Vincent McPhillips Makes an Incredible Memory with his Family

Vincent McPhillip decided he wanted to start a tradition four years ago, hunting the opening weekend of Illinois gun season at Harpole’s Heartland Lodge, with his son Matthew. Each year one or the other would harvest a buck, but this year they both had hunts of a lifetime! Matthew harvested an incredible buck first thing on opening morning (See the video and pictures of Matthew’s buck here) and then Vincent took this monster while Matthew sat by his side all day in the stand.

In Matthew’s own words:

“My family and I have been coming to Heartland Lodge for 4 years now and are planning to return for a fifth. When we first started coming I was only 12 years old and wasn’t even old enough to hunt. However I came with my parents hoping to see some of the monster deer we knew we were hunting in this area, which is one of the greatest if not the greatest at producing trophy whitetails. That first year and every year since we were treated like part of the family. We became acquainted with all of the guides, the staff, as well as Gary and Miss Wanda who always had funny stories to tell about past hunts, traditions, as well as insight towards the hunt we were currently on. Every year we have come to Heartland lodge we have come away with a trophy whitetail.” Read about Matthew’s entire hunt here >>>

An emotional Vincent McPhillip

Vincent and his 150″ 10pt

Vincent with Guide Matt “Yankee” Burnet

Last Updated: November 21st, 2011