Peak Rut Guided Bow Hunts in Illinois
Hunting the peak of the rut in Pike County, Illinois is at the top of most die-hard bowhunters wish-list! With a high deer density, good buck to doe ratio and sheer number of trophy whitetails throughout the region, you never know what size of buck could be following a doe! It’s not unusual for mature whitetails to be on the move at any and all times of the day in-between estrous does. It is truly a magical time of the year for a bowhunter to be in a stand. At the lodge, it’s a highly anticipated time of year for our whitetail guides and staff. The peak of the rut in Pike County cannot be duplicated anywhere else!
Peak-Rut Hunting Strategy
At the lodge, we recommend sitting all-day if you can during the rut as the more hours you log, the more likely you will have success! Our chefs will prepare you a to-go meal for lunch or you can come back to the lodge for a hot meal at noon.
Tips for Sitting All Day in the Stand or Blind >>
We typically hunt the classic pinch points, funnels or doe bedding areas during this time. By Mid-November, the majority of leaves have fallen off the hardwoods and visibility increase in the once dense timber. With the rolling bluff country in Pike and Calhoun counties that we hunt, whitetails can be visible from several hundred yards away and makes for an entertaining hunt. Bucks can be called in from a distance during this timeframe when they are in-between estrous does. Especially if it’s a “new” buck is in an unfamiliar area!
We plant several acres of strategically placed food plots that enhance natural corridors that mature bucks utilize during the rut already. Several of our farms we have leased for over 10 years! Several years of history hunting farms during the rut really lends a hand in figuring out were mature bucks travel during day light hours.
We use several trail cameras on each farm to help us keep track of deer movement and when new bucks are in the area. Even though we run trail cameras year-around, we typically harvest several bucks a year we have little to no history with during the peak of the rut.
Weather Conditions During the Rut
The weather in Mid-November is historically just right for bowhunters. Lows in the 30’s and highs in the 50’s make for a comfortable hunt. We do have the occasional snow in November, but it typically does not stick around long. Even if we do have a warm spell during the rut, it may suppress overall deer movement more towards the dawn and dusk hours, but bucks will still be on the move.
If you are interested in a peak-rut hunt this fall, call 217-982-4039 or E-Mail me today at Zach@HeartlandLodge.com for more information on available hunt dates and rates.
I hope to see you at the lodge this season!
-Zach Jumps
More Information on Archery Hunts
Trail Camera & Scouting Pictures
Last Updated: June 20th, 2024
I am interested in the November 6th-11th $5,200 archery hunt. I am hoping to grab one of the remaining spots, but am looking for a bit more information. Can someone please assist me?
I am a 100% disabled vet and I’m wondering if you can use a crossbow on your hunts
Are crossbows allowed in Illinois?
Hi Richard! Yes, crossbows are allowed in Illinois throughout the archery season. Please let us know if you have any other questions! Thank you!
I see you have hints for nov 13th. Is that week still available
Do you still have spots available for the nov13-17 bow hunt ?
For 2 people?
Is Nov 13th week
still available?for 4 people super interested!
Interested in the hunt for November 12-16
I would like to book 2 slots for the nov 12-16 archery hunt Also interested in some upland hunting as well please send me the info I need to get the deposit there
Looking for prices so I know what to save always hunted on public land in South Jersey but never got a trophy buck. Looking to see what I need.
Thank you
Richie LoRusso
856-602-1118
If you have a cancelation for the rut please contact me. I would also like to know what the price is.
I was just checking to see if you have any available hunts next yr. Around November 15 I wanna do a birthday hunt and how much it would be for bow
I’m interested in making a deposit for the November 11- 15, 2023 hunt.
Interested in a peak rut archery hunt if available for one guy
I’m looking to a 2 person peak rut bow hunt in 2024, does the price include all class of bucks or does it only allow for certain classes?
Thanks
Looking for 2 (people) archery hunts in November.
Do yon let people crossbow hunt
Hi John, thanks for reaching out! Yes, we do allow crossbow hunting at the lodge.
I’m interested in this hunt for 2025. Is the price $5,500? Does it include lodging and food?
Hi Joe, thanks for reaching out! Yes, the hunt cost does include lodging and meals. Let us know if you have any other questions. Thank you!
Interested in peak & pre rut hunt for me and my wife, one gun, she’s the only shooter, but need 2 person stands. I need info on hunt stands and lodge accommodations and prices for 2025