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RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

I have some experience with one. Eagle Lakes Outfitters. They have a web site Eaglelakesoutfitters.com check them out. I don't know if they have any more room but give them a call.

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

I live in Illinois and people seem to think pike county has P&Y deer behind every tree. Just dont set your standards too high.there are other outfitters in Illinois that have good property. So check other areas as well.

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

Last Time I checked there were 8 outfitters on the Pike County Chamber of Commerce...

http://www.pikeil.org/

rochelle is right, there is a few good deer in Pike county, but its heavily hunted, and packed with outfitters, and not what it used to be. If you end up going to Pike, please fill your antlerless tag(s).

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

I hunted Calhoun County (borders Pike County on the south side) this past year, and my outfitter told me some interesting info, which I don't know to be true. However, he does live there and grew up there, so he should know. He also had some property in Pike, as well as Calhoun, so I don't really think he had any reason to lie about it. He basically said what some of the others said, that Pike was hunted pretty hard. He also said that one of the reasons that Pike county has so many P&Y deer compared to the counties around it in Illinois is because Pike county is about 3 times bigger than the other counties.

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RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

Todd in NY, I have hunted in pike co. for 5 years now, and can tell you that the hunting pressure has gone up there. But, people in that part of illinois(no disrespect meant here)don`t have a clue what hunting pressure really is. Heck, there are farms upon farms that still never get hunted.
And rochelle is correct, there is not a P&Y buck behind every tree, but there sure are a lot of them! You should see some of the video footage I have, and deer on the wall, from pike co. If you are set on going to that neck of the woods, don`t overlook calhoun or adams co., if you can get a good deal there. I don`t use an outfitter when I hunt there, but I have met, or heard about probably all of them that are near pleasant hill,ill. I have heard good things about hadley creek outfitters,and rut & strut. I am sure there are others with good reputations, too, but I have heard good things about these two. Let us know where you end up going, as I am there for three weeks of the season, roughly nov. 1 until the slug season starts, maybe I`ll see you out there. Also, if you want to go out to check some of the outfitters out, I go there to scout 2 or 3 times before season. In fact, I am going out in 3 weeks!
Good Luck!

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

Check out Heartland lodge.They will treat like a King.Not the cheapst.

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

Todd in NY
I hunt Pike county with Big Country and what he said is 100% correct. Especially the part about not overlooking Adams and Calhoun. Cant wait to get out there this month!

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

look at our website www.bbcreekoutfitters.com Contact me if interested

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

Todd in NY, I knew I was forgetting one!
BBcreek, just like brownie65 suggested. I have heard from several guys that went with them. All positive responses!

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

I haven't used this guy but Hadley Creek outfitters comes very highly recommended from a friend of mine who has.

Good luck.

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

Todd' Don't over look Fulton Co. I have hunted it the last 2 years and seen some really nice bucks. I took a 9 point that netted 131 7/8 P&Y in 2000. I also seen 6 other that were to far away for a bow shot that would go between 120 and 180 class. I did go with an outfitter and you would like to email me I'll give you some info on him.

God Bless & Good Hunting
LM/NAHC
Member NRA
Member P&Y CLUB
Member QDMA
Member Ducks Unlimited

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

Check out Pikeland outfitters. www.pikeland.com they are one of the best.

Chris

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

I have heard hadley creek outfitters is good also but talking with the gentleman that runs the outfit he made it sound like they were pretty well booked up for this fall. That was a couple of weeks ago when I was scouting and looking for sheds. Good luck wereever you go.

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

I have heard hadley creek outfitters is good also but talking with the gentleman that runs the outfit he made it sound like they were pretty well booked up for this fall. That was a couple of weeks ago when I was scouting and looking for sheds. Good luck wereever you go.

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

I've been hunting up in Carroll County the last 2 yrs and took a nice 9pt in 2000 and a 10 pt that scored 156 in 2001. Pike is not the only county that has big deer and I would look at those counties that surround Pike such as Adams and Calhoun.

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

hope you've been saving your change cause we're goin to nail ya. Out-of-state tags went way up and the outfitters will cost $1500+.
Heavy pressure and a major deer harvest every year. People think that it's like the gold rush from way back when.
If you all knew how those deer got so big I would hope you that you would not contribute to that kind of business.

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

What is it you're trying to say, Outdoorsmen?

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

Yea outdoorsman. Just how did they get that big.

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

Yes outdoorsman, I do know how they got that big.
1. good genetics
2. excellant habitat
3. no rifle hunting
4. low hunting pressure

By the way, there is only moderate hunting pressure now. And with the big hike in NR fee`s, I think the pressure will go down slightly.
Like a couple others, I am interested in just what you meant by your first post?

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

OUTDOORSMAN: I'd also like to know how deer got so big in such a way as to make them not a desireable target. I sense a little sour grapes here over something. I can't think of any reason that would make not appreciate or pass on a 150 inch buck unless he was in a cage.

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RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

I am going out on a limb here and guess what Outdoorsmen was thinking. My interpretation is because of so many outfitters and farmers leasing land in Pike County, the enforcement of not taking small bucks has allowed more bucks to grow larger. In fact, Pike county deer hunting is a large business. Better for outfitters and area landowners, not good for area residents who hunt. I am not making judgements, just telling my thoughts.

Pike County is not a magical place that grows big bucks by accident, it has grown a reputation because it purposely has been "farmed" for big bucks by the moneymakers who seized an opportunity. Big bucks can be found in many other Ill. counties and are found in many other states as well. Its just a unique venture that blossomed as a result of landowners and outfitters together. Nothing more, nothing less. Many areas could achieve the same results with the same attitudes and entrepreneurship.

Now having said that, I am happy I don't live near those "golden triangle" counties since I am a state resident who hunts. But for those who will travel to that area I wish you all of the success and luck in the world, and may you choose a good outfitter to hunt with.

Edited by - Cougar Mag on 03/05/2002 01:17:24

RE: Pike County, Illinois Whitetail outfitters
 

Todd in NY, $280??? Thats a bargin, its for a doe and a buck tag. Over 300 for just a buck tag in Iowa.