General Hunting Blog

Heartland Lodge Outfitters offers bow and firearm hunts

Things To Know You must purchase your deer permit and licenses in advance. You need the following: Deer Tags (Firearm Hunters, please send a copy of your deer tags to Mattb@HeartlandLodge.com if you have not done so already!) 5-Day Hunting License (You will need the full season hunting license if you are here for more

Heartland's Family Hunting Tradition

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

Two big bucks down!

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

IL hunting outfiiter

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

Quail hunting shot sizes

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

Orvis endorsed upland hunting at heartland lodge

One of the biggest differences from Harpole’s 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

Guided Bird Hunts at Heartland Lodge

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

$100 Off Your First Upland Hunt!

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.

best youth turkey hunting outfitters

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