoughtful design, and curated outdoor experiences. Whether you're a longtime member or a first-time guest, there's a place for you in this story.

The land is waiting. The fields are calling. And the legacy continues.