Upland Bird Hunting Lodge
Enjoy upland bird hunting in Illinois at Orvis-endorsed 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, English Pointers and French Brittany’s 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.
An Upland Hunting Tradition
Your stay with us is more than an upland hunt. It’s part of a strong hunting tradition that started back when Heartland’s owner, Gary Harpole, was a child. 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. Read Gary’s Personal Story Here >>
Click the sections below for more information-.
Some of our upland hunters prefer just to pheasant hunt. Our pheasant hunts are the best you will find. 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! Pheasant hunting in South Dakota is mostly done with flushing dogs and blockers. In Illinois, we hunt behind pointing dogs along fence rows, food plots, and prairie grasses. We mow flushing strips, so the wild pheasants are forced to flush or hold for the dogs.
Go to our Pheasant Hunting page for more details.
Some of our upland hunters prefer just to quail hunt. Our quail hunts are the best you will find. Even though all of our fields have both quail and pheasants, some areas hold mostly quail. Wild quail hunting is a tradition that was established over 30 years ago when Heartland’s owner began hunting wild quail as a young boy. You will enjoy watching coveys of quail flush along fence rows, food plots, and prairie grasses. Hunting quail at Heartland is like stepping back in time and hunting “Uncle Lyle’s” farm as you did as a kid.
Go to our Quail Hunting page for more details.
Most of our upland hunters prefer to hunt both pheasant and quail. Our combination quail and pheasant hunts are the best you will find. Hunting pheasants and quail together can be an exciting experience. Each time the dog goes on point, you don’t know if a covey of quail is going to flush or a rooster pheasant. Sometimes you have both quail and pheasants flush!
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 by 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 of wingshooting.
Five-Night, Four-Day Upland Bird Hunting Package – Arrive the day before your hunt between 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Hunt for four days and depart after breakfast on the fifth day.
Four-Night, Three-Day Upland Bird Hunting Package – Arrive the day before your hunt between 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.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 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Hunt for two days and depart after breakfast on the fourth day.
Daily upland bird hunting packages can be arranged.
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.
Your upland 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 luxury suites/lodge buyout options listed below are available for an additional nightly fee.
Sunset Valley Lodge- The Perfect Private Corporate Upland Hunting Lodge.
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.
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.
The Quail Ridge Cabin- Secluded Winsgshooting Cabin with a View.
Quail 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.
You may bring your own dog. The fee is $25 each night if staying in our kennel. Our kennels are outside and are 5’ x 10′. Our guides will not run their dogs with client dogs. We are not responsible for the quality of your hunt when using your own dog. Make sure your dog is in shape and is accustomed to hunting our conditions. (Dogs are not allowed inside the lodges.)
Self-guided upland bird hunts are available from January 1st thru April 10th.
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. (Double Premium Hunts Now Available- Contact for more details.)
Gun Rentals Available
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!
Species Hunted
Fall (September – December) – Focus on Pheasant and Quail
Winter (January – April) – Focus on Pheasant and Chukar
Rooms
All of our hunts are booked double occupancy. Private rooms and luxury suites are available for an additional charge.
Memberships
We have memberships for individuals, families, and businesses. Learn more about becoming a member of our hunt club here.
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. Being open all year allows us to employ full time staff year-round.
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RESERVE NOW| 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 | $3,950 |
| Three night, two day bird hunt | $2,680 |
| Two night, one day bird hunt | $1,390 |
| Daily (no accommodations) | $1,150 |
| Premium Upland Hunts | |
| (No limits Pheasant and Quail) More Birds!! | |
| Four night, three day bird hunt | $4,350 |
| Three night, two day bird hunt | $2,950 |
| Two night, one day bird hunt | $1,550 |
| Daily (no accommodations) | $1,280 |
| 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 | $6,350 |
| Four night, three day bird hunt | $4,800 |
| Three night, two day bird hunt | $3,250 |
| Two night, one day bird hunt | $1,680 |
| Daily (no accommodations) | $1,420 |
| Half-Day (no accommodations) | $725 |
| *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. | |
| Waterfowl / Upland Combo (End of Oct - End of Dec. Call for dates.) | |
| Four night, three day hunt | $4,190 |
| Three night, two day hunt | $2,840 |
| Add $75/Day for Premium Upland Hunt or $150/Day for Double Premium Upland Hunt | |
| *Gun rentals available $95 per day. Must reserve ahead of time. | |
| * Includes guides, dogs, meals, accommodations, game cleaning, & packaging | |
| Canada Goose / Upland Combo (End of Dec. - Jan 31 ) | |
|---|---|
| Two Hunters Minimum: Four night, three day hunt | $3,510/each |
| Two Hunters Minimum: Three night, two day hunt | $2,380/each |
| Two Hunters Minimum: Two night, one day hunt | $1,245/each |
| Two Hunters Minimum: One night, one day hunt | $1,230/each |
| Gun Rentals Available $95 per day. Must reserve ahead of time. | |
| Add $75/Day for Premium Upland Hunt or $150/Day for Double Premium Upland Hunt | |
| * Includes guides, dogs, meals, accommodations, game cleaning, & packaging | |
| Snow Goose / Upland Combo ( Feb. 1st - Mar. 31st ) | |
|---|---|
| Two Hunters Minimum: Four night, three day hunt | $3,510/each |
| Two Hunters Minimum: Three night, two day hunt | $2,380/each |
| Two Hunters Minimum: Two night, one day hunt | $1,245/each |
| Gun Rentals Available $95 per day. Must reserve ahead of time. | |
| SOLO HUNTER DATES 2025 (March 22nd & 23rd, 2025) | |
| Add $75/Day for Premium Upland Hunt or $150/Day for Double Premium Upland Hunt | |
| * Includes guides, dogs, meals, accommodations, game cleaning, & packaging | |
| Waterfowl Only Hunts (End of Oct - End of Dec. Call for dates.) | |
|---|---|
| Three night, three day duck hunt | $2,565 |
| Two night, two day duck hunt | $1,710 |
| * Includes guides, dogs, meals, accommodations, game cleaning, & packaging. Waterfowl hunts end at 11:00. | |
| Snow Goose / Upland Combo ( Feb. 1st - Mar. 31st ) | |
|---|---|
| Two Hunters Minimum: Four night, three day hunt | $3,510/each |
| Two Hunters Minimum: Three night, two day hunt | $2,380/each |
| Two Hunters Minimum: Two night, one day hunt | $1,245/each |
| Gun Rentals Available $95 per day. Must reserve ahead of time. | |
| SOLO HUNTER DATES 2025 (March 22nd & 23rd, 2025) | |
| Add $75/Day for Premium Upland Hunt or $150/Day for Double Premium Upland Hunt | |
| * Includes guides, dogs, meals, accommodations, game cleaning, & packaging | |
| Snow Goose All Day ( Feb 1 - Mar 31 ) | |
|---|---|
| Two Hunters Minimum: Four night, three day hunt | $2,605/each |
| Two Hunters Minimum: Three night, two day hunt | $1,775/each |
| Two Hunters Minimum: Two night, one day hunt | $944/each |
| Combo Snow Goose/Upland is Recommended | |
| Gun Rentals Available $95 per day. Must reserve in advance. | |
| SOLO HUNTER DATES 2025 (March 22nd & 23rd, 2025) | |
| * Includes guides, dogs, meals, accommodations, game cleaning, & packaging | |
Single Hunters: For those that want to come solo please call us for dates. Single hunters will hunt with other single hunters this week.
| Spring Turkey Hunts | |
|---|---|
| Youth Only Season: Two night, two day spring turkey hunt | $1,450 |
| Three night, three day Regular Season Turkey hunt | $2,650 |
| * Includes guides, meals, & accommodations | |
Please call our office at 1-800-717-4868 or e-mail us at info@heartlandlodge.com to book upland bird hunting reservations. Rates starting as low as $295.
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. If cancelling after September 1st (fall hunts) and less than 60 days (winter hunts), your entire deposit will be lost. If someone in your 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.
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).
Transportation
Lambert St. Louis International Airport is the closest major airport. For private planes, Quincy, Jacksonville, and Pittsfield airports are the closest. Visit our directions page for directions for driving to the lodge.
Use the following list as an upland bird hunting checklist when packing for your stay at Heartland Lodge.
- Your gun
- Shells – We recommend 7 1/2’s for upland (Available in our Pro Shop)
- 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
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 rather 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 helps increase hunter success. (This is what Heartland uses.)
Quail Hunting Tips
Increase your chances of flushing a bobwhite quail with a few simple quail hunting tips.
- The best time to hunt a quail is late in the afternoon.
- If possible, hit brushy areas between agricultural plots, especially the edges. These areas provide both shelter and easy access to and from food for the birds.
- If you flush out a covey that you don’t see land, give them a minute or so then hit your quail call to find their new location.
- Be ready to shoot! This is a good rule for all hunting as birds can and will show up anywhere. (But always be safe!)
- Aim and shoot at individual birds, not into coveys. Not only is it more sporting and you are less likely to wound birds, it is more effective in getting birds into your bag.
- If you only flush out a few quail, don’t give up. Coveys don’t always flush together. Instead, move slowly toward the sight of the flush and be ready!
- When quail hunting, always wear hunter orange.
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 cancellation or a change in your travel arrangements.
