Morel Mushrooms Spring Early! Can you believe the mild winter we’ve had? This stretch of warmer weather has certainly caused many spring activities to arrive a few weeks early – and one of those just happens to be mushroom hunting. In west-central Illinois, where Harpole’s Heartland... Read the full story

My Nephew’s First SpringTurkey Hunt I have four nephews, but one in particular has become obsessed with hunting. Aubrey who will be ten this year went on his first spring turkey hunt with me. He didn’t have his own turkey tag, but I had a landowner turkey permit and could hunt all of the... Read the full story

Hunting Late Spring Gobblers As much as it pains me to admit it, turkey season is nearly half over. Although I try to pack as much hunting as possible into the short spring season I always seem to fall just short of enough. Family, work, and the “honey- do list” all need their fair... Read the full story

Youth Turkey Hunts for Spring Gobblers Two brothers harvest their first turkey on their youth turkey hunt at Heartland Lodge. Charlie (Age 13) and Tommy (Age 11) Filip both harvested their first turkeys on the same day! Illinois has a youth turkey season before the regular season starts, but t... Read the full story

I’m Dreaming Of...The Warmth of A Bonfire! …and the sweet taste of s’mores…and peace…and quiet…and Jacuzzi tubs…and comfy beds. Oh how I wish I had a luxury suite booked at the lodge for the night! For the second day in a row, Dan and I have just returned home from working our weekend job wit... Read the full story

Lovin' Every Minute of My Recent Hunting Season! I just wanted to take a minute to share with all of you how I have loved every minute of my recent hunting seasons. 2011 – 2012 has given me some of the best hunting experiences that I have ever had. Certainly, it has been another excellent whitetail seas... Read the full story

Nauvoo, Illinois - Experience Life as a Pioneer! You and your family have just spent some time at Harpole’s Heartland Lodge – relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet of the beautiful country setting – along with the incredible meals and comfy beds. You may have even taken some of the day trips that I... Read the full story