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| Greetings
from Gary: |
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 We are almost half way through 2004 and it has been a very good year. There is an exciting buzz in the air and it has become contagious with all of our guests and great staff. As you will see by reading the reports from the different departments, we are having a great time!
I am going to keep my report brief because there is so much good information below. I did want to let you know about the progress of the new lodge we are building this summer. The new lodge will host our wing-shooters in the fall and feature six deluxe suites that will accommodate romantic getaways and business retreats the rest of the year.
The lodge will feature Jacuzzis, fireplaces, TV’s and king sized beds in each
room. The great room will have a fireplace, relaxing furniture, and a scenic
view to the back deck and surrounding woods. The recreational room will have
a pool table, bar area, and big screen television to view your favorite event.
These are just a few of the exciting features this incredible facility will have.
If you are planning a wing-shooting trip with us this fall or looking for a perfect
get away next year, give us a call and make your reservations in our new lodge.
 Gary
Gary@Heartlandlodge.com
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| From
the Lodge: |
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It
is a beautiful day here at Heartland!
 Here
at Heartland, spring is a wonderful time of year. I believe this
spring has been one of my favorites. A few days ago, I was sitting
on the front porch of the lodge trying to soak in all the beauty
of spring. The lush green trees towering taller and stronger
than ever before while displaying their many shades of green.
The birds singing and the humming birds showing their appreciation
for the feeders hanging from the roof of the porch. Flowers blooming
in the circle drive and throughout the grounds (Thanks to Vera,
who is blessed with the gift of growing beautiful flowers). The
pompous grass swaying gently back and forth. Lastly, the shrubs
growing deep in color as they protect the porch's edge.
My mind drifted to the days when I was a little girl growing up on this farm.
At the end of a hard day's work, when the chores were done, and the supper
dishes were washed, dried, and put away; we would walk down to my Grandma's
house to visit with them. Grandma's house consisted of three rooms: a kitchen,
a bedroom, and a living room. On the south side was a small porch. This porch
is where we would sit and relax.
Grandma would sit in her rocking chair with a damp cloth on her head (to help
keep herself cool); Grandpa would push back his chair and balance himself on
the back two legs while smoking his pipe. My family would sit on the edge of
the porch. This special time was peaceful and relaxing. The cares of the world
seemed to drift away with the sun as it was setting. The conversation was light.
The potato patch looked good but we needed to hoe the garden, and Brother Guthrie
sure preached a good message last week. I have fond memories of sitting on
that porch. After we had rested, we would walk back to our house. The stars
and moon would light the well-worn path.
 A hummingbird whistled by my rocking chair bringing my thoughts
back to the porches that surround the lodge. I want you to experience
the beauty of a country
evening, sitting on Heartland's front porch. Let the stress of the world fade
away and all that will be on your mind is the freshness of the cool night air,
frogs croaking, and whippoorwills calling. Spend some time sharing and listening.
Take a walk down to the old house where a country family believed the most
important values of life were God and family. Then slowly, very slowly, walk
back to the lodge and pick your favorite rocker to sit back and enjoy the marvelous
beauty of nature. The simple pleasure of sitting on a small front porch will
create memories that will be forever etched into your heart.
 Call today and I will save you a spot on the front porch.
God Bless!
Ms. Wanda
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| Whitetail: |
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 As
summer draws near, the world of the whitetail is changing fast.
Food is plentiful at this time of the year and the whitetails are
highly visible. Fawns are being born and antlers are growing at
an accelerated rate. This is an exciting time of the year for the
deer hunter as well. Preparation for the upcoming fall is in full
swing. Now is the time to begin glassing fields, shooting your
equipment, and planning your hunts.
If you are thinking about hunting with Heartland this fall, now is the time to
begin your planning. We still have a few hunts remaining for this fall and would
be glad to assist you in organizing your dream whitetail hunt. If you would like
to reserve one of our remaining hunts, please feel free to contact us at anytime.
The archery tags will be going on sale this year on July 10 at 8 a.m. CST. Please
make sure you call on this day, as availability is limited. The number to call
is 888/673-7648. Last year, the tags sold out in four days - don’t miss out.
If we can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to call (800) 717-HUNT.
Corey
coreyw@heartlandlodge.com
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| Upland
Division: |
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 Welcome again from the Upland Fields of Heartland Lodge! We are preparing for the upcoming season and have great news to announce. Heartland Lodge has joined forces with Jeff Foiles, owner and creator of Foiles Migrator calls. Jeff and his staff will be waterfowl hunting our guests at his own hunting complex. For the first time, we now have the option to “go to where the ducks are”, which will increase our client’s limit days substantially! Make sure you read Jeff's report in the Waterfowl section of this newsletter for more specific information.
Our staff is also continuing efforts to improve the habitat in the upland fields. We have added additional supplemental food plots, and the new plantings of warm season native grasses from last year are coming on very nicely for this season. These improvements will open new fields for our guests to hunt this season. The bird crop for this year’s traditional hunting guest looks to be as good as it has ever been. Hunting guests will also be able to take advantage of our new pre-season liberated program this year. We are utilizing several scientifically proven methods for the early release and maintenance of the bobwhite quail to enhance our routine liberation program.
The Upland Division is also leading the way in the industry by establishing a formal guide training seminar for all of our upland hunting staff. This program will take us to the next level for quality, consistency and professionalism among our support staff and field guides.
 I look forward to renewing old friendships and making new friendships with those
of you I have not yet met. Our dates are booking quickly, and I recommend you
give us a call as soon as possible to insure availability of your preferred hunting
dates this year. See you this fall.
 Russ
Pankey
Upland Manager
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| Waterfowl
Division: |
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 In
1997, Gary Harpole of Heartland Lodge called me to help start up a
1st class waterfowl operation. Guiding across the country since I was 16,
this
was a great opportunity for me to guide hunters right at home on the
Mississippi flyway - at one of the best lodges in the country. We soon went
to
work building
a great waterfowl spot. We flooded corn, beans, and millet for waterfowl
to stay on for their long migrating journey. Gary gave me the reins
to hire some of the best guides in the United States and Canada. Just
starting up
my call company, Foiles Migrators, had lead me to some of the most
experienced callers and guides in the country. Since then, we have
one of the most phenomenal
waterfowl operations in the United States.
After
hunting the property for about 4 years, I decided it was time
for a change. The ducks and geese had changed paths and started staying
closer to the Del Air refuge - a place on the Mississippi River that
has been
a mallard mecca for years. I soon contacted a good friend and hunting
partner of mine, Denny Marshuetz, and we purchased a large piece
of property right
against the refuge. We went to work building levees, setting large
30' pits, and buying 24" pumps. Since that time, we have leased every
piece of prime waterfowl habitat in our area and have over 130
acres of flooded corn - a mallard's paradise. Last year, we harvested
over 1,300
ducks in one pit alone - making us the #1 operation anywhere in
the area!
This year, the D & J Duck Club has
put in over 14 pits and has 5 blinds on pits on the Mississippi River.
When frigid temps arrive,
we take the hunters to the Mississippi River or we turn on our aerators
to open
up a water hole in the middle of a frozen flooded cornfield!! Mallard
shooting right in your face.
Want a layout boat hunt? Just let us know and we will have you and your
son or partner lying in a Momarsh layout boat in the center of a slough
or flooded corn! Talk about in your face! How about a hunt for river ducks
- bluebills, blackjacks or a canvasback (in SEASON)? We will take you out
in a new War Eagle 24' boat with a new Foiles Fowlshack blind completely
enclosed with breakfast cooked for you right in the blind! Did I say breakfast?
New for this year, Heartland's guides will cook your breakfast right in
the blind!
 Your
day will start out like this........ Wake up at Heartlands new
Wingshooters lodge to
a warm cup of coffee, get your gear, and get ready as your guide
picks you up telling you stories of the day before. Arrive at the
D & J
Duck Club and your guide will take you to a spacious pit that you
can walk around in, tell lies to your buddy and shoot a limit of
ducks. You will
then have breakfast cooked for you right in the pit - (maybe even
a venison steak and eggs) - sound good? After the hunt, kick back
at the clubhouse
while your guide cleans your birds for you. The guide will then take
you back to Heartland Lodge for a spectacular lunch, then off to
the finest
upland bird hunting in the country! Sounds fun? I sure hope so. Your
waterfowl guide will be one of Foiles' championship callers using
some of the best
labs in the country. Come and join us at Heartland for a Waterfowling
Experience of a lifetime!!!!
Foiles Migrators World Championship Duck and GOOSE Calls now has a new location
where you can try out some of the best waterfowl products available. Please
stop by while on your visit to Heartland. You can also visit us at www.foilesstraitmeat.com or
call
866-83-GEESE for a new duck call. Thank you and GOOD HUNTIN!!!
Jeff Foiles
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| Stables: |
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 Spring is in the air and guests at Heartland Lodge are taking
full advantage of the sights and smells from the back of our
fine string of trail horses. We have added new trails that
wind through the picturesque hills, valleys and ridge tops
of our property. We routinely watch deer feeding in the meadows,
listen to the symphony of songbirds serenading our guests,
enjoy the fragrance and beauty of prairie wildflowers in full
bloom, and enjoy the warmth of the spring sun on our backs.
Heartland Lodge offers fully guided trail rides on our well
trained horses - 7 days a week. We have a new addition in
our stable, a registered
paint gelding named Mac. Mac stands 16 hands, handles like
a dream, and is a great addition to our string. Whether you
are a novice rider, an experienced rider, or have never ridden
before, we have just the horse and trail for your enjoyment.
Our professional guides will get you saddled and lead you on a pleasant ride
through our property. They will share some of the local history
as you ride, chat and make new friendships, and perhaps even
sing you a song! Our rides begin and end at the main lodge
and can be reserved for an hour - or the entire day. We can
accommodate groups of 1 to 6 on each ride and also have stable
and arena facilities for guests who may want to bring their
own horses.
New this year is our special “Romantic Ride for Two.” This is a 2 hour ride that must be reserved in advance, and is limited to couples only. One of our professional guides will lead you and that special someone on a picturesque ride through some of our most breathtaking scenery. You will then break out into a quaint meadow with a surprise waiting just for you. A linen covered tablecloth with flowers and a wicker basket of fruit, sandwiches and sparkling grape juice with wine glasses. Toast the one you love amid the fragrance of the prairie wild flowers and enjoy a moment of quality time like no other. This special package is available by advance reservation only for $125.00 per couple.
Take time this spring and summer to ride with us at Heartland Lodge. We look forward to seeing you!
Russ Pankey |
| Fishing: |
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 Now
that winter is over and the fish are biting, I invite you to "climb aboard" for a guided fishing trip
on the "Mighty Mississippi River". I will personally make
sure you have a fishing trip that you will always remember. Some
of the species you may expect to catch are sturgeon (catch and release
only), channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, walleye,
carp, buffalo, drum perch and bass. The best fishing months are May,
June, July, August and October. We offer half and full day trips. If
you are not a fisherman, come enjoy the natural beauty of the "Mighty
Mississippi River". We can accommodate half and full day
scenic river cruises to observe the beautiful country and spacious
scenery
the Mississippi has to offer! You might expect to see river otters,
beavers, eagles, ducks, geese, deer, turkeys, turtles and many
other native animals.
Spots are filling quickly, so be sure to give us a call to book
your trip(s) soon. I look forward to fishing or cruising with you
in the near future. If you need any further assistance, please
don't hesitate to call or view our information on www.heartlandlodge.com.
Captain Keith Graham
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| From
the Office: |
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Hello from the office! We just had our first staff outing of the year where we had a cookout on the lodge deck with hamburgers, brats, venison burgers and all the fixin's. I owe everyone a batch of homemade ice cream, my "electric" mixer went on the blitz. Guess I should have stuck to the ole' crank kind we all grew up with, much less room for error. Stone Fox and myself were winners of a Cardinal ticket drawing. We were also given appreciation gifts for our efforts from Gary and Wanda.
In April of this year, our management staff went to Barnsley Gardens in Adairsville, Georgia for an Orvis Fishing and Wingshooting Seminar. It was quite an "experience". We shared with the staff at our cookout some of the positive information we acquired from the colloquium. A couple of things I remember well were that "vision without action is a daydream, action without vision is a nightmare", and "do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is not a path and leave a trail". These words were spoken by Euan McGlashan, the General Manager of Barnsley Gardens who spoke to us about the "Experience Economy". There were many other things we learned as well, it was a wonderful "experience" and a beautiful establishment.
We have a few new faces added to our Heartland Team, they are: Sandra Gerson (housekeeping and cook), Stephanie Lowe (server), Cathy Chamberlain (horse guide), and Stone Fox (weekend maintenance, sporting clay puller). We are pleased these individuals have come aboard our staff and are helping us achieve a higher excellence among the Orvis endorsed lodges.
We in the office are diligently working to get prepared for our fall hunting season as well as keep up with the daily incoming bed and breakfast reservations. We have various retreats, reunions, weddings, ATV group riders, and horseback riding groups scheduled this season. If you and your loved one(s) would like a wonderful get-away for a few days to enjoy the beauty of Heartland's property and activities, please don't hesitate to call us or email me at gena@heartlandlodge.com. I will be happy to find an availability for you.
Our bed and breakfast season will end on September 29, 2004. Don't forget the gift certificates we have on hand, they are a wonderful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. Please take the time to check out our website at www.heartlandlodge.com for an update on upcoming calendar of events, our photo gallery of past guests, and our wonderful testimonials.
Have a wonderful summer and we hope to hear from you soon.
Gena
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| Sporting
Clays: |
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Combining an overnight package along with a couple
rounds of clays is a perfect get-away. We are offering a “Heartland Stay & Clays
Package” for 2004. The package includes:
Two Night Stay
200 Targets
One Dinner for two
One Brunch for two
Only $245.00 |
One Night Stay
100 Targets
One Brunch for two
Only $150.0 |
(Both packages
also include scenic hayride, soda, bon fire, and hundreds of acres to enjoy!)
Heartland Registered Fun Shoots
2004 Schedule
July 11th-Summer Shoot
September 19th-Fall Shoot
1st Place -$75, 2nd place $50
Every 6th Shooter thereafter - $25
 All participants who shoot in Heartland’s Registered
Fun Shoots will be entered into a drawing that will be held in September.
Shoot all 3 fun shoots
you will get double the entries! (6 total) First drawing will be for a half-day
upland hunt! Second drawing will be for an overnight stay with meals, for two,
at Heartland Lodge!
• Stay Saturday
nights before our fun shoots at Heartland (with meals) and shoot free!! (1
round)
• Results will be mailed within 7 days and posted on our News section of
our web site.
• Check out our updated web site at www.Heartlandlodge.com for updates
and the latest information.
Pre-registration - $25 (Call before Friday) Registration at shoot - $30
Second 100 targets (Optional round) Only $20.
Lunch will be served– no extra charge
Sign in from 8:30am – 1:00pm. After 1:00 call for shoot
times.
Our sporting clays course and lodge is open all year. We would enjoy having
you visit at any time. Please call us in advance to make your reservations.
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| June
Newsletter Promotions: |
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|
(Good for new reservations only. Reservations
must me made in June)
(Subject to availability)
Whitetail:
October 14th-18th (Arrive the day before and leave the day after)
6 night/5 day hunt - $1,650 (Regular price $1,850)
October 20th-24th (Arrive the day before and leave the day after)
6 night/5 day hunt -$1,950 (Regular price $2,250)
October 26th-30th (Arrive the day before and leave the day after)
6 night/5 day hunt - $2,850 (Regular price $3,200)
Lodging/Retreats:
Romance
Package - Enjoy the only Orvis endorsed lodge in the state
of Illinois. The country setting is perfect for that romantic get-away.
Enjoy
the beautiful country surrounding Heartland Lodge on a one hour ATV
ride! Regular price $210. Special $176. Includes overnight and meals
for two and a one hour ATV Ride per couple.
Or
Corporate Retreats - Book 10 rooms get one room free! Also get the Whitetail
Suite
and Angler Suite at the regular room price!
Or
Lodge Buyout - Book 10 rooms Monday-Thursday and receive 15% off the lodging
and meals! Also get the Whitetail Suite and Angler Suite at the regular price!
(Dates Promotion is good for: June 1st-September 30th, 2004)
Upland:
Fall Upland Package: 2 night 1 day premium upland hunt in September
- All accommodations and meals
- Professional guides and quality pointing dogs
- A quality soft side travel cooler
- Game packaging and processing
- 2 boxes of quality American manufactured shot shells in 12 gauge
or 20 gauge (other gauges available for an additional charge)
- A Heartland blaze orange upland cap
- One round of sporting clays
- Only $725
Sporting
Clays:
See Sporting Clays for the “Stay & Clays” Package |
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