A 600-acre coastal North Carolina property built around guided waterfowl, upland, sporting clays, and on-site lodging — with a quietly elegant wedding venue, on the same family land since 1868.
Six guided programs across waterfowl, upland, and shooting sports — built specifically for private groups, corporate hosting, and serious sportsmen. Plus a 5-Stand range open year-round.
The Smith family has called Nakina home since Henry Cannon Smith first homesteaded here in 1868 — with as much as 1,200 acres in the family at one point. Today, 600 of those acres make up Iron Horn. Robert Vaughan grew up exploring this land — hunting it, fishing it, learning where the wood ducks roost and which corners of the bay hold birds at first light.
What started as a deep-rooted connection to the land has been turned into a thoughtfully developed sporting destination: flighted-mallard impoundments, upland habitat managed for strong dog work, a 4,600-square-foot pavilion for events, a custom cedar cabin, a bunkhouse, and the recently added Roost.
Read the story“We’ve turned this land into more than just a hunting property — we’ve created a destination designed around experience, tradition, and doing things the right way.” — Robert Vaughan
On-site lodging built around the property. Walk from your bed to the blind, the pavilion, or the 5-Stand. The Roost — our newest addition — is the headline; the Bunkhouse handles overflow.
Our newest lodging addition. Sleeps up to 8. The most spacious unit on the property, with everything you need for a long weekend.
02Sleeps up to 4. Full bathroom and half-kitchen. The cozy, less-spacious complement to the Roost — perfect overflow for hunt parties and wedding parties.
031,350 sq ft of cedar log cabin overlooking the back and front ponds. Not yet available to guests — opens once construction wraps on the family residence.
Three small things most outfitters skip. They add up to a different kind of trip.
Waterfowl, upland, woodcock, dove, turkey, and sporting clays — all on the same property, with the same lodging. Run your group through everything in a single weekend without packing the truck twice.
Designed from the ground up for corporate entertainment, client hosting, and serious sportsmen. Cap your group, keep it private, and stay on the property the whole time.
Strategically managed impoundments, refuge feeding systems, elite bird sourcing for waterfowl. Strong dog work and bird presentation on the upland side. Habitat first.
The same property hosts weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate retreats, and private celebrations — with four ceremony locations, a 4,600-square-foot pavilion, exclusive use of the grounds, and on-site lodging that lets guests stay the whole weekend.
We didn’t set out to open a wedding venue. Several couples found the property and asked to host their day here, and one of those couples turned into another, and another. We host because we love sharing this land with people who fall for it.
Plan an EventA few from the couples and groups who’ve come through our gates. More on the way as we wrap our first full hunting season.
Very nice place! Had my wedding here and LOVED it! It’s out in the country and beautiful/peaceful! Very nice owners. I recommend for any occasion!Briana D.
What a stunning spot! So much to explore, peaceful, and well maintained. Rachel went out of her way to accommodate us.Katarina T.
Beautiful open land with amazing ponds.Kathy K.