Anybody hunted at the Heartland Lodge in Pike County?  I am scheduled to hunt there in October and am nervous about how I will be treated for hunting with traditional gear.

After you get off the rack your draw length will be 2-3" longer. Hap

S&S, two thots -- I trust this isn't a high-fence operation? "Lodge" puts up red (as opposed to red-white-and-blue) flags. Assuming the best, I say to heck with nervousness. As Ed Abbey said: Never apologize, never explain. As with bullies back in school, those who give the hardest time to others are those who are most insecure. And depending on the culture of the Lodge, you might be happily surprised at being the hero there, with the training-wheelers far more curious and (secretly at least) envious than ornery. When younger, I guided for a great CO elk outfitter who was and is a trad bowhunter. During archery season he always tried to segregate camps of trads and wheelers, when possible. Most often "we" outnumbered "them."

But why not spend the Lodge fee money to go somewhere that you can camp and hunt free, on your own, with or without company of your own selection? The worst thing about an outfitted hunt, no matter where and what, is that we pay hard-earned money to be shut in with ... who knows what kind of people? Best luck, dave

S&S,
If I were you I would call and ask.Trad is growing in Illinois and I would expect you will be treated well.
Never hunted in that part of the state but there are some monsters killed every year over there.
Have fun

Scott

S&S,
 I have never hunted with Heartland, but live about 4 miles from the lodge and know the people that own it and work there.  I would not expect you to have any problems at all.  You should see plenty of deer and have good property to hunt.  IT IS NOT A HIGH FENCE OPERATION.  Heartland leases ground from local farmers.  If you have any questions about Pike Co. or anything prior to your hunt, give them a call.  If I can help in any way, let me know.

Ron

I just fell into this trip, I have never been on a trip to deer hunt before and didn't know what to expect.  They seem to be a very honest place by what I have read on their website. I appreciate y'alls input.

Go get 'em!

The last thing Heartland could be called high fence. They seem so be straight up.

You will be treated with the upmost respect. If you hunt hard you will also see plenty of deer. Good Luck and let us know what happens. They are first class in every way.

Thanks again!

I hunted there about 9 years ago. It is a great place, beautiful lodge, just pure farmland hunting(NO FENCES!). I enjoyed myself and was welcomed by all. No problem shooting traditional equipment.
 

Heartland Lodge is a good place and I have some friends that hunt there.  No problem with trad, just make sure to let them know ahead of time so they will have stands set for you as the norm is to put them very high which is not always the best when shooting trad equipment.  Good luck!  Mark

Thanks Mark, how was bowfishing this year? I didn't make it to any tounaments cause my partner had a new baby.