Tis’ the season! We’re entering into one of the best times of the upland hunting season here at the lodge… the Late Season. This is when we see our Northern upland hunting brothers and sisters flee the chill and deep snow of the North and arrive in Pike County, Illinois for yet another great pheasant hunt before the shotguns are put away for the year.
Late Season Upland Hunts- It’s worth the drive!
If you shoveled snow this morning instead of heading out the door to hunt pheasants or quail, we think you should probably load up the truck and head South but stop well short of the coast. Here are five reasons why:
Because there’s this wonderful place called “Georgia” full of Bobwhite quail, BUT it is 20 hours away. The best upland hunting in the Midwest is found right here in West-Central Illinois. An abundance of native prairie grasses mixed with fields of milo present the ideal habitat for late winter and early spring upland bird hunting. Our upland fields hold plenty of pheasants and quail this time of year as we manage several of our farms specifically for our late season upland hunts. We offer an exciting mixed bag of hard flying bobwhite quail and pheasants, and we are only 5 hours down the road from Minnesota, Wisconsin or Michigan. Here at Harpole’s Heartland Lodge, we offer our exciting and challenging upland hunts through the middle of April!
The only blizzards here are at the Dairy Queen. The average temperature during February and March in Pike County, Illinois normal sees highs between 42-52 degrees with the lows hitting between 23-32 degrees. And maybe more importantly is the fact that on average only 5 days of rain per month during this time of the year.
Don’t shove all your hunting clothes to the back of the closet for the next 7 months just yet! Here are a couple of packing tips for hunting upland birds during the late winter months. Too many pheasant hunters bundle up in heavy clothes, then overheat after an hour of chasing the birds. You want to feel a little chilly while you’re standing by the truck getting ready; you’ll warm up soon enough. Pheasant hunting rarely requires heavy boots or brush pants in Central Illinois. It may be better to wear something lightweight and easy to move around in. Wear several lighter, thinner layers up top, rather than a heavy coat so you can shed layers as needed in the upland fields.
And there’s another wonderful place called “New Orleans.” Can you say, Mardi Gras, cher? Here at the Lodge, you can enjoy the “party” without the out all the people. Heartland Lodge is a 5-star Illinois Bed & Breakfast and Resort. Couples in search of an unforgettable experience will find themselves indulging in some of the many relaxing activities available at our upland hunting lodge.
All your neighbors are heading down to enjoy the late winter upland hunt, and you don’t want to be the only one freezing while they’re sleeping in, lounging by the fireplace with a hot cup of coffee, and enjoying three homecooked gourmet meals at the lodge.
If your hunting club is hard to get into, covered with snow or closed this time of the year, we encourage you to make the short trip down and check out what Illinois upland bird hunting is all about!
Advantages of Late Season Upland Bird Hunting in Illinois
No bugs!! I’m assuming most of our Northern friends know a thing or two about mosquitoes, black flies and midges. Don’t worry, they do not make their appearance here until later in April and May -no snakes either!
Comfortable hunting conditions- the guides and the dogs at the lodge enjoy hunting the colder weather during the late season. You do not have to worry about dogs overheating and the guides can wear their favorite pair of pants and jackets without overheating as well!
Upland birds during this time frame are typically congregated around quality cover and food sources. Finding pockets of several pheasants or coveys of quail makes for an exciting hunt!
Late Winter Pheasant Hunting Tips
Many people believe pheasants linger on the roost on freezing cold winter days. Don’t waste a lot of time getting up early on subzero mornings trying to find sleepy pheasants still on the roost. In fact, when it’s freezing cold and days are short, pheasants head for the fields at first light to load up on high-energy grain, so hunting their bedroom on a bitterly cold morning is a waste of time. A nasty, windy, wet morning is a different story: Hunt the roost early when it’s spitting and blowing, and you may well catch pheasants reluctant to leave their warm, weedy roosts.
The birds can become educated this time of the year. It is important to remember a few tips that will make your trip more successful:
1) Don’t slam doors or be loud in the parking area.
2) Leave the bells at home. Most of the time, late-season cover is normally a little light making it easier to see the dogs.
3) Open chokes. I have heard so many times… tighten up for the late season. I don’t agree with this. I find birds holding tight and the dogs able to pin them down easier this time of the year. Most shots are 15-20 yards.
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. 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.
Bringing Your Own Dog
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.
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
$2,730
Two night, two day duck hunt
$1,820
* Includes guides, dogs, meals, accommodations, game cleaning, & packaging. Waterfowl hunts end at 11:00.
Enter To Win A FREE Pheasant/ Quail Hunting Package For TWO!
Upland Hunt Giveaway!
Enter your Name and E-Mail below to automatically be entered into our Upland Hunt Giveaway for TWO hunters!! A $5,000 value! New winners are selected every year! Get up to date upland hunting reports & special promotional hunts!
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.)