I grew up with a large extended family and a deep hunting tradition. My parents were both from Pike County, Illinois and moved to Quincy where I was born. We visited my grandparents and extended family often. Many of the visits included hunting. The memories that were created will be with me for the rest
In over a quarter of a century watching and learning from all the hunters who have visited Heartland Lodge, I’ve learned going on hunting trips or hunting in general is like enjoying a milkshake. The planning and anticipation of the trip. Traveling to the destination where you will be spending the next several days. Being
Many years ago, when I was a boy, I went on my first Muskie fishing trip with a friend. We fished for eight hours and only had one swirl at a top water lure the entire day! After we loaded up the boat and were in the truck, my friend said, “wasn’t that an awesome
Thank you for booking your whitetail hunt with us! I’m sure you are excited to hunt whitetails in Pike County, Illinois! I want your hunt to be everything you expect! I have learned from outfitting whitetails for over a quarter century, that expectations can vary greatly from one hunter to another. The information I am
The deep south offers many great foods, but I was turned on to Buffalo Fried Quail many years ago at a dinner after a field trial in Lumpkin, GA. The trial was run on a long pine plantation that looked like it had been transplanted from a famous panting. When the trial was over, and
One of the biggest differences from Heartland Lodge and other upland hunting outfitters & lodges is our luxury accommodations and amazing home-cooked meals! There are many upland hunting preserves and upland hunting outfitters. Some of them have good birds and dog work. But how many have the option for 5 Star Accommodations and a meal
It’s that time of the year again when the days in the field turn to memories of last year’s hunts. But it is also the most important time of the year, time to start preparing for a good breeding season and making the changes in habitat to better service your bird population. Be sure to
One of the best parts of pheasant hunting is it’s simplicity. There are no decoys or calling. Pheasant hunting is all about the hunter and his or her quarry matching wits. Sometimes the hunter is successful, sometimes the birds win.
An upland/ turkey combo hunt is the perfect way to spend a spring day at Heartland Lodge! In the mornings enjoy hunting wild Eastern turkeys in the beautiful rolling hardwoods of Southern Pike and Northern Calhoun Counties where an abundance of turkeys can be hunted. After a hearty, home-cooked lunch prepared by our chef, head
What weather we are having. This has been one of the mildest winters that I can recall. Most folks agree that we have really been spoiled by Mother Nature this year. Our Upland Hunting at Heartland continues to be very productive and we will continue w
