Illinois Hunting Outfitter and Guide Reviews

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Mar 4, 2016

Outfitter Review: Golden Triangle Whitetail - Orland Park IL

Outfitter / Owner: Michael Pavlick

Hunter: Joe Onizuk

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Very disappointing hunt. Didn't hunt in the "Golden Triangle", hunted in another county. Hunted a farm that was not prepared or scouted. No cameras, broken stands, no stands on the fields. The land owner was the guide, an he was NO guide. Hunted hard for thee days and never saw a buck even close to a shooter. Brought all this to the attention of Mike the owner of Golden Triangle Whitetails and received the message he didn't care about the hunters just the money! I have never written a review but feel so strongly that I need to warn other hunters. Don't waste the money!

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Mar 17, 2013

Outfitter Review: I.R.B. Hunt Club - Hardin IL

Outfitter / Owner: Edward Fanning

Hunter: william brown

Animals Hunted: not specified

I had high expectations for this hunt. Most of my expectations were met. The setups were top notch, and the number of animals I saw each day were awsome. The guides at IMB went out of their way to make sure I was succesfull. Even though I did not harvest a buck I should have, we were on good deer every day. I highly recomend this outfitter and plan to hunt with them again in the future.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Dec 14, 2012

Outfitter Review: Illinois Extreme Whitetails - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Carroll Berry

Hunter: charley marcum

Animals Hunted: not specified

I arrived on thursday dec.6 to see a majestic lodge of beautiful deer mounts the smell of a hog roasting in the cooker and Joel. Joel is the owner of this fine outfitting service. Right away he set me up in my own private room and bath quarters and once i was settled in and the paper work was done we began to plot the days ahead. On the first day i seen several good bucks and lots of deer in general but passed them since it was the first day. On the second evening over a food plot i had a 200 inch triple drop tine buck come out and get into a fight with another buck , sadly i couldnt get a shot but after he left the area i had over 40 deer come through and 7 shooters . One of the shooter was this nice high 140s 10 point with stickers that i was fortunate enough to take . Back at the lodge they took care of everything and packed him for my travel back to ohio . I cant say enough for all the great service and food as well as meeting some great new people . The pitcher for the mets the vp of tc arms and camera crews fromt he outdoor channel were there filiming hunts i felt like a real pro..Not to metion making a new connection with the bartel family i know where im headed next year

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Nov 26, 2012

Outfitter Review: Bucks BeWare, Inc. - Springfield IL

Outfitter / Owner: William Ware

Hunter: Ann Kleinfelter

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Booked this hunt with my husband at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show - it was more than we usually spend for a hunt, but we were promised by Brock that he had 5-star accommodations, great food, and great deer. He would be able to tell us what deer are seen at our stand and pictures to help me decide which to pass up and which to shoot. To my surprise, we pulled into a driveway of an old farmhouse - definitely not 5-star accommodations, the food was so-so, the owner rarely was available, the new young guide took to your stand, but was unable to tell me what to expect in the way of setup or what deer I would be seeing. Did not see any shooters - but that is hunting. I was more upset with not receiving what we were promised. Brock was rarely around to discuss this - he usually went home for dinner or out with his wife. We will not be going back and would not recommend this. We have emailed Brock about this - but have not heard anything back. Two days in a row cars/trucks came within 75 yards of my standing during prime hunting time. Also heard a loud argument going on in the near vicinity from other hunters.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Nov 26, 2012

Outfitter Review: Bucks BeWare, Inc. - Springfield IL

Outfitter / Owner: William Ware

Hunter: Glen Kleinfelter

Animals Hunted: not specified

This was formerly Bucks Beware - That is who I booked with at Harrisburg, PA at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show. We were promised 5-star accommodations. Instead it was an old farm house, ate off of paper plates, cafeteria style foods, nothing like we were promised. No one greeted the hunters as they arrived, the owner/guide did not spend any time with the hunters/guests. Would not recommend this outfitter. We are still waiting to hear from him after we have stated our dissatisfaction - did not get what we paid for.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 4, 2012

Outfitter Review: The Hunt Club - Percy IL

Outfitter / Owner: Ron Doering

Hunter: Dustin Hanson

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I can't even begin to explain how amazingly awesome this outfitter is. I live in Northern IL and ave some incredible hunting spots, at least I thought I did. I have hunted several states with numerous outfitters. Nothing even comes close comparing. And I mean nothing. 5 star accomodations, the largest whitetails I have ever seen, and a gorgeous setting. 10,000 acres continuous and owned by Ron and Jill(the owners). Strict harvest rules and requirements have led to an unbelievable trophy paradise. I almost feel guilty writing this because I really want to keep it a secret, however with the way Ron runs his operations, I know it will never be over-booked or over-pressured, ever! I just spent my first week there, and I plan to go there for the next 30 years! A++++++++++++ all the way. absolutely zero disappointments. And this is no joke, I do not work for them, I am not their relative, I just wish someone would have to me about them 10 years ago. So Iam passing along the word. Oh yeah, by the way, I didn't even harvest a deer on this hunt, but I passed on a 160+" 8 pointer at 10 yrds because he was a baby compared to what roams here!

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Nov 14, 2011

Outfitter Review: Timberland Outfitters, Inc. - Petersburg IL

Outfitter / Owner: Ben Plattner

Hunter: Michael Anderson

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I don't see how you can beat this place. Ben and his guides bust their tail to make sure you are seeing deer and have an opportunity to take one home. If you want to go see some awesome deer habitat and have a chance to hunt some of the best stands in Illinois give him a call. The accomodations and food are great and again they will work hard to get you a chance on some good deer. I think most of us would prefer to have a month to scout and hunt deer but when you have 1 week give these guys a call, they have done the scouting and the hunting is up to you.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Sep 14, 2011

Outfitter Review: Eagle Lakes Outfitters, Inc. - New Canton IL

Outfitter / Owner: Ted

Hunter: BUCK KILLER

Animals Hunted: not specified

HEY PPL I READ WHAT I WROTE AFTER BEING SO FUSTRATED BOUT THE HUNT AND EXPIERIENCE I HAD, I WANNA CLEAR UP THAT I PROBOBLY SHOULD NOT HAVE CALLED TED A DRUNK....YES HE ALWAYS HAS BEER IN HIS HANDS, BUT ITS NOT MY PLACE TO JUDGE HIM OR SAY THAT...FUSTRATION GOT THE BEST OF ME,...SO TED IF YOU READ THIS! IM TRUELY SORRY FOR SAYING THAT..MY OPPOLOGIES. GO OUT TO YOU ITS JUST MY OPINION AND NOTHING ELSE!...I TRIED TO EDIT THE POST BUT IT DOESNT LET YOU....SO ONCE AGAIN SORRY FOR JUST THAT ONE STATEMENT......PEACE OUT... HEY THE ITALIANS SAY HELLO!

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Sep 14, 2011

Outfitter Review: Eagle Lakes Outfitters, Inc. - New Canton IL

Outfitter / Owner: Ted

Hunter: BUCK KILLER

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

HELLO, I ALSO HUNTED THIS PLACE FOR 3 YEARS! THIS WAS WHEN TED WAS JUST STARTING TO BE KNOWN...WHEN I FIRST GOT THERE IT ALL LOOKED VERY NICE ..THE LAND WAS BEAUTIFUL, I HAD THAT FEELING THAT POSSIBLY I WAS GONNA SHOOT A NICE BUCK, FROM THE DEER I SEEN HANGIN ON THE MEAT POLE, THEN IT WAS TIME TO CHECK OUT THE LODGE..WELL! THIS IS WHERE IT STARTED TO WORRY ME...THERE WAS NO ROOM TO STAY THERE CUZ IT WAS OVER CROWDED, AND NOT ORGANIZED AT ALL, THEY STUCK US IN A LITTLE HOUSE NEAR TEDS HOME, WICH WHEN I GOT THERE I SAID OK THIS IS NICE, WE HAD IT ALL TO OURSELVES...WHAT COULD BE BETTER RIGHT?..( HERES WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!) WHEN WE GOT THERE...THE MOSSY OAK TEAM WAS STILL THERE...THE PLACE WAS A MESS..AND THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO LEAVE, BUT OF COURSE TED LET THEM STAY EXTRA DAYS...WHY?? OK HERES WHY...CUZ ITS ALL ABOUT MONEY!...AND MAKING VIDEOS FOR TELEVISION! THATS WHY!...AT THAT POINT WE WERE LIKE OK NOW WHAT...WHERE DO WE GO? WHERE DO WE HUNT? YOU WOULD THINK THAT AFTER PAYING ALOT OF MONEY THAT MOST PPL CANT AFFORD. TED WOULD COME GREET YOU...TALK TO YOU....LET YOU KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THE AREA, ?..LMAO....I DIDNT SEE HIM MAYBE 2 TIMES THE WHOLE TRIP...THEY THREW US IN AN OVER HUNTED STOP, AND THEY PUT THE FILM CREW WHERE THE HOT SPOT WERE,...MAKES U WONDER IF OUR MONEY ISNT GREEN ENUFF...NOW ! WHEN THE MOSSY OAK TEAM LEFT, HERE COMES THE BIG SHOTS! RALF AND VIKIE! OH SO CUTE! WELL NEEDLESS TO SAY THEY TOOK OVER FROM THAT POINT ON....THEY HUNTED THE BEST SPOTS AROUND!...WHY?? CUZ OF MONEY! AND VIDEO FOR TELEVISION,...IF THEY SHOOT BIG BUCK ON VIDEO! WELL TEDS PLACE LOOKS GREAT RIGHT?...WELL THATS BUNCH OF BULL CRAP!...HE IS SO ARROGANT, AND SUCH A DRUNK THAT YOU DONT EVEN EXSIST WHEN YOUR THERE...ONCE HE HAS YOUR CASH...YOUR NOTHING!...THATS HOW THEY MAKE YOU FEEL WHEN YOUR THERE...SAVE YOUR 5000 OR 6000 DOLLARS AND GO TO A PLACE WHERE YOU WILL BE TREATED LIKE A HUMAN BEING, THIS PLACE IN MY OPINION! SUX AND I WOULD NEVER PAY HIM A SINGLE PENNY AGAIN!...NOR WOULD I RECCOMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE..UNLESS U WANNA FEEL WHAT 3 OF US DID!...LET ME ADD..MY FRIEND SPENT OVER 30 THOUSAND DOLLARS HUNTING THIS PLACE FOR SEVRAL YEARS!...HE FINALLY SEE'S SOMETHING WORTH SHOOTING, WELL GUESS WHAT? RALF AND VIKKIE WERE THERE NEXT MORNING AND SHOT THE BUCK 100 YARDS FROM HIS SATND!...WTF IS THAT???? HOW MUCH DOES HE NEED TO PAY HIM?? AND HOW MUCH IS RALF AND VIKKIE PAYIN HIM??>..LMAO THEY PAY NOTHING! ITS ALL ABOUT VIDEO AND CASH!!! YOUR PRESENTS THERE DONT MEAN CRAPOLLA! UNLESS YOUR A SO CALLED PROFESIONAL!...WICH I FRANKLEY DONT THINK RALF AND VIKKIE ARE, I THINK THEY ALSO ARE PART OF THE ARROGANT TEAM! STUCK UP! AND THERE SHOW IS A CROCK OF BULL! THE MORE VIDEO THEY TAKE! THE BETTER HIS PLACE LOOKS! TILL U GET THERE!...OH BY THE WAY! IF YOU SHOOT A DEER THAT ISNT CLOSE TO WHAT HE WANTS U TO SHOOT?....U HAVE TO PAY HIM AN EXTRA 500 ! SO KEEP THAT IN MIND ALSO....AND BRING YOUR OWN FOOD, CUZ BY THE TIME YOU GET TO THE LODGE? THE FOOD IS ALL GONE BY THE PPL THAT GET THERE FIRST! WHAT A JOKE THIS PLACE IS!...THE TRUTH HAS BEEN SPOKEN! I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER NOW! PHEW! IM NOT THE ONE TO TALK CRAP ABOUT PPL OR PLACES BUT WHEN YOU GET TREATED LIKE THIS! IT SEEMS TO BUILD UP INSIDE AND MAKE YOU WONDER WHY MONEY HAS SO MUCH POWER OVER PPL....GD LUCK TO ALL, I HOPE THIS OPENS SOME PPLS EYES! AND DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE GOIN THERE AND WASTING YOUR TIME AND MONEY!...LIKETHIS OUTFITTER SHOULD BE CALLED( BUD LITE LAKES!! )EVERYTIME YOU LOOK AT TED HE HAS A BEER IN HIS HAND,DOESNT KNOW IF HE IS COMMING OR GOING...BUT WHEN HE SEE YOUR CASH! HE SMILES....GOOD LUCK IF YOU CHOOSE THIS DUMPING GROUND, DONT SAY I DIDNT WARN YOU! RIP CARMINE

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Apr 12, 2011

Outfitter Review: Hunters Roost Lodge - Franklin IL

Outfitter / Owner: John Bostic

Hunter: Wayne Smith

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

First of all, this was my first trip to Illinois. There was serveral things that really bothered me, but the one thing that really stood out was the fact that John and two of his guides were hunting when we were. One evening John came in and was really upset, he stated that he had a shot opportunity at a 160 class deer but had a misfire. One of the hunters that i was hunting with was on his third hunt with John and i could not understand why he was not put in a position to harvest such an trophy. They should have been focused on paid clients, but instead were trying to make a name for themselves.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Mar 21, 2011

Outfitter Review: Backwoods Bowhunting - Virden IL

Outfitter / Owner: Robert Bettis

Hunter: Shane Crees

Animals Hunted: Elk

This is not a very professionally ran business. I would not recommend this outiftter based primarily on the fact that you are paying for a guided hunt that is not very well guided. Tony's guides are bad, you are better off going on a self guided hunt on public land. The archery hunts are in a wilderness area that is public and over pressured by other hunters. His success rates are exagerated. Save your money, book with someone else.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Mar 5, 2011

Outfitter Review: The Quail Shed - Martinsville IL

Outfitter / Owner: Don Stephen

Hunter: Justin Porlier

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Had a good hunt at the quail shed. These guys work hard to get you on deer. The week I was there everyone was seeing bucks. I killed a great buck half way through my hunt. Can't wait to go back. Lodging was a farm house and the cook did a good job. Had a breakfast and lunch packed for the hunters and a good hot meal everynight. Headed back next year with a couple buddies.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Feb 24, 2011

Outfitter Review: Golden Triangle Whitetail - Orland Park IL

Outfitter / Owner: Michael Pavlick

Hunter: Shane Poore

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Was expecting a top of the line hunt when going to Illinois. Got to camp and it was pretty nice, had some huge deer mounted in the main building. After a group meeting the first night I found out I would be guided by the owner himself. Even though there were over 30 hunters there I was not worried. I sat every day from daylight to dark for four days and the largest buck me or my father saw was 100" or less. Between the two of us we saw 5 bucks all small and about 15 does in four days. After four days of hunting there were 8 deer killed by over 30 guys and a few missed but all the guys that missed killed by the end of the hunt. In my opinion the farms are over hunted seeing over 200 hunters a year and is a waste of time and money.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Feb 20, 2011

Outfitter Review: Illinois Ohio River Outfitters - Elizabethtown IL

Outfitter / Owner: Wade Gibbons

Hunter: Tim Potter

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Let me start by saying I've hunted with outfitters across the country. Our group of five traveled to Illinois to find a decent camp, with two other hunters occupying it with us. The food was adequate. We had pretty good weather, but not one of us in camp saw a deer older than 2. The stands are overhunted, and the deer have patterned them. There was one young guide (Tyler) to try to take care of all 7 guys in camp. When we reported our lack of buck sightings, we were moved to other nonproductive stands. I could have returned for the second gun season for $900, but with 7 guys not seeing any bucks, it would have been a waste of money. I followed up on their website later, and by my observations the biggest bucks posted from last fall were the outfitter, his dad, and the guide. In my experience, I would recommend trying other oufitters before I would recommend this one. Wade, and Tyler were nice enough, but they just don't have the bucks.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 3, 2011

Outfitter Review: Hadley Creek Outfitters - Barry IL

Outfitter / Owner: Stacey Ward

Hunter: John Costo

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I hunt with Hadley in 2009 for first and second shotgun season, I rebooked for 2011 but had to cancle. Stacey will not return call or e-mails and will not honor his refund policy. I did not see any shooter bucks on any of the hunts. When I got to camp for the second hunt and wanted to shoot my gun after being on the air plain I found out that they do not have their own range.I you call them to book a hunt you will get a call back ASAP. This is the way they the run the operation I would not recommend they to anyone

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Jan 1, 2011

Outfitter Review: Eagle Lakes Outfitters, Inc. - New Canton IL

Outfitter / Owner: Ted

Hunter: Art DeFusco

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I've had been Hunting with Eagle Lakes Outfitters Pike County Illinois for 9 yrs. I was one of the first Clients they had. Ted and his wife Tina became personal friends over the Years. I remember Ted took pride in stating that they only Hunted 16 People a Week , to minimize Pressure and provide a Quality Hunt. It Was The Best, then came the Film Crews, and Television Exposure. The 16 a Week turned to over 40 a week, during peak rut., the hunting started in Oct and the Stands were Overhunted. It never really affected Me though, You see , I hunted in the Bottoms on His Private Ranch, Only Ted,Tina, some Immediate Family and Film Crews were allowed to Hunt there, I was Priviliged because I had been with them for so long and they allowed me to hunt the same Fingers Year after Year. My spot was about a Mile or a bit less from "Teddy Land "( Still on his Private Ranch in the Bottoms, named after him By the Louisiana Group that goes there), thats where most of the Film You see when You Watch TV is Captured, strictly for Ted, Tina, Family and Film Crews. Worked fine with Me, Hell I was almost a mile away with my Own unpressured Spot. This Year it changed, I started hunting My spot Oct. 19th, I like to stay a Month, gives me time to pattern and hopefully see something I can concentrate on, I waited all year for this ( as most of us do ), and the first two weeks started out great, saw many, had my eye on two-3 imparticular and passed 150's holding out, then came the Overbooking Weeks, They had so many Hunters, there were no places to put them, they had to place 5-6 in the Bottoms, virtually surrounding Me. I had complained to Ted, He assured me that it would only be for 6 Days then they would all be gone. I was patient, I sat in my stand watching Pickups dropping hunters off and picking them up. Finally the hunters left. Unfortunately ,Ted wasn't seeing anything in "Teddy Land" big enough for Him, Tina or Ralph and Vickie, the film Crew( who happened to be there the last week of archery into the first gun), to Video. The big bucks were down my Neck of the Farm. For the first time I've been hunting there I saw Ted, give no consideration to the fact that I was hunting my spot that cost me 5,000.00. He Immediately, Placed the film Crew, in the finger 300 yds to the south of me. He and Tina Hunted the fingers to the southwest of me, Keep in mind that I'm hunting a Food Plot, the Deer that i see mostly all come from the fingers the Film Crew ( bedding area finger) and Ted and Tina were hunting. ( I took Frank a guide there a week before, stopped and told him to glass, the finger , i told him it was a bedding area, he did and sure enough, there were 5-9 Deer there includeing 2 bucks that he could see all bedded down, just bringing this up to prove my point that it was in fact a bedding area ).Hope I didn't lose anyone, anyway, the deer stopped coming into my food Plot, I was being cut off as another guide who works there told me ( I don't want to mention his name ). A Year of waiting for what I Live to do went down the drain, the last 2 weeks of archery (peak of the rut and into the first 3 days of gun) I saw practically Nothing, Deer pattern had changed, Ted,Tina and his Film Crew, were Seeing them, Videoing them, Shooting them, and doing a number on my hunt. I Now realize that Ted didn't view me as a friend or a Client, first of all You don't do that to friends, and second of all I thought the Outfittter was working for the client, trying to get him a shot the Big buck, No Way, Ted moved in from "Teddy Land" and virtually cut me off. Ted's only concern for the last few years shifted for Quality of Hunt for clients to Quantity of Hunters for his pocket . His biggest priority is to get video footage, get on TV and Pack the Camp to make Money. To wrap this up, I hunted until to the first day of gun, Ted Shot Two big Bucks that day a few hundred yard away fom me, ( gotta laugh) , I know I would have seen them or got a shot, After all I spent a month there watching them, getting ready for this. I packed my gear and left the following morning , after having a long chat with the guides( who are all great guides and my friends). They All Agreed with me that it wsn't right and that the outfitter should be working for the client and not favoring himself or the the film crews.ere, figure that one out.By the way, all of you fellow hunters who see the vids on TV of Eagle Lakes Outfitters, YOU DO NOT GET TO HUNT THOSE SPOTS, that is srtictly for Film Crews and TED, Beware!!!!! I Work Hard for my Money and Live to Hunt, most Hunters do, This is not the place it is built up to Look like, I'm booking somewhere that doesn't have film Crews on it from now on. Pardon my typing errors I'm still pissed off.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Dec 17, 2010

Outfitter Review: Timberland Outfitters, Inc. - Petersburg IL

Outfitter / Owner: Ben Plattner

Hunter: radley grubbs

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

This was my second hunt with Timberland Outfitters. I bowhunted for four days and hunted with a muzzleloader for the subsequent three days. I saw numerous deer from the stand including 7 whitetails that were over the 130" mark. On tuesday of my hunt, I saw a mid 170" ten pointer that was not quite in my bow range. On the last day of the hunt, I did kill a great 135" eight pointer. My best buck to date. Ben's accomodations were great, including the food and lodging. The guides were very knowledgeable and it was clear they were intent on assuring my success.

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Dec 7, 2010

Outfitter Review: Trophy Bowhunters - Ipava IL

Outfitter / Owner: Troy Hunter

Hunter: concerned hunter

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Area and Guides were good. Saw deer and some bucks. BUT when booked at show was lied to really bad. When checked in STILL getting lied to. Camp manager was at show and checked in. He hounded us for our money all year and told us we would be on fresh farms with little pressure and multiple cameras. After heading out with guide, quickly learned the truth. The guide was brutely honest with me and appologized. There had been no cameras on farm and 2 bucks killed and one wounded already. Camp manager disregarded us after he had our final payment and had an eragant attitude towards the whole camp. I do want to thank the guides for trying very hard to put me on bucks, but the camp manager RUINED my trip and faith in outfitters. He is a LIAR!

Hunter Rating

Submit Date: Nov 23, 2010

Outfitter Review: Hadley Creek Outfitters - Barry IL

Outfitter / Owner: Stacey Ward

Hunter: Alex Nadolski

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Hadley Creek Outfitters is the real deal, had an awesome hunt. Out of the 5 guys we had 4 of them took deer with the weather being terribly warm. Lodges, food and guides were all excellent.

Outfitter Review: Backwoods Whitetails - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Brett Homer

Hunter: Mark Locke

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

This was my first and only guided hunt and I am going back this year as well. I had a great time and killed my biggest buck ever! Don't waste your valuable time and money elsewhere, book here.

Outfitter Review: Backwoods whitetails - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Brett Homer

Hunter: Dennis Genarelli

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Great people, see big bucks and going back again this year.Food and accomodations great.

Outfitter Review: Backwoods Whitetails Outfitters - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Brett Homer

Hunter: Nick Garder

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I have hunted with Backwoods Whitetails for several years. Each year we have taken home bucks. I would recommend this outfitter to anyone looking for a great deer hunting vacation.

Outfitter Review: The Quail Shed - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Don Stephen

Hunter: Hobart Smith

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I hunted at The Quail Shed the second week of November 2009, and it was the best bowhunt I have ever been on. Almost every buck I saw was 140 inches or bigger. I shot the biggest buck ever with a bow on this hunt. The lodging and food was great. Clifford Neams is the manager and was my guide, and he knows the property as well as the bucks. Do what he says, and you will not be dissapointed. If anyone wants a great Illinois whitetail bowhunt, call Clifford at The Quail Shed. You will not regret it.

Outfitter Review: River To River Outfitters - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Chris Shores

Hunter: Ryan Wilson

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Another successful year with Chris and Todd. Can't find harder working guides anywhere else in the country. Even with all the rain and the corn still standing, I was able to take my third P&Y buck with Chris. It's hard to find good, honest, and experienced guides that make you feel like YOU are the number 1 priority and not your check book! Expect to be fat and happy when you leave camp!!

Outfitter Review: Timberland Outfitters - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Ben Platner

Hunter: chip tamar

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

I shot a 130 and the same night a 175 and a 183 were taken. Weather was very hot and then stormy rain but many large bucks wee seen.

Outfitter Review: Timberland Outfitters - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Ben Platner

Hunter: Craig Morrow

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

I hunted during the last full week of archery season in November and had an awesome experience. First off, since my wife went along with me, we were set up with our own room for my wife's privacy which I felt was great. I was hoping that it wouldn't inconvenience the other hunter's (there were 7 hunters with 2 guides in camp)since we had one bathroom to ourselves and they had to share the other but I didn't hear any complaints. My wife might have helped herself out by doing their laundry even though she wasn't asked to plus running other little errands for the guys but that is the way she is - one not to sit around.Ben assigned me a guide and he and I hit it off real well from the beginning. I informed my guide that being from Alaska I was very limited in my knowledge about hunting whitetails and I was willing to do anything he suggested. "When in Rome, do as the Romans" so I was more than anxious to take any advice or suggestions that he might have. This might have contributed to my great experience because my guide did everything that was legal in trying to get me a quality whitetail. From setting up decoys that contributed to my witnessing some great deer action to loaning his winter snow camo - that's right, winter snow camo. Because it was overcast with heavy rains at time during the whole hunt, the winter camo with the predominantly white pattern blended extremely well with the sky and kept the deer from seeing me. I can't begin to count the number of deer I had right under my stand not knowing what I was or in most cases not even seeing me! He also loaned me a bow holder much better than mine and to top all the above off, he, after me seeing this large 170 class deer two days in a row in the same area but from a distance, set up a stand virtually in the bucks bedroom - in the middle of the day! At first I was skeptical thinking that between the two of us we would be leaving all kinds of scent in the area but he assured me that he would spray everything down real good and it would not be a problem. That very evening I had the 170 class bruiser all in his regal glory at 15 yards broadside, looking away from me but I couldn't shoot him. He was on the wrong side of the fence! He was on private property. Where my stand was located was beside a traveling corridor that connected two bedding areas and he was making his rounds via that corridor. If only he was traveling on my side of the fence I would still be smiling and it's been 3 months since that moment. But those are the breaks of hunting.I rattled him in to the edge of one of the bedding areas later during the week but he would not come to my decoy. Other lesser bucks were coming in but not him.Twice I had a 140 class buck pass under my stand - once in the late evening when it became too dark to shoot and the next morning in the wee hours of the morning before there was enough light to see my pins. I had seen this same buck before earlier in the hunt three different times but not close enough for a shot so I knew him well. But there again, that's hunting. It's not always killing.Sure, I went home without a Illinois whitetail but I gained many fond memories. I would recommend Timberland Outfitters for a tremendous hunting experience to anyone. I plan on going back again in the near future and hopefully this time it will all come together.Craig MorrowAnchorage, Alaska

Outfitter Review: Timberland Outfitters - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Ben Plattner

Hunter: Henry Passerini

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Fellow bow hunters:I have been on a quest for a P & Y buck for the past 8 years. I have bow hunted for 33 years. I have been to the bow zone in Alberta, hunted Ohio & PA on private land looking for an opportunity for a trophy buck. Timberland was recommended as a personal reference. Myself and several buddies have hunted Timberland for the past 3 years. Our group has always taken a P & Y buck. This past year were were 2 out of 3. We decided on the mid-west as it was a sound place to hunt for trophy whitetails. The stands were all preset, deer areas were prescouted and documentation of trophy bucks were there. I believe all that anyone can ask out of any outfitter is to work hard and put you were the animals are. Timberland offers the best fair chase hunt I have ever experienced so this is why I keep going back. I taggged a 142 10 pt. on my 3rd year hunting at Timberland. The odds were to the deers favor. The wet weather caused the crops not to be harvested. This wasn't the outfitters fault. We hunted different stands every day listening to Ben & the guides recommendations. Our group hunted hard and we are serious bow hunters. Everyone was pleased in the efforts put forward by Ben & his guides. There was never a guarantee offered you only get that in a high fence hunt I hear. I personally and highly recommend this outfitter if you are after trophy class whitetails in the midwest. If you want to talk with me send me an email I will reply. roofchez@aol.com. Ben Plattner has worked hard for me and our hunt group to put us where the Big Boys travel. That is all I ask from any outfitter. We enjoyed the comradery at camp. You will not be disappointed in Timberland Outfitters of west central IL. Sincerely,Henry PasseriniFlorida

Outfitter Review: Trophy Tracts - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Todd Chapman

Hunter: Neal Cannon

Animals Hunted: WHITETAIL

Took my best buck ever. Should have killed one bigger than that 2 days earlier but I messed it up. Saw 14 rack bucks in 6 days and tons of deer. Can't wait to go back next year

Outfitter Review: Hunting Unlimited Inc - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Larry Hanold

Hunter: Ron duvall

Animals Hunted: whitetail

1.There is not one food plot. 2.The housing is terrible,dirty,old 1965 trailers with a foul odor of sewage. 3.There is a ton of 2 year old bucks about 120 if your lucky,deer management is a joke. 4.We were told that there has not been any gun hunting since the 90's but we heard first hand that shotgun hunting occurs every year on this property. In a nut shell,I am not the type of person to complain but as a business owner myself the worst thing you can do is lie to a customer and believe me Hunting Unlimited is a lie

Outfitter Review: Performance Outdoors - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Jake Roach

Hunter: Wesley Bedwell

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

I had 3 opportunities and saw a Booner and took a 140 class buck home with me.

Outfitter Review: Crystal Creek Outfitters - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Bob Hill

Hunter: John Ingram

Animals Hunted: white-tail deer

We hunted on a hog farm 35 miles from the "lodge". The stench was unreal. Dead hog carcasses littered the parking area. The farm was way over hunted. Our "guide" could not find my stand one morning so I got put in a poorly located 10 foot ladder stand after daylight. The next day my wife was out in a ladder stand that had no seat in it. I was placed about 50 yards from a public bicycle trail. I saw 17 bike riders that evening. We saw very few deer. The guides always saw deer but, we never got to hunt there. One guide said he shot a big 9 point behind the lodge the week before we got there. He also said if we had a climber he could show us where to set up to get a shot at a 5 point buck. My wife told him she did not come to Ill to shoot a 5 point buck!! The whole hunt turned out to be a joke but, our guide did not care if we were happy or not. Stay away from this out fit!!!

Outfitter Review: The Country Lodge - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Matt Duffy

Hunter: Craig Wiggins

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

The When I booked this hunt I was told over and over during the summer that I would be the only hunter in camp (along with my cameraman). When we arrived, there were 2 other hunters, Matt's friend, and 4 guys staying there that were hunting their own lease. The first night we even had to share a room with a guy that snored like a bear. We spent that night on the sofa and love seat. After some complaining the next day, we got him moved, but the lodge was still very crowded. The guys Matt was lodging were being treated just like the paying hunters. Not to mention all the local folks that just liked to come by and hang out. Many times after lunch or dinner there was simply no place to sit and we had to go sit in our room or just stand up. That part really sucked. When you are paying $3K for a hunt, a place to sit after dinner or lunch would be nice. The guys lodging there were paying $400 a week and here I am paying $3000 and I had to go sit in my bed to relax. As far as the hunting goes, Matt has a 130" min, but after looking at all his trail photos, we realized that a 130 min was a joke. There are plenty of deer, but no real big ones. We were hunting a 135 acre (yes, 135 acre) tract behind the lodge. We could actually see our trucks from the stand. I got an opportunity on a 3 year old 10 point on film and decided that was as good as it would get so I killed him. According to Matt he scored 123 so I was fined $500.00. Matt is going to a 140 min next year. I get the feeling Matt is trying to pay for his lodge with some lodging and a few hunters and saves the good farms for himself. Only 3 other hunters had killed a deer all season and only 1 of those deer was above 130", and nothing above 140". I would not recommend this outfitter if you want a quality hunt and a decent place to stay. It is simply too crowded, there are not enough farms and the bucks are too small. I should have just left the minute I got there when I saw the place packed with people.

Outfitter Review: Coppers Creek Outfitters - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Tom/Beau Carlson

Hunter: Brian

Animals Hunted: Deer

I researched the web for a quality outfitter to harvest a nice buck. Must say web site is much more impressive than the number and quality of deer seen. After arriving we were given a piece of paper stating that YOU WANT SEE MANY DEER (yes you are reading this correctly). That first night of arrival we were told we will draw for stand locations and hunt that stand for 2 days and then redraw. This never happened. We drawed first night and then you were taken where they wanted to put you. They just moved you around to different stands that someone else hunted the day before. They also demanded for you to hunt dark to dark. If this is going to be mandatory they should include this on there web site. I hunted the first day dark to dark and seen no deer. I opted not to hunt dark to dark for the rest of hunt. Ended up not seeing any bucks. After the first couple of days we were told if we didnt hunt dark to dark we were DONE. Meaning they would not take us back for the evening hunt. One of the owners stated they were too busy farming than to run us back and forth to our stands. I have never been to a outfitter that you had to drive yourself to a stand location. It's very unfortunate that the hunt ended the way it did.

Outfitter Review: Rocky Branch Outfitters - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Darrell Hafford

Hunter: Jonathan Gregory

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I went on this hunt in late October 2009 with a friend. In over 25 paid hunts I have been on, this one was by far the worst. In 4 days of bowhunting I had a neighbor woman walk within 150 yards of my stand with her 3 dogs. Called my guide and he said "Don't worry, she probably won't come near you." As if 150 yards wasn't close enough. The afternoon of the same day I was taken to a stand @ 2:30 in some timber off a bean field. Look to my right at 4 p.m. and there is a guy standing there @ 60 yards with a crossbow who proceeds to get in a tree 100 yards behind me. Once again I call my guide and he says "That guy is on his side of the property line. I didn't think he'd hunt there." If you have "over 7,000 acres" why would you place one of your hunters near the property line (My friend and I were the only 2 hunters in camp that week) especially if you knew a neighbor had a stand nearby? Either you are inept or don't care. For that matter, my friend and I were placed 100 yards apart on two separate occasions. I guess so we wouldn't disturb his "7,000 acres" for the TV crews that were coming later.The rest of the week saw minimal activity as we saw no bucks over 1.5 years old. Mr. Hafford takes real pride in his food plots, especially clover, but we never saw any of these. They must be magical as he bragged to us that he did plot work for neighbors at a price of $1000 per acre. Boy, I am in the wrong business. But back to the deer hunting. I did manage to shoot a doe late on the second evening, 1 of 3 deer in bow range for the week. She ran a short distance in the CRP field bleeding well but we lost the track. The guide was unable to pick up the track the next day due to overnight rainfall. I was never taken back there as It was raining hard the next day. Meanwhile we saw no deer under 250 yards away for the remainder of the trip. On our last morning after picking us up, our guide never even asked us what we saw. I guess he did not care. Or maybe he knew we wouldn't see anything. The amount of total deer sign was minimal, as well as total buck sign. I was offered another day of hunting by Mr. Hafford in return for being placed on the property line and encountering the neighbors the first day, but why take it if this was the best we could do. Like I said in my first paragraph, I've done quite a few guided trips and I don't expect to kill, or even see great animals every time I hunt. But with that experience comes the knowledge that tells when you are being placed in a good situation for a shot, and when you are not. I believe this was a poor excuse for an outfitted hunt.

Outfitter Review: Shawnee Hills - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Britt Williams

Hunter: Sam Welton

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Britt seems like a great guy. Staff was friendly, the accomodations were nice, guides were lazy, food was the best part. It was a little warm the last day or two. I think we had about fifteen hunters that week and no one even took a shot. Most hunters left a day early. Britt did offer to let me stay an extra day, but I would have been the only hunter there. The guides were pretty lazy, mine would point and say the stand is that way good luck. I asked about food plots and I was told there was no need for them and that it would be like baiting. I asked that question about thirty minutes after I arrived and when I got that answer my heart sank and I wondered if I picked the wrong place. Once again Britt is a super nice guy, but I would have rather had a rude host if I had the opportunity to take a shot.

Outfitter Review: Trophy Class Outfitters - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: RL Foster

Hunter: John Woodall

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

I have hunted with RL for the past 5 years. No luck the first year. I have tagged out every year since. I have killed a 135' 120' 155' 152'.I would recommend this hunt to anyone who is interested in a REAL hunt where invetsing time in a stand is critical. This is not a corporate hunt with fancy lodges and cooks and it is not advertised as such. Please email me if you have any questions and I will be glad to show off the deer RL has given me the opportunity to hunt.

Outfitter Review: Rivers Bend Outfitters - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Joe

Hunter: Mark

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

I went to Rivers Bend in 2006 and had a good experience. There were a few things I was not happy about but overall it was a good experience. But we went the last week of the hunting season and we were the only 4 people in camp. Joe (the owner)was a little lazy. He stayed in the lodge in his recliner a lot and left most of the work up to the guides, who were working part time. The next year I went back and it was a totally different story. He had overbooked the lodge, and I quickly found out that he was rotating us through the same stands. My guide smoked and smoked in his truck. So when I got to my drop off point I stunk like smoke. He had just opened a new operation on the IN side of the river and spent the whole week over there. He never returned any of my calls and simply ignored us. I was speaking to another hunter at dinner and we figured out that he hunted the same stand I just hunted that morning and I was his stand from that morning. One morning he sent me with a guide that took me to his house 20 miles away and I litterly hunted in his back yard. I finally shot a 128 class 8 point the last night with Joe's permission and left it with Joe(along with a ($150.00 deposit) to get mounted. Liked to never got the mount back. Overall the place could be great, but they are overbooking the place for the amount of huntable land. Would not go back.

Outfitter Review: Bucks Beware - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Tom Ware

Hunter: Scott Manifold

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Tom is a very ethical hunter/outfitter and runs a top notch outfit. I hunted with Bucks Beware for six days in November 2008. His stand locations we're well thought out and comfortable. Access to the stands was given equal attention to placement and many stands we're made available to avoid over hunting. During my hunt I saw 54 bucks and only 65 does. The action was non-stop and the majority of the bucks exceeded 115". I saw the same perfect ten point twice that week and he was around 160" unfortunately he never quite gave me the shot I was looking for. There's always next year! I highly recommend this guy, I guarantee you'll want to go back.

Outfitter Review: Trophy Class Outfitters - IL

Outfitter / Owner: RL Foster

Hunter: Ryan Scully

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

If you want to have a chance at a true IL giant, Trophy Class is a good bet. Hunting these farms will make you want to move to IL. With that being said, you could possibly jack up in a power pole in Walmart parking lot in Pike County and kill a monster. There are literally that many deer in Pittsfield! We saw bucks chasing does just about any time we drove around, daytime or night, downtown or in the country..The opening morning of the hunt I saw good bucks from daylight till noon. i saw a total of 11 bucks that morning. Though I didn't see any shooters the first day it was still amazing to watch that kind of deer activity. And this was all while the corn was still standing! On day 3 they were cutting the corn in the morning while i was on stand and there were deer running everywhere! i ended up getting down and going back to the hotel for lunch and getting right back up in the tree. At 330 that afternoon i saw the biggest buck i have ever seen in person! Giant mainframe 10pt with split brows and split g2s! He would probably score close to 170! He was tending a doe and came within 25yrds without me getting a shot.. I know you just almost threw up when you read that but its true. That would be the only downfall to that stand placement. There wasn't a shooting land trimmed to get a shot at the cut corn field. Over the next 2 days i saw so many bucks that i would stop counting. They would come to any kind of calling; grunting, rattling, can.. anything! But I waited on that big guy to come back and he never did. I made the choice to sit on one deer and i went home empty handed. However i saw some find deer that our fellow hunters had killed. I have plenty of pics if you want to email me!Now for the downfalls of the trip. There is nothing included in the hunt, but the hunt. You pay for your own food, drinks, beer, hotel, everything. So you're $2,250 hunt can end up costing a good bit more than that. There weren't as many stands on my farm as i would have liked. The motel is pretty much terrible, but you're hunting monster whitetails so how bad can it really be. I would have liked to have seen some topos of my farm and i would have liked to discuss options a little bit more. It was basically like they take you out to your stand, show you it and play ball. A little more personal attention would have made me more comfortable. I'm sure there are a few more things but I can't think of them right now. Email me and ask me some questions.Now for the pluses. You are hunting giant whitetails! Every farm has studs and you will see that from the buck sign. My favorite part of the entire hunt was the comradery that I had with my fellow hunters. By the second night I had friends for life. I think that is what i might miss the most about not going this year. The food around Pittsfield isn't great but there are a couple stand outs. The Red Dome Inn has the best prime rib i have ever tasted, by far! And if you go to the Red Dome you're almost certain to see some pro hunters up there. Watch a few videos before you go up there and you'll see some of those same guys at the Red Dome. Plus they have good looking girls working there. There is a breakfast place that we went to a couple times that was amazing too. If you choose trophy class you will have a wonderful time hunting monster IL brusiers but it is still a hunt. The deer aren't behind a fence. They don't have tags in their ears. They are wild whitetails but they are IL whitetails! You'll see what i mean after you get done with your hunt!

Outfitter Review: Pike County Bucks - ILLinois

Outfitter / Owner: Dan Schipou

Hunter: Robert Disisdori

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Being I hunted across the US and Canada, this guy takes the cake.. He is thee worst outfitter I have ever hunted with.. Words I will use to describe him: DRUNK (all the time), LIAR, BS ARTIST, FRAUDULENT, IGNORANT, POACHER (I called DNR), THIEF, TRESPASSER,UNETHICAL.. This guy was unbelievable.. He actually told me to kill a buck to get one down and if I see a bigger one later kill that one too because he can get tags.. I left after 4 days, considering I paid for a 10 day archery gun combo hunt.. I tried being diplomatic with him to get a partial refund and it almost went to blows...

Outfitter Review: Midwest Bucks - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Lynn & Rick Davidson

Hunter: Jesse Ryder

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Lynn & Rick work hard to make sure everyone has a great hunt. There are lots of great bucks and I've taken two in three years. I would go back anytime.

Outfitter Review: Hadley Creek - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Stacy Ward

Hunter: Gary Willmart

Animals Hunted: whitetail deer

IN over 50 years of hunting, it was my worst hunting experience. I was suppose to be on a fully guided hunt, but each morning I was driven to an elevated stand and my driver said there it is. Climb up there and I'll be back after dark. The lodging was horrible, no ceilings in the lower level just bare rafters and wires. Not even soap in the bathroom. My wife went to a store to buy some. Food was often left sitting out for hours before serving. I have been on many guided hunts in six different states and always had great experiences previously. I am a handicapped hunter and had told them that. The lodging was not handicap friendly. I could not go upstairs from my room, unless I went outside and walked up the driveway. The stairs had no railings. I sent two letters to the outfitter and got no response. I hunted in the December 2008 second gun season. Lot of money to be taken for a ride. I was a guide and lodge owner for 15 years prior to my Stroke. I know how important it is to respond to client concerns.

Outfitter Review: Graham Outdoor Adventure - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Keith Graham

Hunter: Vinnie Grasso

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

This is a scam guide service-they do there best to keep you away from large deer in the area-stands are crap-locations are bad-and he limits his property -its not open to hunt all acres, his son hunts where the large deer are spotted. Pictures tell 1000 words-all the deer pictured his son killed-his friends killed-Keith shot with a gun, or they were sheds that were found and mounted-wheres the client kills??? Oh wait clients killed 2 in 8 years of operation....need i say more?

Outfitter Review: Hunting Unlimited - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Larry Hanold

Hunter: Deborah Knoff

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

2008 I hunted in the end of October, this was my 8th year returning to Hunting Unlimited to Bowhunt. My friend accompanied me to Hunting Unlimited and ended up killing her largest Whitetail Buck with a droptine on the 2nd morning in the rain and she filmed a 140 inch buck at 30 yards on the 3rd mornings hunt while she was doe hunting. My 1st evening in the stand I had a 160 inch class buck come into 60 yards from me but he was out of shooting range.I passed on many smaller bucks scoring up to 140 inches in the hopes of taking a larger scoring buck and I did take a nice big Doe. And yes we will both be returning to Hunting Unlimited in 2009 for another great season of bowhunting.

Outfitter Review: Hunters Roost - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: John Bostic

Hunter: Tim Rowland

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Had bad weather and still saw a lot of deer. I killed a nice buck and then filled my doe tag. John has lived and hunted in the area his whole life and is very knowledgeable about the deer and works very hard to give you a chance at the buck of a lifetime. It's a hands on operation and John and his wife Judy treat you like family and you won't eat better anywhere. I plan on going back as long as they will have me.

Outfitter Review: Midwest Whitetail Adventures - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Mark Knight

Hunter: Bryan Cox

Animals Hunted: Deer

These guys know how to kill giant bucks. I've shot 2 bucks in 2 years. The guides know the farms inside and out and they have 3000 continous acres in Pike Co and have been hunting them for over 9 years. If your serious about killing giant deer give these guys a call.

Outfitter Review: Midwest Whitetail Adventures - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Mark Knight

Hunter: Darrell Joyce

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Our group consisted of 5 hunters in 2008. Three out of five killed; a 130, a 146, and a 154. Couldn't have asked for a more exciting hunt. We hunted hard and reaped the rewards. No two hour stand sittings for us, despite wind and rain. Mark and his staff provide everything you would expect from a first class outfitter.

Outfitter Review: Coppers Creek Outfitters - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Beau/Tom Carlson

Hunter: SCOTT O'DELL

Animals Hunted: WHITETAIL

AFTER HUNTING 3 YEARS WITH BEAU AND TOM, WE FINALLY HAD A SLOW WEEK. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE BRUTAL WITH SINGLE DIGITS AND HIGH WINDS. MY DAD AND I BOTH SCORED ON NICE BUCKS LAST YEAR AND HAD OPPORTUNITIES IN PAST YEARS. BUT NOT TAKING A BUCK THIS YEAR STILL DIDN'T SPOIL OUR TRIP. BEING AROUND BEAU AND TOM IS LIKE BEING AROUND FAMILY. THEY PUT ALOT OF EFFORT INTO MAKING SURE WE HAD A GOOD TIME REGARDLESS. THE FOOD IS AWESOME; THOSE THICK GRILLED PORK CHOPS ROCK. THEY HUNT STANDS STRICTLY ACCORDING TO THE WINDS AND TRY TO KEEP THE STAND PRESSURES LOW. EVERY TIME THEY PUT YOU IN A STAND, YOU GET FIRED UP KNOWING THE QUALITY DEER THEY HAVE. YES, WE'LL BE BACK..

Outfitter Review: Timberland Outfitters - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Ben Plattner

Hunter: stu mauney

Animals Hunted: WHITETAIL DEER

Booking agent Tony Ruggeri of Trophy Seekers Worldwide was the major problemn of this hunt. He sold the hunt as a "good opportunity to take a 150 - 180 class" deer. In fact this was a total misrepresentation! None were even seen in 3 days. After the hunt the owner Ben Plattner even admitted to me on the phone that he told Ruggeri not to book hunters in for the Dec 12 - 15, 2008 time frame due to past poor succes duirng this time frame. Ruggeri said Plattner only runs 30 - 35 hunters thru when Plattenr admitted later that the number was 90 -110. Ruggeri said there were 3000 acres to hunt on in Cass County, the southern camp, when in fact there were only 5 leases of about 300 acres each - all with heavy adjoining deer and pheasant hunting pressure. One lease even had tresspass issues !!!On the night before the hunt I asked head guide Joe Coates how many 150 or higher deer were taken in the season so far and the answer was "I don't know" I then asked no less than 3 times to see their 2008 harvest log book and was told first it was "at the camp' and then "I don't have the key to the camp" Later via phone owner Plattner stated he thought that number was "about 3 - 5". That's about 10 - 15% - a far cry from the "good opportunity" as the hunt was represented as! Do not go to Timberland Outfitters if you expect to see or have a "good opportunity" to harvest a 150 " or higher deer. More importantly, do not ever book a hunt with Tony Ruggeri of Trophy Seekers Worldwide, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, he will lie and misrepresent the hunt to make a sale!

Outfitter Review: Zack's Whitetail Expeditions - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Michael Zachary

Hunter: Curt Meyer

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I was hunting for whitetails in Clark County. I archery hunted for five days and muzzleloader hunted for three days. I have hunted in several different states and Canada for various big game and this was by far the best outfitter I have come into contact with over my years as a hunter. Zack worked very hard to get me into position for a nice buck. He and his guides worked tirelessly to get me in the best stands and locations. The stands are in perfect positions and he has every wind/weather condition taken into account for stand sites and deer activity. There are some real bruisers out there. If you like a family atmosphere with an outfitter that truely works for the money, and you want a huge deer, then you should check out this outfitter. I'm going next year for sure.

Outfitter Review: Coppers Creek - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Tom/Beau Carlson

Hunter: Warren

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Let me first start off by saying this review is based on my experience solely. It is not meant to be a personal attack on any one person or entity. Everything is in my own opinion that has been derived within my own personal experience at Coppers Creek Outfitters. Bottom Line: The staff is very friendly. The food is great. 0% opportunity over 4 days from 11 hunters. The guides made a big deal out of drawing stands to make the hunts "fair". However, after the first night, there was no more drawing for stands--we were placed. On the first evening before hunting started, the guides insisted that they rely on our feedback. However, there was very poor communication after the first night of hunting. No, I wasn't looking for excuses. But, maybe some ways to improve or modify how we were hunting to improve our opportunity for success. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again--I saw no deer on the same stand after hunting it for two days. Then, I hunted stands that other people from our group had hunted previously during the 4 days, with no success.Supposedly, bow hunters (who pay the same as muzzleloaders) had about a 50% opportunity rate. In successive years at Coppers Creek, during muzzleloader season, there has been extremely poor success rate, hence the very poor return rate. In my opinion at $2500 dollars, the 4 day hunt is way over priced; the numbers do not lie! In our group, there were 11 hunters and no one had an opportunity to shoot a "shooter" buck.

Outfitter Review: Hadley Creek - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Stacey Ward

Hunter: Taylor Williams

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

4th year and 4th review on this site. Stacey and his crew continue to impress me with the quality of ground and animals. Hunted a couple of weeks earlier than in the past and for the first time hunting in Il ran into some warm weather. Deer movement was much slower than previous years but still saw plenty of animals and a hand full of shooters. I think everyone in our camp had shooter bucks in range and either couldn't get a clear shot, missed, mistakenly let walk(some were on video) or made a bad hit. A couple of super freaks over 160 were taken and a couple of booner class animals were seen or missed. I hunted all new farms and all new guides this year and was equally impress by the ground, talent and enthusiasm. I wasn't able to recover a 160 class 10 I shot and I'm still sick about but if you bowhunt it's going to happen.

Outfitter Review: Hadley Creek - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Stacy Ward

Hunter: Rodger Gant

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

I went to Illinois and Hadley Creek Outfitters with pretty high expectations due to the Outdoor Channel exposure of this outfitter and their website photos along with the prestige of Pike County. I have also seen alot of not so good reviews on this site and other websites and was a bit concerned. However, my expectations were met and exceeded. I did not even harvest a buck; however, I had a chance at a 2-1/2 11 point at 15 yards and a 2-1/2 10 point at 30 yards. I knew these bucks would not score 140 inches and would cost me a $1000 trophy fee. Over 5 days I saw over 30 bucks and 60 does. Of the 30 bucks, at least 4 of them were shooters being at least 140 inches but they were too far away. I was skeptical at first about changing guides and changing farms everyday. However, due to Hadley having over 100 farms this is a must to keep everyone on a level playing field and to keep their stands fresh. It wasn't an easy hunt either. Over the 5 days, I logged 60 hours in the stand. It being the 3rd week of November all the guides recommended you sit all day. However, if you weren't seeing anything they would check on you around noon and move you to another stand. There were 20 people in my camp and there were 8 shots taken but only 6 bucks recovered due to bad shot placement. Overall, I was very impressed and felt the guides really wanted you to harvest a buck. I have all ready scheduled to go back in 2009, a week earlier.

Outfitter Review: Clayton Hill Outfitter - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Don Taylor

Hunter: Steve Stewart

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

This was my second year to come to IL, and their are a lot of deer to hunt on this farm.

Outfitter Review: Trophy Tracts - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Todd Chapman

Hunter: Phil Kelly

Animals Hunted: Whitetail deer

Todd stated he had several farms..over 900 acres. We were filming for a TV show...we booked 7 hunts, 3 bow hunts, 4 gun. Told us we would have one farm to ourselves, the other if needed. When we got the there was a group who left early...and over 16 people were hunting during the 2 weeks on the same farm we were on. Only 500 acres...all fields..only 40 acres of woods. Todd is just out to get money...does not care about customers..does not help at all. He then told us he only had this one farm to hunt now! Out of the 16 people who were there for those 14 days only 2 bucks shot with bows. Deer are on his neighbors properties...not his. Gun season...no Bucks shot at all!!!Worst hunting trip Ive been on in over 16 years of filming hunts at outfitters!!!

Outfitter Review: Shawnee Hill - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: B Williams

Hunter: Curtis

Animals Hunted: White tale deer

16 to 18 hunters in camp and no one killed a deer. Only 5 125 class + bucks were seen all week that I was aware of from stands. Amount of hunting property was unknown. they said they had food plots before we booked but there were none. Photo's of property were not available. Guides could not tell me how much land they had or hunted. Food was very good and camp was great. Some hunters saw less than 10 deer all week. Temps were above normal for the first full week of November. 45 deg morn to 78 deg afternoon. Temps may have hurt hunting. Nice people but I can't recommend based on very few deer sightings.

Outfitter Review: River 2 River - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Todd Poe/Chris Shores

Hunter: Christopher Catena

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

We experienced afternoons into the 80's which shutdown what should of been good rut activity. All in camp during our week seen shooter bucks with 1 being taken, and with 2 misses. Owners and guides went out of their way to put you on big bucks, but the deer just weren't moving. Great areas and leases, good stand set-ups, and they aren't afraid to create a set-up asap when new sign is found. This was a good place and both me and my buddy had a blast. I hope to go back next year.

Outfitter Review: Golden Triangle White Tail - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Mike Pavlik

Hunter: Steve Nelson

Animals Hunted: White Tail

Mike is a nice guy and appeared to have a few repeat customers. So at one time, I think he ran a pretty good outfit. But this trip, even his repeat customers were not happy. So my opinion is only my opinion. The land is over hunted - they try to accomodate too many hunters - you will likely get stuck hunting a handful of stands and in our case (3 hunters) saw very few deer. THEY WILL NOT ROTATE YOU TO PROPERTIES SEEING DEER - WHAT EVER FARM YOU GET, YOU HUNT. If I can keep 1 guy like me from being cheated out of their money - I have done my job.

Outfitter Review: River To River - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Chris Shores/Todd Poe

Hunter: Mike Benefield

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Cris & Todd have a first class operation. They take care of their hunters from the time you arrive till you leave. I did not get a buck, but saw several over 140".The food is great, the stands are comfortable and well placed and they spend lots of hours before season getting things ready for the hunters (food plots, hanging stands, scouting, etc). When i go back to Il it will be with R2R. And I hope that is very soon.

Outfitter Review: CIO Outdoors - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Dick McCormick

Hunter: Mark Elliott

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Hunted the Grigsby Farm up in Cass County and loved it. Hunted last week of Oct. 2007 during a full moon. Saw 94 deer, 27 bucks with 7 being shooters. Pasted on 3 deer in the 130-s to 140. Had 3 deer over 150 just out of range. Great place to go hunt.

Outfitter Review: Harpole's Heartland Lodge - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Gary Harpole

Hunter: Daniel Hodges

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

We went on an early season hunt in Oct 07. It was extremly hot but the deer moved pretty good. The guides went out of their way to put us on deer. They would move stands, change farms, and work together to make sure we would have the best chance to get on a big deer even though the weather was in the 90's. The lodge was great, food was great, and Gary is first class. We have rebooked for 08 and will be their in a few weeks.

Outfitter Review: Midwest Whitetail Adventures - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Mark knight

Hunter: Troy waterman

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

I went on the late muzzleoader hunt when your not supposed to see alot of bucks but i saw multiple bucks of all sizes from 120-150 these guys have plenty of late season food for there deer.This is a awesome ran operation.

Outfitter Review: Eagle Outfitters - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Toby Stay

Hunter: Lawrence Willey

Animals Hunted: whitetail deer

Out of 5 different outfitters that I have been to in IL these guys are the best. Stands are placed so that you will kill deer be it gun or bow. i sat for a morning and saw 4 shooter bucks as well as 5 bucks under 125" and several doe. I killed a 150" 8 point that was chasing a doe along with several other bucks. Food was excellent, and there was more than enough to go around. Property was not over hunted as they only hunt 4 weeks of the season.

Outfitter Review: Trophy Class Outfitters - IL

Outfitter / Owner: R.L. Foster

Hunter: Scott Alberda

Animals Hunted: Trophy Whitetail

R.L. and his staff of professional guides did a great job on my hunt over the first week of Nov 2007. Although I was not successful. I did see plenty of deer and rut activity and out of the 13 bowhunters in camp 6 killed P&Y bucks with 2 others missing shots. R.L. has been guiding clients in PIKE CO. many years and was actually one of the first outfitters to break ground in PIKE CO. before it ever had the press it dose now. His hunt's are for the serious BOWHUNTER and not the fly by night wine and dine. If you are looking to purchase an animal this is not the hunt for you . But if you are looking for a realistic chance at a TROPHY WHITETAIL then this would be a good bet being as he only runs hunt's the last week of October and the first 2 weeks of November while most other outfitters hunt from the opening of Bow season all the way through the slug season and back to bow season till that closes having pounded the farms that they have. Season ended with a 40% success rate and 60% shot Opportunity. With 9 Bucks over 140 P&Y and 5 of those over 150 P&Y Thats pretty good anywhere in North America for TROPHY WHITETAIL at $ 2,250

Outfitter Review: Illinois Trophy Bowhunters - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Steve Phelps

Hunter: Travis Wayne Dalton

Animals Hunted: Whitetail deer

Hunted 2 years with this outfitter. First year I killed the biggest buck of my life in the first 30 minutes of my hunt. Second year I did not kill a deer. I did have 2 deer over 145" within 25 yards and could not close the deal. This doesn't count all the deer over 125" I saw out of shooting range. They only hunt 3 weeks out of the year so if you want to hunt unpressured deer this is the place to go.

Outfitter Review: Butler Farms Outdoor Adventures - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Don/Sandie

Hunter: Rick Phillips

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

I bow hunted at the Butler's Halloween week 2007 and had a darn good time. This is not a guided hunt, you actually get to hunt! What I mean is you get to scout your assigned section, select your stand sights and and actually HUNT! It's you and the deer and the elements. This not a canned hunt, nobody takes you by the hand and tells you what and when to shoot. I for one prefer to hunt on my own, to me that is a real hunt. I saw deer every day. I hunted from my own treestsnds and my own Double Bull Blind. I enjoyed close encounters nearly every day and had great stories to share at the Lodge in the evening.My second day out I spotted two huge bucks a couple hundred yards away and spent the next 3 days hunting the monster of my dreams. I passed on a beautiful 140 ish. class deer and held out for my monster. On the 4th. day of my hunt I had him within 17 yards and as I went to full draw a young doe busted me and Big Daddy bolted. He worked his way around me to try and wind me and I was shaking soooo bad I simply could not stand up and turn around to get a shot. Several days later he was videotaped and guestimated to be in the 170 to 180 class! Unfortunately the wind was howling on my last day and I saw the big guy Icome out past good shooting light. I would have extended my hunt but the Butler,s adhere to a 5 day cooling off period between hunters and I commend them for doing so. There are other outfitters in Pike County with larger tracts to hunt, fancy food plots and all, and of course the large price tags that go with them but if you want to hunt like the good old days and enjoy a family atmosphere The Butler's offer a quality experience that is a good value. I hope to return in 08!

Outfitter Review: Hadley Creek - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Stacy Ward

Hunter: Shane Ellison

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

This was the first year we hunted with this outfitter. Came in with high expectations based upon advertising, some references and web site, but was disappointed. There were three of us in our party, and neither of us tagged out. Could have shot numberous 120's, but not what you come to Illinois for. Between the three of us, only 4 bucks over 140's were seen during the week in October. Unfortuantely, the weather didn't cooperate during the week, but there were enough deer seen by other hunters that the deer were moving.Two of us went back in December during the muzzleloader season to archery hunt and again was unfortunate to be there during the two big ice storms.Based upon personal observation and talking with other hunters in camp, there is more than meets the eyes here. I would have to agree that this outfitter has first class accomodations, but definately too many hunters during the season. Could not get a clear answer on how many hunters come through a season, but based upon the two times we were there, it is significant.During the two trips, there were a total of approx. 17 deer shot from all camps and all but 2-3 were "atm" bucks. This was the first time I have ever been with an outfitter where you didn't know who shot a deer unless someone overheard or you were told.In my opinion, this outfitter does inform everyone of the minimum rules and the $1,000 penalty, but in all honesty, didn't really discourage it. If you look at the website, caution with photography, one can see that there are SEVERAL bucks shot that are small. This outfitter is clearly having too many 2 1/2's shot each year which clearly is impacting the number of mature bucks shot a year. Yes, there are some beautiful bucks shot on the website, but do the math...any outfitter that has enough hunters in a year would put up those kind of numbers.You change guides and farms each day, unless you specifically request to go back with the same guide. My son and I spent one evening walking around looking for treestands while going out to hunt. What a JOKE!!! The guide didn't even take to time to know where the stands were. After talking with other hunters in camp, it was obvious that other hunters were hunting the stands you hunted the day before. Stands are over hunted and over pressured.Overall, the camp manager and some of the guides were very knowledable and helpful. Accomodations are top notch, but hunting quality was below average. My hunting partners and myself are always willing to come home with no horns, which is the only way you can hold out for mature bucks, so not tagging out had no bearing on my comments.

Outfitter Review: The Bottoms - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Jeff Williams

Hunter: Glenn Evers

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Before I booked this hunt I read a nice article in a hunting Mag. about this outfitter and was expecting much more. I am not saying he doesnt have good Deer but for $750/ Day I was very dissapointed. I was told we would be staying in a brand new lodge with home cooked meals. When I arrived we found out that we were staying in a DIRTY Hotel and were on our own for Dinner. We drove our own vehicles to the meeting location every morning (30 mile rounfd trip) then sat in the parking lot for 1/2 hour while the guides decided were to take us. I was on a 4 day hunt ($3,000) the first day I got to my stand well after first light (I only had a 2 minute walk so it wasnt on my part) the second day I got to my stand with about 5 minutes to spare. The guides couldnt find certain stands, very unorginized in the mornings. There are many good outfitters in IL, I personally wouldnt book again.

Outfitter Review: Illinois Xtreme Whitetails - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Robin Welch

Hunter: Kevin Davis

Animals Hunted: whitetail

I bought this hunt at a show in Mobile, Al. I've always wanted to hunt in Pike county and did I ever get my wish. I showed up a the lodge in Baylen, Il, and it was a superb place, and that is were the good part ended. I was there for the opening 3 days of gun season. I was told when I purchased the hunt there would be 24 hunters in camp. Boy was that just a little off, when you counted the guides and the friends from Mississippi, and the guys from the other camp the grand total was over 70. That ain't crap to the next thing that happen, Some of us hunters were standing there to see what was being served for dinner that night and the guide told us we would have to finn for ourselves, because they were in a transition period. After that I ganged up with some other guys from north Alabama to go eat and they told me they had been there for 3 days and had only seen a couple of deer. By this time I was getting worried. The next day the so called guide took me and another guy to show us our farm we were to hunt, It looked okay, maybe I was worried for no reason.He showed us on the map where the stands were and that was that. Back at the camp that night I was talking to another hunter who was bow hunting and she said her and her friend had been hunting that farm all week and had crippled one buck and shot some does and kill another buck and that the group there the week before had kill 3 bucks and 4 or 5 does off of it, Now this farm is only 103 acres. The next morning I went to the stand he told me was the best and I set from daylight to dark and seen 1 turkey. That night when I got back to lodge I was expecting to see a bunch of bucks laying there on the ground out of all of those hunters, they had killed 2 bucks, both on the same farm. later while eating dinner that they decided to serve, Most everyone had the same impression I had OVERHUNTED big time. The next day I sat until 12 noon and that was all I could take. I went back to the lodge and they had killed 1 more buck, not bad with 70 hunters in the peak of the rut, opening day of season in Pike county! LOL.I decided to pack up and leave, don't waste your time or money with these clowns I really hope someone tell them about this and they read it. I want everyone to know what kind of operation these guys run.

Outfitter Review: Timber Oaks - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Tom Remley

Hunter: Jeff Hummel

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

I went to this outfitter in late October. The guides did not know much and didnt seem too real interested. The guides took us the day before hunting to show the properties and we walked all over getting scent all over the place because they were wearing normal clothes and not scent protected clothing. Asked the owner if i could come during the rut and said that i couldnt since the first two weeks were reserved for guys from michigan. Those guys were allowed to hunt different areas of the properties where we did not and they had no stands set in those areas for us. Everything they told us was BS. All the other hunters i met out there were disgusted and furious like myself. the owner only cares about your money and the guys he has from michigan each year who have been going to him for more than 5 years. almost all of the michigan guys get deer every year. dont waste your time or money with timber oaks.

Outfitter Review: Hunting Unlimited - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Larry Hanold

Hunter: NICK TROTTA

Animals Hunted: WHITE TAIL DEER

I HUNTED WITH LARRY TWO YEARS,FIRST A GUIDE FROM A COLLEGE IN NEW ENGLAND, HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT HE WAS DOING PLUS HE WAS DRINKING ON THE JOB, I TALKED TO LARRY AND HE ASSURED ME IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN AND THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE THIS HAPPEN NEXT YEAR LIKE FOOL I CAME BACK WELL THE NEXT YEAR THE GUIDE PUT TWO HUNTERS WITH IN 40-50 YARDS OF EACH OTHER WHEN WE TALKED TO LARRY, AND THE GUIDE (A KID WHO HAD NO IDEA OF WHAT HE WAS DOING),HE SAID HE WOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY I HAPPEN TO SNEEZE,AND THE OTHER HUNTER CALLED ME ON THE CELL PH HE HEARD ME. THE GUIDE TOOK US FOR LONGER WALK IN THE DARK AND PUT US CLOSER ASKED LARRY FOR MY MONEY BACK HE GAVE ME $200.00I GUESS IF YOU CAN GET LARRY AWAY FROM THE WINE AND SHOWED HIM SOMETHING HE NEVER DID, IS HUNT WITH A BOW MAYBE IT WOULD IMPROVE THE CAMP.LOTS OF SMALL DEER.

Outfitter Review: Springview Acres - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Mike Rahe

Hunter: Jason Gibson

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Mike runs a great camp. His hunts are semi guided and supplemented with aerial photos, topo maps, and any information on recent/historical deer sightings in the area. Mike works hard and is truly a great guy. This hunt is not designed for the guy who wants everthing to be done for them already(The type of hunt where all you have to do is pull the trigger). Mike's hunts are for the hunter who takes pride in scouting, stragetically placing his stand, and putting the time required to make it all come together. I hunted with Mike for 3 days during the 2007 season. Every hunt produced sightings of numerous deer (most of them bucks). One morning, I watched 22 deer walk withing shotgun range of my stand (8 were antlered bucks). I was holding out with hopes of a 150 class, but unfortunately things did not line up for me. Mike has quality land with quality deer. He provides a great hunt that is within most people's budget.

Outfitter Review: Hadley Creek - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Stacey Ward

Hunter: Taylor Williams

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

This was my 3rd hunt with Hadley Creek and my third review on this site. Three years in a row with lousy weather and the deer movement was still exceptional. I let a 140 class 10 walk the first hour of the first day and then saw a another P&Y 8 breed a doe 50 yds in front of me the last hour of the day.The next 3 days I spent chasing a Boone and Crockett that I saw in the dark going to my stand. I never saw him again during legal shooting light but I did see him for the next 3 days either going in or coming out but never during the day. After hunting all day in the rain for 3 days I needed a change of scenery.The last day was the only good day weather wise and I was covered up in deer. I saw well over 30 branch antlered bucks and a couple of shooters out of range. I saw more deer the last day than I saw in Ga hunting the entire season.Hadley Creek has the land and does what it takes to minimize pressure and keep a good population of mature animals. They do what it takes to put you on animals, keep you well fed and comfortable.

Outfitter Review: Bowhunting Whitetails - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Craig Neace

Hunter: Gerald Ezell

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Craig runs an outfit that is a reasonably priced alternative to having your hand held, walked to your stand and told not to move type hunt. he gives you a map of the property, and lets you decide where to hunt. i personally prefer this type of hunt over fully guided. he doesnt over-hunt his properties. he may not have the "premium" farms but ther are shooters on his properties. 4 friends and myself hunted with craig nov. 5-9 of 07. 4 of us killed bucks averaging 125-130 one of those scored 148.

Outfitter Review: Illinois Wildlife Connections - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Ryan Michl

Hunter: David Long

Animals Hunted: Whitetail deer

4 of us went to Illinois Wildlife Connections towards the end of December. All of us went into this hunt just wanting to see a shooter buck. Ryan's farms are covered up with bucks. each of us saw on average 12 -15 deer a day with 40% being bucks. I had 5 diferent P&Y (140+) bucks come within 70 yards of my stand. The other guys also saw P&Y bucks. When we saw nothing at a particular stand, we were moved. The weather was cool but not cold. The deer were hearding up wich made this hunt very fun. Mrs. Michl had supper ready everynight and we ate like kings. Ryan and Mark were our guides and they did a fantastic job. Mark went beyond the call of duty, offering to carry our backpacks or climbing stands. This place beats anything you will find in western Illinois. These stands are not overhunted. They move the stands throughout the season to where to deer are moving. The Accommodations were great from sleeping to showering to sitting back and watching T.V. No, none of us shot a buck, but all of us are going back. If we saw this many deer and P&Y bucks, what would we see durign the rut?! There was one other guy in camp who has hunt the rut with Ryan for tha last 3 years. He shot a 155 10 pt. last year. he said that during the rut he wouls see 15-20 different bucks cruizing the creek bottoms. If you want to hunt the best Illinois has to offer, don't go to the Western part of the state.

Outfitter Review: Trophy Class Outfitters - ILLINOIS

Outfitter / Owner: RL

Hunter: Anthony Finn

Animals Hunted: WHITETAIL

THE MOTEL BOOKED FOR US BY THE OUTFITTER WAS SO FILHTY I HAD TO BUY A SHOWER CURTAIN AT WALMART AND CUT IT INTO PIECES TO PUT ON THE BATHROOM FLOOR,IN THE SHOWER AND A PIECE TO USE AS A CURTAIN IN THE BATHROOM.THE GUIDES WERE YOUNG AND INEXPERIENCE. OUT OF THE 15 HUNTERS IN CAMP ONLY 3 BUCKS WERE KILLED ON THE 7 PROPERTIES IN PIKE COUNTY? AND ONE WAS KILLED BY A GUIDE!I WAS BURNED OUT IN 1 STAND FOR 3 DAYS,NEVER GIVEN A LAYOUT OF THE PROPERTY,STAND LOCATIONS,BEDDING AREAS,FEEDING PATTERNS,TRAVEL CORRIDORS ETC. ,THERE WERE ONLY 7 STANDS ON THE 400 ACRES WHICH ONLY THE GUIDE KNEW WHERE THEY WERE. HE HAD THE CHOICE OF STANDS FIRST.STANDS WERE NOT SETUP TO PLAY THE WIND!,EVERYTHING WAS LEFT FOR CHANCE,SHOOTING LANES WEREN'T TRIMMED,EVEN THOUGH THE CONDITIONS WERE WARM I SEEN ONLY A TOTAL OF 10 DEER(DOES AND BUCKS) FOR A 5 DAY HUNT AND NONE WERE IN SHOOTING RANGE.MY BUDDY DID SHOOT A 140 CLASS ON THE 3RD. DAY BUT THAT WAS BY "CHANCE".OVERALL NOT MUCH OF A EFFORT BY THE OWNER TO PUT ME ON ANY DEER PERIOD!HIS % SPEAKS FOR ITSELF! 3 OUT OF 15 ? IN MID NOVEMBER ON 7 PRIME PROPERTIES IN PIKE COUNTY!

Outfitter Review: CIO Outdoors - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Dick McCormick/Leo Smith

Hunter: Sam Allen

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

I booked two hunts, my dad and I, with Dick McCormick to hunt the Jersey farm, this farm was recommended by both him and Leo Smith. After hearing all about this outfitter on all the hunting shows, magazines, even QDMA I figured if I was going to do an outfitted hunt these guys would be the best. I was told that this property was near a small city and was college land, but the deer were used to humans, BS. We drove from Kansas to Illinois, and got to the house finally after driving past it since they didn't have the sign out. We unloaded our stuff to see that the furniture was lawn chairs and mattresses on the floor. Not what you would expect for a paid hunt. The accommodations or lack there of were fine, we were ready to get out and hunt some monsters.Well the first day I sat all day and saw four deer, no bucks, and nothing in range.Second day more of the same, hunted a ground blind in the evening but had to move it because someone from the college complained, no deer offering shots. Haven't seen a racked buck, maybe 1 or 2 spikes and fork horns.Third day, sat all day and had very little action until 4:20 when I had two joggers come underneath my stand on the trail I'm hunting, I ask them to go another way. Then at 5:30 I have two mountain bikers come down the same trail, I ask them to go another way, they ignore me and continue on the trail. Didn't see any deer that evening.Fourth day, in the morning I have 3 people and a dog come underneath my stand at 10:00. Saw a few deer that morning still no bucks to speak of. That evening hunted a stand and finally saw some deer, two bucks that might push 100 and one that was half a mile away that looked decent, maybe 140.My last day the guide decided to put me in a stand, 1 mile from where I saw the buck the evening before. Didn't see anything, felt like the woods were dead. Got down and started walking out at 9:30 when I noticed a blood trail! This was not from any of there hunters either. That evening I hunted a ground blind near where that buck was and saw a few deer. Had some does come in close right at dark and was going to shoot one but could hardly see my pins.The stands were awful, tiny seats, and ripped up pads. Most stands didn't have bow ropes or hooks. I have tried to contact Dick or Leo and neither one will respond to me. I still receive spam emails about rebooking for next year on one of their "trophy managed properties"So many other things went wrong on this hunt and I'm sure I've left some things out.This outfitter is advertised on all the hunting shows and magazines and one thing is for sure if your names not Waddell, Lakosky, Gregory, Kisky or any other big name television star you won't be in for a good hunt.They are also known as Central Illinois Outfitters, or McCormick Management, and their top property is The Grigsby.

Outfitter Review: Common Thread Farms - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Bill Manning

Hunter: Mason Burger

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

The hunt was amazing, amount of deer was ungodly, saw a 120 class buck, a 110 class buck, a 140 class buck, and approximately 115 does. The owners were very welcoming, they wanted you to feel at home. We had bad weather on our hunt,FREEZING RAIN, but we still saw big bucks and a good amount of deer

Outfitter Review: Rodhouse Rut-N-Strut - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Rodhouse

Hunter: Joseph Batel

Animals Hunted: white Tail

I guess they were under staffed. Our guide told us that he was only there a few weeks, because they were short handed. Tiny little tree stands. No comfort. They call a buck sighting at 60 yards a "shot on a buck"

Outfitter Review: The Bottoms - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Jeff Williams

Hunter: Matt Pace

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

My buddy and I Bow hunted in 11/07. I wont say that the hunting property isnt good because I know and can see from pictures that the bottoms has very good deer I just didnt see many the 5 days I hunted. I saw three decent 125-135 Class Bucks all the others were smaller 1-1/2 old deer. But to be fair the weather was a little warm. The new lodge that was promised upon booking to be completed was not and we didnt find this out until the day we arrived. We ended up staying at a nasty hotel and had to eat in a greasy restuarant. We were on our own for lunch and breakfast and had to use our own vehicles to drive to the meeting location every morning. Was told be there every morning at a certian time each morning but just sat in the driveway for 1/2 hour waiting for the guides to get ready. My guide got me to my stand after day light the first morning, and was very close to light one other day. All 12 hunters hunted the same piece of land, although it was a large chunk of land, there is no need to shove all 12 hunters on it when he had 5,000 acres in other locations. Guides themselves got lost walking hunters to the stands. We were told that we would hunt the same stand for 3 full days (which I was fine with) but was told he then would keep that stand empty for at least one week so it wouldn't get over hunted (which also is good) but the stand I hunted the first 3 days was hunted the very next day by another hunter???? which makes me wonder if a hunter was in it the day before I arrived. Jeff does not return phone calls or E-mails and the business is very poorly run..it is a shame because He has some good deer. I would love to hunt the land again but personally would never book with The Bottoms again. One other thing, ironically the only 2 deer shot that week were shot by 2 guys from knight & hale game calls.....wonder why????

Outfitter Review: Pine Lodge Outfitters - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Mike Pampe

Hunter: Mike Bradshaw

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

This was a semiguided hunt with my son and 2 son in laws. Everyone saw shooter bucks and I killed a nice 10 pointer. Mike is very easy to work with and does an excellent job of maintaining his properties and stands. If you are looking for a place for a plush vacation you need to look farther. But if you are looking for a good place to hunt with a lot of deer this is a great place.

Outfitter Review: Butler Farms Outdoor Adventures - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Don/Sandie Butler

Hunter: Kevin Robison

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

I have hunted the first shotgun season with this outfitter for the last 3 years and only returned the third year because my father's hunt was half price. The quality and quantity of deer has decreased each year. The outfitter has no food plots on any of the tracts of land. Also, several of the tracts are small (60, 80, 150 acres) and you run into the problem of the adjoining landowners hunting on or near the property lines therefore it decreases the size of an already small tract of land. They list 2 other tracts available to hunt, the 130 and the 200 acres tracts, but in reality these 2 tracts are owned by the family and gun hunted by the family. You will not be gun hunting on either of these 2 tracts. The other tract advertised is 425 acres and it is leased. For the last 3 years only 2 guys have gun hunted this tract. This past year 5 gun hunters were put on the 80 and 150 acre tracts. Both of these tracts are less than half wooded. When asked about possibly going to the 60 acre tract I was told that you will hunt the farm you are assigned and there will be no jumping around. Meanwhile, 2 hunters hunt a 425 acre tract of which it borders the family owned 200 acre tract where one of the sons and the father hunt. The hunting itself and the knowledge of hunting that the outfitter has are both poor. The lodge is an excellent place to stay. I would only recommend you use this outfitter for lodging and not hunting. I've harvested deer each year but I would not recommend it to a freind. There are better places to hunt in Pike County.

Outfitter Review: Illinois Ohio Valley Trophy Hunts - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Jared Jackson

Hunter: myles gibson

Animals Hunted: whitetail deer

Have been on many guided hunts. This hunt by far was the worse. I would not encourage anyone to book with this outtfitter.I ONLY SAW ONE FOUR POINT AND ONE SPIKE! Didn't see anything close to a one-thirty class buck.

Outfitter Review: Illinois Ohio Valley Trophy Hunts - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Jarrod Jackson

Hunter: John Masgalas

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Seven of us went to the 3 day shotgun hunt. None of us killed a 130" or better buck. I did not see anything with antlers. In the entire camp there were more illegal bucks killed than legal ones which were few anyway. The nicest bucks were killed by the Mossy Oak team at an area no one else was allowed to hunt. We were promised food plot but got to hunt cow pastures. Jarrod just brushed off any concerns we had.

Outfitter Review: Golden Triangle - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Mike Pavlick

Hunter: chris

Animals Hunted: White Tail Deer

Our hunt was a bow hunt. Our land (we were stuck on) was garbage. The stand are 40-50 yards off the trails, the guides hunt wind driection ONLY and not deer locations? You can have the wind in your face all day, but if the deer arn't there....?IL has potential, but NOT Golden Triangle.Very disipointing, it was a waste of money!

Outfitter Review: Central Illinois Outfitters - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Dick McCormick

Hunter: Mitch Mauldin

Animals Hunted: whitetail

Hunted the Grigsby farm which is 15,000 acres+- / All hunters draw for the section that they will hunt, no exceptions / All sections hold quality bucks / Some guides more experienced than others but all work together to put you on a shooter buck / Great place to kill a 150+ if you have the patience

Outfitter Review: Midwest Whitetail Adventures - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Mark Knight

Hunter: Ron Abbey

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

14 hunters in camp and only 4 shooters seen over 5 days. Last week of October and ryt was not in full effect but with 14 hunters you expect to at least see more that we saw. Get the sense that there are inner staff problems. Youngest and less senior quides get the smallest and worse properties. Problem is entire staff and owners are all from georgia and do not know the deer movement like local outfitters would. May be a nice outfitter with some changes like removing the guides restrictions on farms to hunt. If a farm is dead then have the right to move to a hot farm regardless whether the guide "runs" the farm or not we all paid the same amount in camp. By the way 14 hunters for one week, no kills and even worse no shots.

Outfitter Review: River to River Outfitters - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Chris Shores/Todd Poe

Hunter: Carl Helman

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

It was most of the time and the deer had a hard time moving with the heat. We saw many nice deer and quite a few shooters. Our group of hunters had several opportunities at Shooter bucks, but the only one we took was my 146 inch 10 point.We all had a super good time and will be returning next year. Really nice outfitter.

Outfitter Review: Hadley Creek - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Stacey Ward

Hunter: Steve Orr

Animals Hunted: whitetail

My first year was exciting and I did harvest a 145 class deer, the accomodations were comforable and the staff and guides ran a tight ship and on time. My second year I signed up to hunt the 140 class areas and was disturbed by another local hunter parking 75 yards behind me and hunting that ridge. Hunting the peak rut was dampered by hot tempertures and saw less deer. I personally know 10 hunters and 2 that have guided for Hadley Creek and we all have agreed that the large number of hunters has decreased the heard some. My one complaint is that Stacey Ward does not honor his refund policy,(90 days after cancellation) with me and other and does not return phone calls or e-mail.

Outfitter Review: Springview Acres - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Mike Rahe

Hunter: Jeff Baker

Animals Hunted: Deer

Mike runs a do-it-yourself operation. He shows you the farms and gives you stand placement ideas but you hand your own stands. Accomadations are decent, nothing fancy and you fix your own meals or go to town to eat (8 miles). In 3 years we have killed 2 bucks and missed 1. Numerous 120-140 bucks each year. Biggest buck spotted out of a tree probably 160-170 range. Mike is a great guy to hunt with but if your looking to be wined and dined keep looking.

Outfitter Review: Illinois Outfitters Plus - ILLINOIS

Outfitter / Owner: MATT FANTZ

Hunter: JEFF STEELE

Animals Hunted: LARGE MONSTA WHITETAILS

I HUNTED WITH MATT FOR 4 OR 5 YRS. I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW GOOD IT IS IN ONE WORD BUT, IF I DO IT IS TOTALLYEXCELLENT. MATT FANTZ IS A TOP NOTCH GUY, I SOLD SEVERAL HUNTS FOR HIM BECAUSE MATT FANTZ IS A TRUE MONSTA HUNTER. WHEN YOU GET THERE MATT TELLS YOU EVERYTHING ABOUT THE FARMS SUCH AS BEDDING AREAS,PICTURES,RUBLINES, AND SRAPE LINES. LAST YEAR I TOOK 2 GREAT BUCKS. EVERY YEAR I TOLD HIM TO PUT ME ON A MONSTA BUCK AND EVERY YEAR HE DID. WHILE HUNTING ON MATT'S FARM ISAW AT LEAST 3 DEER OVER 170 AND 2 DEER OVER 200,BELIEVE IT OR NOT. I WOULD RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYBODY HE'S A HECK OF A GREAT GUY AND SUPER OUTFITTER. THE ONE THING I CAN SAY IS HE GOES OUT OF HIS WAY TO PUT YOU IN BOW RANGE OF A SURE NUFF MONSTA BUCK . HE'S WILLING TO BEND OVER BACKWARDS SO YOU CAN TAKE HOME A TRUE TROPHY. MATT HAS KILLED SEVERAL POPE AND YOUNG AND BOONE AND CROCKETT BUCKS. THAT IS WHY I THINK HE'S THE ONLY PIKE COUNTY OUTFITTER TO USE.

Outfitter Review: Performance Outdoors - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Jake Roach

Hunter: John Tondra

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Did not kill, but i was hold out for 150 and above. I missed a giant at 32 yards...this is a class A operation and would reccomend if you want to hunt in IL...They also have a camp in IA that i have not hunted but will when i draw a tag

Outfitter Review: Timber Oaks - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Tom Remely

Hunter: P.Sheridan

Animals Hunted: white tail

Took 3 guys to Timber Oak. We seen two shooters during out hunt. The one I see was 300 yards away. We didn't see many deer @ all. They sent me a viedo that I though was taken on the property after I already paid for the hunt I found out the viedo was taken from all over IL. I almost died when I found that out after spending a bunch of cabbage. No one in the group of six shot a buck. Two BIG does 6 guys and five days of hunting PEAK RUT. Great food!

Outfitter Review: Performance Outdoors - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Jacob Roach

Hunter: DAVE MARTIN

Animals Hunted: whitetail deer

VERY POOR ACCOMODATIONS, NO COOK AT CAMP 18 YEAR OLD GUIDES NO EXPERIENCE GUIDING! TOLD BY MULTIPLE GUIDES THAT THE STANDS WERE OVERHUNTED WEEK AFTER WEEK.ASKED TO BE MOVED ONTO NEW STANDS AND WERE DENIED. PRIME RUT HUNT ONLY ONE DEER OVER 120'' SHOT.OWNER VERY DISHONEST STEER CLEAR OF THIS CAMP PERIOD. OWNER WAS ASSAULTED BY ANOTHER CLIENT DUE TO DISHONESTY AND SCAM

Outfitter Review: River to River Outfitters - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Todd Poe/Chris Shores

Hunter: Jeff Warner

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

River to River showed me a hunt of a lifetime. I really enjoyed the people as much as the Trophy Buck I brought home. That was an experience I hope to enjoy again. These are great guides and properties they hunted us on.

Outfitter Review: Trophy Bowhunters of Illinois - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Vic Eltora / Troy Hunter

Hunter: Scott Fisher

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

This was my first hunt through an outfitter. Vic is probably the most honest and down to earth person that I have ever met.The guide put us right in a funnel that deer were being seen. 3 hours into my hunt and I arrowed a nice 12 pter. Younger deer, but my biggest. Next day I hung a set in a location that looked good on the topo...low and behold a 160 class monarch was chasing a doe in the CRP field. Had I not already killed the 12 pt...uggghhhh!!!Saw deer every day...several with potential and the one monster.I see a lot of negative reviews for this outfitter, but I don't know why. Vic offers a first class hunt. If you are looking to get pampered and have a deer tied up so you can go shoot it...don't book with Vic. But if you are looking for an opportunity to hunt some great properties, deal with honest folks, and do some HUNTING! then you'll have a great time with Vic. I have already booked my hunt for this November with Vic...if we get a nice buck that will be a bonus, but we will have a killer time regardless.

Outfitter Review: Illinois Outfitter Plus - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Matt Fantz

Hunter: Chuck Bell

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

I have hunted with illinois outfitters plus for 2 years. In 2006, I took 6 hunters to camp and 5 out of the 6 killed bucks ranging from 135-165. The properties you will be hunting are not over hunted and the trophy potential is awesome. If you are willing to put the time in and able to take advantage of the opportunities that will present itself then this camp is for you. One thing is for sure the guides will treat you with respect and do what they can to make your hunt is successful. But remember when you miss the buck of a life time its not their fault. Illinois Outfitters Plus is the real deal and I would recommend this camp to any serious bow hunter.

Outfitter Review: Bucks Beware - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Tom Ware

Hunter: Brian Bloom

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

We hunted a 5 day semi-guided archery hunt 10/29 - 11/3/06. This was the closest to a fully guided hunt that I have been on. Daily contact with guides kept us up to date on deer movement and site selection. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate completely, but we all saw deer in the 150-160 range. Mine came to within 50 yds but I could not close the distance. Stand quality and quantity is excellent. I would highly recommend this trip.

Outfitter Review: HoneyHole Outfitters - Illinois

Outfitter / Owner: Jim Clendenny

Hunter: Corey

Animals Hunted: Whitetail deer

Jim Clendenny and his brother Mike are very nice guys. They were honest and upfront in telling our group that only 2 or 3 of us would get a shot @ a nice buck. We hunted on the Pike Co. land with Mike Clendenny. He worked very hard and was always a phone call away if you needed him. The land does get overhunted with a new group there every week and many of the stand locations are set up overlooking fields. After the first two hunts, I grabbed my climber and set-up in bottle necks and transition areas. Mike had no problem with this and was willing to help. I just felt the overall quality of the deer was not up to Illinois standard. We did see a few nice bucks but they were 100 to 300 yards away. Only one shot opportunity on a buck out of 7 guys and that was on a 110" deer and they have a 130" minimum. They worked very hard for there clients and I would consider a hunt with them if they had more land with a little less pressure.

Outfitter Review: Trophy Bow Hunters of Illinois - IL

Outfitter / Owner: Vic Eltora / Troy Hunter

Hunter: Kevin Hansen

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

This hunt was the worst guided hunt I have ever been on. We went out in April to scout and have stands pre-hung prior to the hunt. None of the stands that were going to be hung were in place, we had very limited stand locations to hunt, we were sent to stand locations that were missing ladders.The "Guide" never once came to our area to see how things were going or offer any advice/help to improve the hunt. We had 4 pro baseball players in camp and they were the only hunters that these people were concerned about. It wasn't the poor hunting that made this a bad hunt, that happens. It was the lack of concern and effort by the outfitter/guides that made it a bad hunt. They simply didn't care!!!