Illinois' rich agriculture provides an ideal environment to test your sporting skills. In addition to an abundance of corn, hay and soybean fields, Illinois’ river bottoms and oak forests attract herds of white-tailed deer. And, if you’re looking for the state’s biggest bucks, head to the Golden Triangle, where three counties consistently top state and national hunting charts.
Where to Hunt Deer in Central Illinois
The Best Spots
Pike, Brown and Adams counties cover more than 1.2 million acres between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. These three counties routinely produce some of the country’s highest numbers when it comes to trophy deer. Pike and Adams counties are known for their bluffs along the river, and all three have gently rolling hills, creek bottoms, plenty of hardwoods and a variety of agriculture.
White-Tailed Deer by the Numbers:
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Pike County ranks No. 1 in the state for deer quantity harvested and No. 2 in the nation for the largest quantity of trophy white-tailed deer.
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Adams County boasts some of the state’s largest white-tailed deer.
Illinois Hunting Lodges and Outfitters
Plan Your Hunting Adventure
Want to go on a hunting trip where you don’t just have to bank on getting lucky? Consider a hunting outfitter: a business that aims to enhance the hunting experience by providing experienced guides, private hunting land, lodging, meals, transportation, and knowledge about the best hunting practices for specific game species. Discover the wide variety of top hunting outfitters and lodges that West-Central Illinois has to offer!
Pike County Hunting Outfitters and Lodges
If you want to up your game or are unfamiliar with the state, consider an outfitter; there are more than 30 in Pike County. For more than 25 years, the team at Harpole’s Heartland Lodge in Nebo works year-round to ensure a successful season by scouting deer, monitoring trail cams, improving deer stands and maintaining food plots throughout their 5,000 acres.
PACKAGE OPTIONS: White-tailed deer hunting packages include sleeping in an Orvis-approved lodge, from-scratch meals, and transportation to and from the stand. Other services include field dressing and quartering or deboning of deer.
West Central Outfitters in Pittsfield has been in business for almost 20 years. They hunt on established farms with a 140-inch minimum.
PACKAGE OPTIONS: Hunting packages include guided and semi-guided hunts. Both packages include fully furnished lodges.
Big Cedar Whitetails in Pleasant Hill aims to provide both successful hunts and friendly tour guides. They specialize in archery hunt methods (bow and crossbow).
PACKAGE OPTIONS: Hunting packages include two lodges, each sleeping up to 16 hunters and a hearty breakfast, dinner and plenty of homemade cookies for snacking.
Brown County Hunting Outfitters and Lodges
Bucks R Us Outfitters
Family-owned and -operated, Bucks R Us Outfitters in Versailles provides hunters with an opportunity to hunt more than 2,400 acres of land on 16 farms from 125 stands.
PACKAGE OPTIONS: Camp includes a small, cozy lodge and homemade meals. Breakfast and lunch are basic, and dinner is from-scratch, served buffet-style.
Five Seasons
Five Seasons highly-managed property’s span across 4 counties proven to produce Boone & Crockett whitetails. They offer a variety of hunting options including archery, gun, and combo hunts. Their team is committed to providing experienced guides, beautiful lodging, and home cooked meals to allow guests to experience some of the best Whitetail hunting in the world.
PACKAGE OPTIONS: All hunts include a $20 per night lodging fee.
Illinois Connection
Located in Mt. Sterling, Illinois Connection offers a diverse number of hunting experiences including 5 day bow hunts, 3 day firearm loader hunts, and combo hunts on their private land. They are committed to delivering Class A accommodations and southern hospitality to all their guests by providing spacious, comfortable lodging, delicious homecooked meals, and fun activities to mingle with other hunters (such as their pool table).
PACKAGE OPTIONS: Lodging includes home cooked meals, fresh baked pies, open bar, office space, big screen TV, pool table, Internet access, a large laundry room, and a scent-free gear room.
Adams County Hunting Outfitters and Lodges
Golden Triangle Whitetails
Golden Triangle Whitetails in Clayton has exclusive rights to more than 13,000 acres throughout four counties. For more than a quarter of a century, seasoned guides lead two to three hunters at a time to scouted tracks of land.
PACKAGE OPTIONS: Packages include lodging in a main cabin or modular home, meals, and field dressing and processing of your trophy buck. Other services include taxidermy mounts and a shooting range.
RFO Outfitters
If you’re working on a budget, consider RFO Outfitters in Quincy. Their team has more than 400 tree stands on managed farms. Up to 17 hunters stay in a nine-bedroom home with a large common area.
PACKAGE OPTIONS: Packages include a basic breakfast and lunch and a hearty dinner.
Hunting Rules and Regulations in Illinois
White-tailed deer hunting in Illinois begins in late fall and runs through early winter. For specific dates, check Hunt Illinois. All hunters born after 1980 need a hunter safety number, or you can purchase a one-time apprentice license. All out-of-state hunters, regardless of age, need a nonresident hunting license, State Habitat Stamp and deer permit. Purchase licenses here.