Pre Rut or Rut in Illinois?
 

Which is better?I am planning a hunt to heartland Lodge and wanted to know which is best out there.

RE: Pre Rut or Rut in Illinois?
 

For me, that's a tough one. All depends on weather conditions, crop type, crop in/out, etc for that year. That at least has been my experience. Now with that said, I've probably shot most of my deer pre-rut. I'm sure you'll havea good time either way. Enjoy!

RE: Pre Rut or Rut in Illinois?
 

This depends on a few things. How much scouting have they done? Do they have the bedding areas of any big bucks located? Or is it funnel hunting? Both can be good, it depends on how preparred your outfitter is. You'll have to find this out before you make your decision.

RE: Pre Rut or Rut in Illinois?
 

They say on the website that they scout all year.I am waiting for my brochure so i can talk to them in person and see whats what.

RE: Pre Rut or Rut in Illinois?
 

You can't beat the searching phase while funnel hunting in my book. Being from IL I can tell you from experience that Nov.4th - Nov. 10th are awesome if the weather is right. But, I killed my biggest on Nov.19th at 11 amthe day before gun season. My second biggest came on Nov.8th while rattling. Hey man, it's IL.just get out there in Nov. and see what happens. Danscott gave some excellent advice too think about also.

RE: Pre Rut or Rut in Illinois?
 

Sounds great,can't wait:D:Dhave you ever heard of Heartland Lodge before?

RE: Pre Rut or Rut in Illinois?
 

I get their newsletter, looks like an awesome place. I would have to go with the pre-rut on that one. But, like others have said, there are so many factors besides rut, it's hard to say. We saw more bucks this year around the 20-31 of October than other times. I was all pumped up for the first part of Nov, but theweather was squirrelly and we didn't see a ton. I think with any real good preoperty though,you will see deer regardless!

RE: Pre Rut or Rut in Illinois?
 

Any time between Oct 20-25 and the third week of November can be great in Pike County Ill. We have property right near some of Heartlands and you're in the right area. Personally, I think the biggest most mature bucks are most vulnerable during the days when the first few does come into estrus. If you beleive in the rutting moon theory, that should be very late in October this year.

RE: Pre Rut or Rut in Illinois?
 

The huntclubonline.com hunted there 2 yrs in a row was a great place high standards and management practice 140 min on the 8 pts and 150 or better on the 10 pts plus 3 1/2 yrs or greater they would like, and they are there.
I hunted the rut and the pre-rut and in my opinion for what that is worth I found it hard to stop em during the rut seen plenty of deer however and I stay all day PACK A LUNCH it's a great show.as long as it is cool