Whitetail Deer Hunting Lodge: Pike County, Illinois Deer Hunting

Visit Heartland Lodge for legendary Pike County Illinois deer hunting, in one of the finest whitetail deer hunting lodges in the country! Heartland Lodge is located in the middle of incredible Illinois deer hunting country. Located between the Mississippi and Illinois River drainages, Heartland provides habitat that is perfect for large whitetail bucks. The four key ingredients to having a quality deer herd are all found at Harpole's deer hunting lodge. You must have genetics, food, habitat, and a good age structure to produce monster bucks and quality whitetail deer hunting. The genetics here in Illinois are the best in the country. The food and habitat could not be better. With a strict management program in place to preserve growth, Heartland has it all when hunting for incredible whitetail bucks.

Harpole's Lodge owns and leases thousands of acres of the best hunting ground in Pike County, Illinois' deer hunting territory. The land is scouted year round, thus Heartland is not just a seasonal operation. We are working for you not only in the fall, but all year to assure you the best deer hunt possible. Heartland's reputation precedes itself as one of the finest whitetail deer hunting lodges ever opened to the public.

Our goal is to have 100% satisfaction for each deer hunter. This is why we have hunters who book for life with us each year. Compare us with other whitetail deer hunting lodges. You won't be disappointed. We are among the finest in the country - and the only Orvis-approved hunting lodge in Illinois.

Click the sections below for more information.

Illinois Bow Hunting Packages: >>

Six night, five-day package - Arrive the night before between 3:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Hunt five full days and depart after breakfast on your sixth day. These are deer hunts that we specialize in. If you are an archery hunter, you will feel at home at Heartland. Our Illinois bow hunting deer packages are the hunt of a lifetime!

Four night, three-day packages - Available in October, December and January. (Whitetail deer hunting in January is a local favorite.)

Seven night, six day archery-muzzleloader combo package - Arrive on Monday between 3:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Hunt three full days of archery and then hunt three full days of muzzleloader. This whitetail deer hunt usually falls on the second week and weekend of December.

Ask about our Doe Derby deer hunts in December & January.

Illinois Gun Hunting Packages (Shot gun or muzzleloader): >>

Four night, three day November package - Arrive on Thursday between 3:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Hunt three full days and depart on Monday after breakfast. This deer hunt usually falls the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Five night, four day December package - Arrive on Wednesday between 3:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Hunt four full days and depart on Monday after breakfast. This deer hunt usually falls the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Four night, three day muzzleloader package - Arrive on Thursday between 3:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Hunt three full days and depart on Monday after breakfast. This deer hunt usually falls on the second weekend of December.

Seven night, six day archery-muzzleloader combo package - Arrive on Monday between 3:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Hunt three full days of archery and then hunt three full days of muzzleloader. This deer hunt usually falls on the second week and weekend of December.

Four night, three day handguns (doe only) package - Arrive on Thursday between 3:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Hunt three full days and depart on Monday after breakfast. This deer hunt is in January.

* For all gun tags you need to contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Please call 217-782-7305 to have the application sent to you, or visit them online at http://dnr.state.il.us.

Whitetail Deer Shed Hunting: >>

Enjoy hunting for some of the largest whitetail buck sheds in North America. All you have to do is book a room at the lodge and you have access to our properties on the days you are staying. We recommend coming in March.

Reservation Information: >>

Please call our office at 1-800-717-4868 or you can email us at info@heartlandlodge.com to book whitetail deer hunting reservations.

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

Groups - Size And Level Of Experience
We welcome seasoned veterans and those who are just learning how to deer hunt. With deer hunting tips and strategies from our guides, your group is sure to have an incredible time. We limit our whitetail hunters to 16 per week. Additional upland and waterfowl hunters may be staying at the lodge during your hunt.

How To Secure A Spot Every Year?
You may reserve a spot each year by signing a year-to-year contract. Please ask about this if you are interested.

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

Cancellation Policy
If you cancel before April 1st of year arriving at Harpole's Heartland Lodge, your deposit will be refunded less 10% of total hunt. No refunds are given after April 1st.

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.

Important Whitetail Deer Hunting Information: >>

Largest bucks last year: 186"-182"-172"
A total of 27 Pope & Young Bucks were taken!
All whitetail are free roaming.
All hunts are fully guided. Guides take you to and from the stand. Guides do not sit in the stand.
We hunt on approximately 7,500 acres located in Pike and Calhoun Counties.
The average opportunity rate is approximately 60%.
We only harvest deer scoring 130 Pope & Young or better.
We encourage the harvesting of does.
Cross bows can be used by attaining a special permit from the IDNR.
Slugs are used with shotguns. Buckshot is not allowed.
All guns must be plugged and can only hold 3 shells at a time.
All guns and bows must be in cases while in the vehicle.
When a deer is wounded, a mandatory 48-hour search is required, before hunting is resumed.
Gun hunters must wear a solid orange cap and vest.
Average tree stand height-15’-18’. Higher and lower stands are available. Ground blinds are also available. Please call ahead to let us know any special requirements.
We use tree steps and stacking sticks.
Some ladder stands are available upon request.
Guides will field dress your deer.
Processing - A local processor can process your deer or you can process your deer yourself at the lodge.
Caping-There is a fee paid directly to a local processor.
Smoking Policy-No smoking in lodge, tree stands, or in guides' vehicles.

What To Bring: >>

Your bow or gun
Gore-Tex or rain gear
Knee high rubber boots recommended
Orange hat and vest (Gun only)
Bow or gun case
Rattling antlers (Optional)
Grunt tube (Optional)
Pull up rope
Safety belts are required
Binoculars (Optional)
Flashlight (Optional)
Hand warmers (Optional)
Camera (Optional)
Cooler (Optional)
Slippers or heavy socks (Shoes are removed in mud room)
Range finder (Optional)

Trip Insurance: >>

Harpole´s Heartland Lodge strives to give our guests the best experience possible. We understand that your upcoming trip is a significant investment. We offer trip insurance through North America´s leading provider of Travel Insurance called "Travel Guard".

There are many circumstances that could change your plans. Please take a few minutes to learn how you can protect yourself. If you choose to decline this valuable coverage, you are assuming any financial loss associated with a cancelation or a change in your travel arrangements.

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