I'm looking to take my Dad (75 yrs young) on an out-of-state whitetail hunt.  We've taken a few in our home state of Michigan but would love the chance at a big farm country buck in Kansas or Illinois.  Any trad guys out there have experience with outfitters that provide a fair-chase hunt?  Good or bad experiences?  Thanks.

Are you looking for trophy deer or corn fed meat for the freezer?

Looking for the big racks that the state is known for.  Sure do love the venison that comes with it, though!

ttt

I've heard good things about PikeLand outfitters.  Having said that, have you ever thought about leasing land for a year?  I live in Northern IL and there are opportunities to lease hunting land for a year for less than the cost of a 5-7 day hunt for 2 people.  Granted, maybe there's a higher potential of harvesting a mature deer from managed land through an outfitter.  But if you have the luxury of possibly going to IL more than once throughout the season, this may off set those odds a bit?  I own 33 acres of hard woods (connected to 1000's of acres of woods/farm land)in a Very productive area of Northern IL.  Every year I see a buck in the 170" range.  (I've only shot 1 though !) Pike and Adams counties are a top producer with multiple managed lands/outfitters. Consequently demand is high and so are the prices.  If you can find an outfitter in Northern IL the opportunities of harvesting a mature deer may be close but the cost may be less.  PM me if ya want to talk more in depth.

Randy

Randy-

PM sent.  Thanks,

Don

Has anyone tried "IllinoisTrophy Bowhunters" -an outfitter that hunts some of counties on the West side of the state?

Randy, your answer has made me wonder... i am from Rockford and still have family there. My Uncle and his family were farmers and still own  land. ive never even thought to ask to hunt there, im not even sure if winnebago county is any good for deer...that is my question.. do you know if that area has got a decent deer population?

Jason

P.M. sent

I know of one that should have some huge bucks in it. They lease thousands of acres off Cilco Power company near Canton,Il and they also have other land around Chanderville,IL

Years ago Cilco had so many deer they opened it up to Gun hunting and some monsters came from there. Now this Outfitter bow hunts and gun hunts it for the last 5 to 7 years. I can almost guarantee you would be the only trad. guys though. Not sure you can post names but will PM you if you want to check them out. I saw some singer hunting there on TV a couple years ago.

Jason,

I live just south of Rockford about 25 miles and I can tell you that the deer population in that area is doing well.  I work in Rockford and there is a spot just south of town about 5 miles where I see deer almost every day through the entire season.  I would think it worth your while to contact your famlily.  I usually at least see a 150" every year on the small farm that I hunt on, have yet to connect but I have missed a couple of nice ones over the last few years...

bofish has it right. Ben platner, Timberland outfitters. He has some farms next to some of mine. Ben is a good guy and should have some real good deer on his farms.

ttt

you might look at Coppers Creek Outfitters. Just south of the Quad Cities. Big Deer.