Upland Bird Hunting

Enjoy upland bird hunting at Heartland Lodge. We have the best wild quail hunting and pheasant hunting in Illinois! Hunt for native bobwhite quail and pheasant behind some of the best hunting dogs in the country. Our German Shorthair Pointers and English Pointers are second to none. An abundance of native prairie grasses mixed with fields of milo present the ideal habitat for upland bird hunting. No need for you to work the dogs, carry the birds, and dress the game on our guided hunts. At Heartland Lodge, you'll have the assistance of our friendly bird hunting guides. This Orvis endorsed wing shooting operation is one of the finest in the country and the only Illinois hunting lodge endorsed by Orvis.

Wing shooting at Heartland is a favorite among hunters visiting the lodge. This area has a long tradition of wild quail hunting and working with quality bird dogs. You will enjoy three hearty home cooked meals every day. After the hunt, relax next to the large stone fireplace in our Great Room, or enjoy a game of pool. The relaxation of the lodge is something you will look forward to after a full day of hunting.

Specialty hunts can also be arranged. If you are looking for Chukars and Red Leg Partridge, we have some of the hardest flying birds you can find. These sporty birds challenge even the most accomplished wing shooters.

Heartland Lodge was recently featured in the Double Gun Journal.

Upland Bird Hunting Conditions: >>

Our guided upland hunts are made up of 2-4 bird hunters. We hunt in native prairie grasses, milo, and cornfields. Most of our hunting is done walking. Breaks are taken during the hunt to water dogs and give the hunters a rest. Please let us know the pace you enjoy bird hunting. We have fast and slow working dogs. Our guided upland hunts are designed to accommodate your style.

Upland Bird Hunting Packages: >>

Four-night, three-day upland bird hunting package - Arrive the day before your hunt, between 3p.m.-5p.m. Hunt for three days and depart after breakfast on the fifth day.

Three-night two-day upland bird hunting package - Arrive the day before your hunt, between 3p.m.-5p.m. Hunt for two days and depart after breakfast on the fourth day.

Daily upland bird hunting packages can be arranged. Please tell us if you have a preference on quail hunting, pheasant hunting or both.

The customer surveys for last year's season for our Upland operation had a 98.00% customer approval rating. This was based on hunting, accommodations, meals, and services.

Special Hunts
St. Louis Cardinal Hunt - Hunt with Cardinal ball players. This celebrity hunt is a fundraiser for Christian Family Days, a division of Cardinal Care. One, two and three day upland bird hunts are available. Call or e-mail for dates and details.

Bringing Your Own Dog: >>

You may bring your own dog. The fee is $25 each night if staying in our kennel. Our kennels are outside and are 5'x10'. Our guides will not run their dogs with client dogs. We are not responsible for quality of your hunt when using your own dog. Make sure your dog is in shape and is accustomed to hunting our conditions.

Self-guided upland bird hunts are available from January 1st thru April 10th.

Miscellaneous Information: >>

Traditional Hunts (Limits on Pheasant, Woodcock & Wild Quail Hunting)
Pheasant hunting is limited to 4 cock pheasant. You may harvest up to 8 on wild quail hunts. Woodcock can be taken during open season dates only.

Premium Hunts (Liberated Hunts)
No limit liberated upland bird hunts are available upon request. In addition to quail and pheasant we offer fast fling Red Leg partridge. (Double Premium Hunts Now Available)

Size of Groups
We limit our upland hunters to 12 per day. Larger groups can be arranged on a private basis. There may be additional whitetail hunters also staying at the lodge.

Memberships
We have memberships for individuals, families, and businesses. Send us an e-mail or give us a call for more information.

Gun Rental
We have guns available for rent. Please call in advance if you would like to rent a gun.

Shells
We have shells available for sale at the lodge for 28, 20 and 12 gauges.

Open All Year
Come to Heartland for a get-away. This will give you the opportunity to check out the Lodge prior to booking a hunting trip. We are open all year.

Upland Bird Hunting Rates & Rooms: >>

October-December Upland Hunts ~ Memberships Available
Traditional Hunts
(4 Cock Pheasants and 8 Quail limits, 2 Woodcock during season only)
Four night, three day upland bird hunt $2195
Three night, two day upland bird hunt $1570
Two night, one day upland bird hunt $835
Daily (no accommodations) $635

Premium Hunts
(No limits Pheasant, Quail, Huns, Red Legg Partridge) More Birds!!
Four night, three day upland bird hunt $2495
Three night, two day upland bird hunt $1770
Two night, one day upland bird hunt $935
Daily (no accommodations) $735
* Includes guides, dogs, meals, accommodations, game cleaning, & packaging
* Single Hunter - $100 extra per full day.

September, January-April 15th Upland Hunts
Regular Hunts
(No Limits!)
Four night, three day upland bird hunt $1825
Three night, two day hunt $1250
Two night, one day upland bird hunt $675
Daily (no accommodations) $475
Half-Day (no accommodations) $230
* Includes guides, dogs, meals, accommodations, game cleaning, & packaging
* Single Hunter - $100 extra per full day.

Premium Hunts
(No limits Pheasant, and Quail) More Birds!!
Four night, three day upland bird hunt $2295
Three night, two day upland bird hunt $1600
Two night, one day upland bird hunt $870
Daily (no accommodations) $690
* Includes guides, dogs, meals, accommodations, game cleaning, & packaging
* Single Hunter - $100 extra per full day.

All bookings are double occupancy, unless other arrangements are made. Private rooms can be arranged if available. All rooms have private baths. As part of the care and maintenance inside our lodge, we ask that you bring slippers or wear socks. Boots and shoes are removed in the mud room.
  • Non-hunting guests are welcome. The rate is $75 ($100 in the fall) for each night.
  • Private rooms are available upon request.
  • $ 75 for a regular room (Jan-September) each night
  • $ 100 for a regular room (Oct-Dec) each night
  • $125 for the Angler room (Queen Bed) each night
  • $150 for the Whitetail suite (King Bed & Jacuzzi) each night
  • $200 for the Luxury suite (King Bed, Jacuzzi, & Fireplace) each night
Enjoy one of our new luxury suites during your stay. For only $100 per hunter (per night - based on double occupancy) you can stay in one of these incredible rooms. Each spacious room has two king size beds, Jacuzzi, fireplace, gun holders, private decks and entrance.

Upland Bird Hunt Reservations: >>

Please call our office at 1-800-717-4868 or you can e-mail us at info@heartlandlodge.com to book upland bird hunting reservations.

Where Are We?
Heartland Lodge is in Pike County, Illinois, northeast of St. Louis, Missouri and southwest of Springfield, Illinois. Click here for directions and a map.

Deposit Policy
A payment of 50% of your total hunt is due when making your reservations.

Cancellation Policy
If you are booking a fall hunt, (September-December) all balances must be paid by September 1st. Winter hunts (January-March) must be paid in full 60 days before the scheduled hunt. A process fee of 10% of your total booking will be charged when canceling. After September 1st (Fall hunts) and less than 60 days (Winter hunts) your entire deposit will be lost. If someone in our original booking does not show, you will be charged the full amount, for original amount booked. These policies will help us provide you better service.

Transportation
Airport transportation is provided by "Hubb's Transportation." St. Louis, Lambert airport, is the closest major airport. For private planes, Quincy and Pittsfield airports are the closest. For more information you can contact Hubb's Transportation at 800-201-0707. Visit our directions page for directions for driving to the lodge.

What To Bring: >>

Use the following list as an upland bird hunting checklist when packing for your stay at Heartland Lodge.
  • Your Gun
  • Orange Hat and Vest (Hats are sold at lodge along with Orvis vests)
  • Gun Case
  • Shooting glasses
  • Comfortable boots
  • Camera (Optional)
  • Cooler (Optional)
  • Slippers or heavy socks (Shoes are removed in mud room)
  • Comfortable Shirt and Pants

Upland Bird Hunting Tips: >>

Pheasant Hunting Tips
Increase your chances of flushing a rooster with a few simple pheasant hunting tips.
  • Try hunting in early morning or late afternoon, when pheasants are feeding.
  • You will find a better shot on the edges of a grain field, than deep in the midst of it.
  • In mid-day, when the birds have taken deeper cover, walk slowly back and forth to flush them, so that your partner - a blocker stationed at the end of the field - can get a shot.
  • Wear hunter orange at all times, especially when working with a blocker.
  • A properly trained pointing or flushing dog help increase hunter success.
Quail Hunting Tips
Increase your chances of flushing a bobwhite quail with a few simple quail hunting tips.
  • NEED QUAIL HUNTING TIPS
Heartland Lodge At Dusk

Wingshooting News:
Referral Program
Upland Promotion!
Book your Upland Hunt Now!

Visit Hunting Blog

Sign up for our Heartland Lodge Newsletter
Email Newsletter


For reservations:
Toll Free: (800) 717-4868
Phone: (217) 734-2526
RR 1 Box 8A
Nebo, IL 62355
info@heartlandlodge.com


Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge