Outfitter Review - Hadley Creek

Outfitter Information

Outfitter Name: Hadley Creek

Outfitter / Contact: Stacy Ward

Location: Illinois, US

Hunt Information

Animals Hunted: Whitetail

Game Quality: Average

Game Quantity: Average

Accomodations: Excellent

Camp Condition: Excellent

Food Quality: Excellent

Guide Experience: Average

Other Personal Experience: As expected

Review Information

Hunter: Shane Ellison

Phone:

Email:

Would Recommend: Yes

Overall Impression: Average

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.

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