Enjoy upland bird hunting at Heartland Lodge. We have the best wild quail hunting
and pheasant hunting in Illinois! Hunt for native bobwhite quail and pheasant behind
some of the best hunting dogs in the country. Our German Shorthair Pointers and
English Pointers are second to none. An abundance of native prairie grasses mixed
with fields of milo present the ideal habitat for upland bird hunting. No need for
you to work the dogs, carry the birds, and dress the game on our guided hunts. At
Heartland Lodge, you'll have the assistance of our friendly bird hunting guides.
This Orvis endorsed wing shooting operation is one of the finest in the country
and the only Illinois hunting lodge endorsed by Orvis.
Wing shooting at Heartland is a favorite among hunters visiting the lodge. This
area has a long tradition of wild quail hunting and working with quality bird dogs.
You will enjoy three hearty home cooked meals every day. After the hunt, relax next
to the large stone fireplace in our Great Room, or enjoy a game of pool. The relaxation
of the lodge is something you will look forward to after a full day of hunting.
Specialty hunts can also be arranged. If you are looking for Chukars and Red Leg
Partridge, we have some of the hardest flying birds you can find. These sporty birds
challenge even the most accomplished wing shooters.
Heartland Lodge was recently featured in the
Double Gun Journal.
Upland Bird Hunting Conditions:
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Our guided upland hunts are made up of 2-4 bird hunters. We hunt in native prairie
grasses, milo, and cornfields. Most of our hunting is done walking. Breaks are taken
during the hunt to water dogs and give the hunters a rest. Please let us know the
pace you enjoy bird hunting. We have fast and slow working dogs. Our guided upland
hunts are designed to accommodate your style.
Upland Bird Hunting Packages:
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Four-night, three-day upland bird hunting package - Arrive the
day before your hunt, between 3p.m.-5p.m. Hunt for three days and depart after breakfast
on the fifth day.
Three-night two-day upland bird hunting package - Arrive the day
before your hunt, between 3p.m.-5p.m. Hunt for two days and depart after breakfast
on the fourth day.
Daily upland bird hunting packages can be arranged. Please tell us if you have a
preference on quail hunting, pheasant hunting or both.
The customer surveys for last year's season for our Upland operation had a 98.00%
customer approval rating. This was based on hunting, accommodations, meals, and
services.
Special Hunts
St. Louis Cardinal Hunt - Hunt with Cardinal ball players. This
celebrity hunt is a fundraiser for Christian Family Days, a division of Cardinal
Care. One, two and three day upland bird hunts are available. Call or e-mail for
dates and details.
Bringing Your Own Dog:
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You may bring your own dog. The fee is $25 each night if staying in our kennel.
Our kennels are outside and are 5'x10'. Our guides will not run their dogs with
client dogs. We are not responsible for quality of your hunt when using your
own dog. Make sure your dog is in shape and is accustomed to hunting
our conditions.
Self-guided upland bird hunts are available from January 1st thru April 10th.
Miscellaneous Information:
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Traditional Hunts (Limits on Pheasant, Woodcock & Wild Quail
Hunting)
Pheasant hunting is limited to 4 cock pheasant. You may harvest up to 8 on wild
quail hunts. Woodcock can be taken during open season dates only.
Premium Hunts (Liberated Hunts)
No limit liberated upland bird hunts are available upon request. In addition to
quail and pheasant we offer fast fling Red Leg partridge. (Double Premium Hunts
Now Available)
Size of Groups
We limit our upland hunters to 12 per day. Larger groups can be arranged on a private
basis. There may be additional whitetail hunters also staying at the lodge.
Memberships
We have memberships for individuals, families, and businesses. Send us an e-mail
or give us a call for more information.
Gun Rental
We have guns available for rent. Please call in advance if you would like to rent
a gun.
Shells
We have shells available for sale at the lodge for 28, 20 and 12 gauges.
Open All Year
Come to Heartland for a get-away. This will give you the opportunity to check out
the Lodge prior to booking a hunting trip. We are open all year.
Upland Bird Hunt
Reservations: >>
Please call our office at 1-800-717-4868 or you can e-mail us at
info@heartlandlodge.com to book upland bird hunting reservations.
Where Are We?
Heartland Lodge is in Pike County, Illinois, northeast of St. Louis, Missouri and
southwest of Springfield, Illinois. Click here for
directions and a map.
Deposit Policy
A payment of 50% of your total hunt is due when making your reservations.
Cancellation Policy
If you are booking a fall hunt, (September-December) all balances must be paid by
September 1st. Winter hunts (January-March) must be paid in full 60 days before
the scheduled hunt. A process fee of 10% of your total booking will be charged when
canceling. After September 1st (Fall hunts) and less than 60 days (Winter hunts)
your entire deposit will be lost.
If someone in our original booking does not
show, you will be charged the full amount, for original amount booked.
These policies will help us provide you better service.
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.
What To Bring: >>
Use the following list as an upland bird hunting checklist when packing for your
stay at Heartland Lodge.
- Your Gun
- Orange Hat and Vest (Hats are sold at lodge along with Orvis vests)
- Gun Case
- Shooting glasses
- Comfortable boots
- Camera (Optional)
- Cooler (Optional)
- Slippers or heavy socks (Shoes are removed in mud room)
- Comfortable Shirt and Pants
Upland Bird Hunting Tips:
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Pheasant Hunting Tips
Increase your chances of flushing a rooster with a few simple pheasant hunting tips.
- Try hunting in early morning or late afternoon, when pheasants are feeding.
- You will find a better shot on the edges of a grain field, than deep in the midst
of it.
- In mid-day, when the birds have taken deeper cover, walk slowly back and forth to
flush them, so that your partner - a blocker stationed at the end of the field -
can get a shot.
- Wear hunter orange at all times, especially when working with a blocker.
- A properly trained pointing or flushing dog help increase hunter success.
Quail Hunting Tips
Increase your chances of flushing a bobwhite quail with a few simple quail hunting
tips.
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.
Please click here for more information