Hunting wild quail in Illinois, especially in Pike County, has been a tradition that goes back to when settlers first arrived to the area. The native prairie grasses of Illinois are ideal habitat for coveys of wild quail. With the introduction of farming and fence rows providing extra cover, quail flourish in Illinois.

Heartland’s owner, Gary Harpole, grew up hunting quail in these fields at places like “Uncle Lyle’s farm.” These farms were full of overgrown fence rows, grasses and grain fields. Many hunting traditions were created during this time in the Harpole family. The traditional quail hunt began with stopping by the small town grocery store and picking up a loaf of bread, a pound of bologna, and can of soda for lunch. Quail hunting began at daybreak and continued until dark, walking along fence rows, watching pointing dogs lock up, anticipating the wild flush. Many fond hunting memories were made this way, created with family and friends, and passed down to future generations of quail hunters.

These same traditions (besides the bologna) continue on at Heartland Lodge. Many of the farms we hunt are just like “Uncle Lyle’s farm.” The farms still have the old fence rows, native grasses, and a mixture of food plots and grain fields. This prime habitat ensures that coveys of wild quail are scattered across all of our properties.

Come step back in time with us and continue the tradition of wild quail hunting in Illinois that started here many generations ago.

Georgia Quail Hunting vs. Illinois Quail Hunting

When comparing Illinois quail hunting to Georgia quail hunting, there are not many differences. The tradition in Georgia is to hunt from buggies or jeeps that follow behind pointing dogs. The quail’s habitat is native Georgia grasses mixed with some pines.

Illinois quail hunting is very traditional, much like hunting “Uncle Lyle's farm” when you were young, complete with fence rows, timber edges, and CRP fields. Quail hunts are mostly done behind some type of pointing dog. Since most of Illinois from central Illinois through the north has both pheasant and quail, you never know what might flush. The anticipation can be very exciting!

The advantage of hunting Illinois for quail is the style of hunting. Hunting behind well-trained pointing dogs on farms like you hunted growing up can only be found in the midwest. Both Illinois and Georgia have great quail hunting though and if you choose the right location and guide, you should be able to limit out on your quail hunt.

Larger Group Quail Hunts

Heartland prides itself on the personalized service it provides to everyone hunting with us. Single, double and small groups are very special to us, as we get to know the hunters on a personal basis. But our offerings aren’t limited to small groups alone. Heartland is equipped to handle larger groups and provide the same exceptional service to each hunter within a larger group. We have plenty of birds, fields, guides and dogs to make Heartland the ideal location for larger groups.

Illinois Quail Hunt Easy Travel

Another advantage to quail hunting in Illinois, is the travel. Traveling to Georgia can take a full day or more of your vacation time if you are driving. Getting to Heartland Lodge is very convenient. We are centrally located in the United States, making travel short from any direction. Most of our guests fly into St Louis, Missouri, and enjoy the scenic drive up the Mississippi River to our lodge.

For more information on our pheasant hunts go to our main upland bird hunting page or directly to Illinois pheasant hunting. For more information on the other hunting trips that we offer from whitetail deer to ducks, check out our main Illinois hunting page.