Pheasant Hunting Lodge & Resort

Upland Bird Hunting Lodge

May 20th, 2026- Pheasant Lodge Update: “Now is the time to reserve your upland hunt for this fall! Enjoy a variety of wingshooting with a guests favorite- combo upland/ waterfowl hunt! Call 217-734-2526 or E-Mail Info@HeartlandLodge.com to reserve your spot now!” 

Our guided pheasant hunts in Pike County, Illinois are the best you will find. Our Orvis Endorsed pheasant hunting lodge and resort not only has great pheasant hunting, dogs, and professional guides but also has gourmet homecooked meals and lodging options. Even though all of our fields have both pheasants and quail, some areas hold mostly pheasants. Hunting pheasants behind our pointing dogs can be an exciting experience! We hunt along fence rows, food plots, and native prairie grasses. We manage our pheasant hunting fields to create a one-of-a-kind pheasant hunting experience!

Orvis endorsed wingshooting lodge logoThe scenery on each hunt will take you back in time to a simpler way of life. Come step back in time with us and continue the tradition of pheasant hunting that started here many years ago. We invite you to share and create your own memories along with starting a new tradition of pheasant hunting with friends and family at Heartland Lodge. Go to our Main Upland Bird Hunting Page for more details on how to reserve your next pheasant hunt at Heartland Lodge!

Local airport pickup available from Pittsfield Penstone Municipal Airport (KPPQ). Only 20 minutes from the lodge! JetA and Avgas available at this airport. 4,000 ft. of asphalt. Convenient helicopter landing access on-site.

Sign up for our wing-shooting emails to be the FIRST to know about promotions! You will also receive free “The ten secrets to establishing a native upland bird population”, “The ten most important dog training steps”, “Ten myths about upland birds”, & “Choosing the right wing-shooting lodge.”

Pheasant Hunting Tradition at Heartland Lodge

Create Your Own Hunting Traditions

Native pheasants in fall foliage

Hunting pheasants in Illinois, especially at Heartland Lodge, has been a tradition that goes back many years. The native prairie grasses that surround the lodges is ideal habitat for pheasants. With the introduction of food plots and additional cover, pheasants flourished on Heartland’s property.

Each year, new traditions and memories are being created by our guests. The most cherished memories are not the game we harvested, but the memories created from time spent with family and friends. That is what hunting at Heartland Lodge is all about, creating legacy memories that you will always cherish.

 
South Dakota Pheasant Hunts vs. Illinois Pheasant Hunts

A great day of pheasant hunting can beat the best day at work!Pheasant hunting can be one of the most enjoyable things to do in the outdoors. Our pheasant hunts are as good as you will find anywhere in the mid-west. Most of our guides here at Heartland have had the pleasure of hunting pheasants in many states, including South Dakota and Illinois. There are many pheasant hunting lodges in both states. All the other states fall into either one of these two “styles” of pheasant hunting. Following is a brief description of each style and the pros and cons for each.

South Dakota is well known for its pheasant hunting and for good reason. Thousands of acres of flat fields filled with pheasants makes hunting South Dakota a treat for any hunter. The most common style of hunting pheasants in South Dakota is by using flushing dogs with handlers who walk a field and “push” the birds to the other end. Waiting at the end are “blockers” and once the pheasant see the blockers they flush, and things can get pretty crazy for a few minutes. Sometimes multiple birds flush, and the action can be fast and furious.

The pros of hunting South Dakota are the number of birds found. There is no doubt you should be able to find plenty of birds. The cons are safety and the style of hunting. Having blockers and shooting over the heads of people, dogs, and their handlers can be risky at times, especially if there are inexperienced hunters in the group. The style of hunting is an individual choice between hunters. Many do not like the style of pushing birds into blockers, while others find this fun and enjoyable.

Illinois pheasant hunting is much like hunting Uncle Charlie’s farm when you were young, with fence rows, timber edges, and CRP fields. Pheasant hunts are mostly done behind some type of pointing dogs. These dogs go on point and the hunters either walk in and flush the birds, or a flushing dog is used. Since most of Illinois from the central part north have both pheasant and quail, you never know what might flush. The anticipation can be very exciting!

The advantage of hunting Illinois for pheasants is the style of hunting. Hunting behind well trained pointing dogs is something we never get tired of here at Heartland Lodge. Watching them work the habitat and then lock on a bird adds another element to the entire hunting experience. There are pheasants in both South Dakota and Illinois, if you choose the right location and guide, you should be able to limit out in either state on your pheasant hunt.

The final factor in your decision of which state to pheasant hunt is traveling to get there. If you live east of the Mississippi River, you can save up to a full day in travel each way when hunting Illinois. Your drive time will be cut down dramatically and if you decide to fly, St Louis airport is a scenic 1:45 minutes away from Heartland Lodge!

FAQ

 
Large Group Pheasant 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.

FAQ

 
Illinois Pheasant Hunt Easy Travel

Another advantage to pheasant hunting in Illinois, is the traveling. Traveling to South Dakota can take an extra day if you are driving and flying into South Dakota is not always the easiest. Most of our guests fly into St Louis Missouri and enjoy the scenic drive up the Mississippi River to our lodge. Go to our Directions Page to see how we are conveniently located.

Gun Rentals- We have shotguns available to rent for $85 per day. Please call-in advance if you would like to rent a gun (217-734-2526). Renting one of our shotguns is much easier than taking one through an airline!

Arriving A Day Early

You are encouraged to arrive a day early to get settled in after traveling (If available). This allows an extra day before your hunt in case of any travel delays with your flight or gear. It also gives you an extra day to do some site seeing or shoot a round of sporting clays. (Must be reserved in advance).

FAQ

 
Pheasant Hunting Lodging Options

Your pheasant hunt includes an Original Lodge Standard Room with either two twin beds or bunk beds and a private bathroom, booked double occupancy. Private rooms and suite/lodge buyout options listed below are available for an additional nightly fee.

Sunset Valley Lodge- The Perfect Private Corporate Upland Hunting Lodge.
Atv/ Utv Riding Trails

Sunset Valley. The name of this lodge says it all. The view from the expansive rear deck as the sun sets over the horizon of the Mississippi River bluffs will take your breath away. This 10,180 square foot luxury upland hunting lodge features seven suites and rooms. You can reserve an individual suite or the entire lodge for your group. This lodge has a great outdoor entertainment area along with a game room downstairs. Perfect for corporate upland retreats looking for a private lodge. Sunset Valley Lodge is located 1 mile from the main lodges where meals are served. (meals are served in the Prairie Ridge Lodge)

The All About the View room is known for Jennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux staying in this suite. This room was also featured in the Chicago Tribune’s “10 Great Hotel Rooms in the Midwest”.

More information on Sunset Valley Lodge

Prairie Ridge Luxury Lodge- Luxury Suites with Jetted Tubs & Fireplace.
Luxury rooms for upland huntingPrairie Ridge Lodge is named after the prairie grasses that surround the resort that hold native quail and pheasants. This lodge is also known as our premier wing-shooting lodge as it has over 10,000 square feet of luxurious warmth and features seven luxury suites with hot tubs and fireplaces. All seven of the luxury suites are designed the same but each one is decorated with its own theme, each theme having significant meaning related to the lodge property. The focal point is the hand-made chandlers in the dining room. Two feature and upland theme and one a waterfowl theme.

Check out one of our upland hunter’s favorite luxury suite options- Pheasant Ridge Suite & Covey Suite.

Each room also has its own private Adirondack chairs on the deck where you can relax first thing in the morning enjoying a cup of coffee before heading out to the upland fields. After a long day afield, relax on the deck with your favorite beverage or bottle of wine. The ultra-comfy beds have become an attraction themselves!

More Information on the Prairie Ridge Lodge

Luxury Upland Cabins -Most Popular Option for Hunting Honeymooners.
Private Luxury Cabins Enjoy a private luxury cabin that was built with upland hunting couples in mind. Each cabin is decorated with its own unique theme. All cabins are carefully crafted with knotty pine and cedar walls, fifteen-foot vaulted ceilings, hand-carved Old Hickory furniture, fixtures and appliances. Each cabin with hot tub and fireplace also features an ultra-comfy, king-size bed, large 4K HD television with 4K Blu-ray player, relaxing private deck with barbeque grill, kitchen, and private fire pit to roast marshmallows or to make your own s’mores. When staying at these upland cabins, hunters can easily walk to the main lodge.
The Quail Ridge Cabin- Secluded Wingshooting Cabin with a View.

Quail Ridge Dining AreaQuail Ridge offers a peaceful, private getaway in the serenity of nature that offers complete seclusion and privacy! This cabin is decorated with its own unique theme- a mix of carefully crafted knotty pine walls, twenty-foot vaulted ceilings, large recreation/ dining room with fireplace, high-quality fixtures and appliances. Relax and enjoy the expansive views overlooking the pristine countryside from the Western facing back patio with comfortable seating for your friends and family. Once the sun sets, enjoy roasting marshmallows and eating smore’s over the bonfire pit in the backyard while reminiscing about the days hunt.

More Details about the Quail Ridge Cabin Here >>

Lodging Options are based on availability. Please call 217-734-2526 to discuss available options for your next upland hunt.

 
Sunrise in the Pheasant Fields at Heartland Lodge

Pheasant hunters heading out to upland hunt for the dayEnjoy the beauty of our upland fields and witness some amazing sunrises and sunsets.

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

FAQ

 
Pheasant Facts

As most know the male pheasant is called a rooster or a cock and the female is known as the hen. But here are a few facts that may not be as well known.

  • An average rooster will weigh between 3.5-4 lbs. while the hen’s average weight is between 2-2.5 lbs.
  • The average length of a rooster is 36 in. and the hen is 20 in.
  • Pheasants can survive on the moisture from insects, vegetation, and the morning dew.
  • A rooster will accumulate a harem of 3-7 hens.
  • Pheasant chicks start growing flight feathers right after hatching and in two weeks are capable of short flight.
  • Pheasants control their body temperatures by rapid inhalations and exhalations. This allows the body to rid itself of excess heat.
  • Pheasants do not migrate. They usually stay within a 1–2-mile radius.
  • Pheasants can run at a speed of 8-10 miles and can fly 35-45 miles per hour.
  • A hen will nest up to four times in a nesting season.
  • Pheasants are not native to North America. They were brought into the U.S. in 1881.
  • The annual survival rate of a pheasant is 30%. Only 2-3% will live as long as 3 years.
  • Fox, raccoon, skunk, hawk, owl, and man are the pheasant’s primary predators.
  • Approximately 35% of pheasant chicks die in the first 6-10 weeks of life.
  • Hen pheasants will adopt chicks that have been abandoned or lost their mother.
  • A hen pheasant will lay an average of eleven eggs. A range of 1-20 eggs can be in a clutch.
  • Pheasants have extreme eyesight and hearing.
  • Pheasants can dig through a foot or more of snow to get to food.
 
History of Pheasants in Illinois

Pheasants are not native to North America and were successfully liberated from Asia in 1881. In 1890, Illinois had their first successful pair of ringneck pheasants reproduce in the wild.

Read more about the history of pheasants in Illinois

 
Upland Bird Hunting Rates (September-April)

 

Traditional Upland Hunts (During Wild Bird Season)
(4 Cock Pheasants and 8 Quail limits, 2 Woodcock during season only)
Four night, three day bird hunt $3,000
Three night, two day bird hunt $2,040
Two night, one day bird hunt $1,075
Daily (no accommodations) $845
Premium Upland Hunts
(No limits Pheasant and Quail) More Birds!!
Four night, three day bird hunt $3,300
Three night, two day bird hunt $2,240
Two night, one day bird hunt $1,175
Daily (no accommodations) $945
Double Premium Upland Hunts – For those who like to shoot ALOT!
(No limits Pheasant and Quail) Lots of Birds!!
Five night, four day bird hunt $4,800
Four night, three day bird hunt $3,600
Three night, two day bird hunt $2,440
Two night, one day bird hunt $1,275
Daily (no accommodations) $1,045
Half-Day (no accommodations) $515
*Gun rentals available $95 per day. Must reserve ahead of time.
* Includes guides, dogs, meals, accommodations, game cleaning, & packaging.
* Single Hunter – $150 extra per full day.
* See below for private rooms, luxury suites, & extra guests.

Golden Feather Experience Package Rates
Four night, three day hunt (Solo Hunter) $8,650
Four night, three day hunt (2 Hunters) $8,450/ each
Four night, three day hunt (3 Hunters) $8,250/ each
Four night, three day hunt (4 or more Hunters) $8,050 each
Available September through April.
* Includes 4 nights & 3 days of upland hunting, meals, game cleaning, luxury suite lodging, photography session, custom-made keepsakes, alcoholic beverages, airport transportation to and from Pittsfield, IL airport, 3 full days of no limit pheasant and quail hunting, 12 or 20 gauge shotgun rentals, shells included, full round of clays, on-site concierge services.

Non-hunting guests welcome! $1,500 each
Click here for more information about our Golden Feather Experience Hunt >>

Upland/ Waterfowl Combo Hunts Available! Click here to learn more >>

 
Heartland Lodge

10236 393rd St.
Nebo, IL
62355

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Snow Goose/ Pheasant Combo Hunts!Book Now >>