RE: What do the outfitters pay to lease prime land?
Farms in Western Illinois go for $15 to $60/acre based upon size, habitat and trophy history.
Last week I offered a guy $6000 for 250 acres and got turned down. I just wanted it for a month or so.
Leases vary greatly. It just depends on what the landowner wants.
I have another big lease that is June 1-May 31.
Leases in southern and northern Illinois are typically cheaper.
Good luck!