Illinois Bowhunt

[HOBO]

I have $2000 to spend on a bowhunt this year, and I want to hunt in IL. After looking at different outfitters for three days, I don't know who would be the best choice. It's hard to believe everything you read and see. The last thing I want to do is come home and write a horror story about how bad my hunt was. Guided, semi-guided, un-guided. Outfitter, farm, private land owner. I am open to all of the above. I just want a great experience for the money. If anyone can help me with this delima, I would greatly appreciate it. Any names and phone numbers would be great. I'm not after any monsters. A 125" buck would be fine with me. A monster would be nice too. Thanks for any help you guys can give me.

[shigsarch1]

Kansas would be better hunting....... seriously though it would be.

Getting to the main point. You need to look at every outfitters track record
and I would only go with a reputable one. I live in mid central IL and I can tell you that I have seen some pretty messed up things regarding outfitting. Guides that have no business guiding (goes on a lot). Hunters are looked at as numbers... they just worry about placing you in a stand and nothing else.
If you want a reputable outfitter go to Hadley Creek. They may cost more but you will have great opportunities at 135 + deer.

Truth be told you would be better off cash renting a piece of ground. My understanding is $20.00 per acre is the going rate. You could rent 80 acres of hunting for 1600 to 2000 annually and you are not limited to 1 or 2 weeks of hunting. Just food for thought. Honestly Im not big on outfitting but that is my opinion. I would rather see individuals cash rent a piece of ground. That way you get to know other hunters in the area and can establish relationships with them as you return every year. just my 2 cents.

[yotekiller]

i would talk to spring valley outfitters. guys name is steve hess. he is a real nice guy and have not heard anything bad about him at all. he is in adams county i believe he is a little more than you want to spend but i believe in gettin what you pay for. i would stay away from the big names as it has become a numbers and money game with them. if you can find land to lease that would be awesome but from talking to several different hunters and guides in that are of the country its a tuff hunt and can get VERY costly. good luck and have fun

[GSLAM95]

You have a pm

[TimZim]

Get a hold of Western Ill. Outfitters. They have a new gig going for people on a budget. It is a $1200 for five days of hunting and lodging for the rut. $800 for pre rut and 600 for late season. These guys know what they are doing they produced some giants last year and in the previous year. And they keep picking up more land do to outfitters going out of business do to the economy.Give them a call you wont regret it. I will be going down there next year and more to come. Tim Zim