PIKELAND OUTFITTERS - Bowhunting for Trophy Whitetails in Pike County Illinois

Here are our most frequently asked questions. If you don't see your question here, please email or call and we will be happy to answer any other concerns.

How much is the license? Where/how do I get them? What does it cover?

What about shooting does?

What if I accidently kill a button buck?

What is the minimum on bucks?

Do you have bedding and towels or do we have to supply them?

When do we arrive? When do we leave?

I have a doctor's slip to use a crossbow in my state? What do I need in Illinois?

What kind of terrain or locations do we hunt?

How many hunters are in camp at one time?

I have special dietary needs. Can you accomodate me?

What kind of stands do you hunt out of?

I see your typical day listed in your web site and brochure. It shows us coming in for lunch. Can we hunt all day if we like?

Can we still hunt?

Are there any other "hidden" costs that we need to know about?

Do you offer muzzleloader or rifle hunts?

What is your success ratio?

When is the rut in full swing?

I want to book a hunt two years from now? How do you handle that?

Does your brochure contain any information that is NOT in your web site?

What open dates do you have for this coming fall?

Will you send a map of how to get to the lodge?

What airports are close to you?

What is Illinois DNR's web site address?

Q:    How much is the license? Where/how do I get them? What does it cover?

A:    The license is your responsibility and is NOT included in the price of the hunt. We cannot offer licenses at the lodge anymore because of state law changes. Our state outfitter permit number is DT1000122.

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Q:    What about shooting does?

A:    We encourage hunters to shoot does. Everyone that shoots a doe enters a drawing for a FREE late-season hunt the following year. Details are posted in the lodge.

Back to top

Q:    What if I accidently kill a button buck?

A:    There is really little reason to "accidently" kill a button buck. We explain what to look for before you start hunting, to minimize this problem. In an effort to improve our management efforts, any button buck shot will result in a $25 fine.
Back to top

Q:    What is the minimum on bucks?

A:    16" inside spread and 8 points or better. All we care about is that it is a MATURE buck. 3 1/2 yr. old or older. If it is a big heavy 6 point and a mature deer, we are happy. We just don't want the 1 1/2 yr. old basket rack or "pencil rack." By the time you see the racks in the lodge and look at pictures and visit with us the day before the hunt, you should know what we are looking for, and what there are plenty of, for you to shoot.
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Q:    Do you have bedding and towels or do we have to supply them?

A:    Everything is supplied as far as bedding, pillows, towels, wash cloths. All you need is shampoo, toothbrush, shaving kit, etc.--personal stuff... There is a Walmart in town if you need anything else. If you fly, you can bring as many bags as you like, it's just the extra ones that cost. If you like, you can UPS us some things directly to the lodge. They'll be waiting for you when you arrive. There is probably a box of something that you don't need for a week before you come. Let us know, we are happy to help out with anything we can.
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Q:    When do we arrive? When do we leave?

A:    We normally run our hunts Sunday through Thursday. Arrive on Saturday and leave on Friday. We only advertise 5 day hunts; however, we do have some daily rates as well (normally early or late-season only.) Our non-hunter rate is $40/day. There are three major cities 50, 70 and 100 miles away for shopping. Also, just across the river in Missouri is Hannibal, home of Mark Twain and Huck Finn.
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Q:    I have a doctor's slip to use a crossbow in my state? What do I need in Illinois?

A:    You will need to fill out an application for Illinois as well. We have more information or you can email or call the state for one.
Back to top

Q:    What kind of terrain or locations do we hunt?

A:    We have a wide variety of habitat in which we hunt. We have creek bottoms, creek bluffs, oak timbers, hickory timbers, brushy draws and hollows, agricultural fields, etc. The terrain is rolling. We are 15-20 miles from the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. We hunt a lot of funnels and trail intersections.
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Q:    How many hunters are in camp at one time?

A:    We are taking up to 12 hunters per week.
Back to top

Q:    I have special dietary needs. Can you accomodate me?

A:    We have some great cooks and you won't ever go away hungry. If you need a special diet, we are more than happy to work with you. Just let us know at least a week in advance.
Back to top

Q:    What kind of stands do you hunt out of?

A:   We use API Baby Grands for our fixed position stands and Gland Slam Supremes, Magnums, Bowhunters, and Shooting Stars for our climbers. We hang our stands at 16-20 feet or higher. If you have a problem with heights, let the guide know and he will put you in a lower location.
Back to top

Q:    I see your typical day listed in your web site and brochure. It shows us coming in for lunch. Can we hunt all day if we like?

A:    It's your hunt and we try to work it the way you want to. If you want to hunt all day, you are more than encouraged to do so. We will take care of you. We will provide you with a sack lunch and arrange for a meeting place and/or signals if you kill something or decide you want to come in.
Back to top

Q:    Can we still hunt?

A:    It is all treestand hunting (or ground blind for those who can't climb.) No still hunting or walking around. We know how to hunt these big deer. We've been doing it all our lives. If you listen to the guide and sit still and stay quiet, you will most likely have an opportunity.
Back to top

Q:    Are there any other "hidden" costs that we need to know about?

A:    Not really. License, shipping, taxidemy, and meat processing are your responsibility. It will vary depending on what you want done, but should be about the same as your local area. There really are no hidden surprise costs. The license is the only other cost you will have until you kill an animal. Then it's just processing costs.
Back to top

Q:    Do you offer muzzleloader or rifle hunts?

A:    We are now offering very limited shotgun and muzzleloader hunts. Contact us for details. Illinois doesn't have rifle hunts, only shotgun and muzzleloader. We do have some fantastic bowhunting though!
Back to top

Q:    What is your success ratio?

A:    Our success ratio last three years: Approximately 50% of our hunters had a shot at or killed a minimum buck. Our good average deer will score around 140. We have several very large bucks (150-160 plus!) that were not taken this year. 90% of the bucks on the video are still walking around our property. We have 75% repeat business this year.
Back to top

Q:    When is the rut in full swing?

A:    The first three weeks of November normally. Of course, it depends on the weather. A nice sharp cold snap that time of year....watch out!!!
Back to top

Q:    I want to book a hunt two years from now? How do you handle that?

A:    We request 30% down for a deposit on our waiting list. The way the waiting list works:
The customers that hunt with us, hunt Sunday thru Thursday. They leave Friday morning. They have until the following Friday to rebook for the following year in the same week or any open spot prior to that week. After that Friday goes by, people with money down on our waiting list get first shots and then everyone else. We normally are able to accomodate you to a spot in one of the three weeks if it's just one or two guys. If you are dead set on a particular week, it's just taking your chance. We feel this is the only fair way to handle re-bookings for our current customers and still allow new customers the chance to get in the door. Our rut hunts and the week prior are VERY popular. After the rut is great too. We don't gun hunt our land, so the gun season doesn't have much effect on the bucks, which makes later season is good too.
Back to top

Q:    Does your brochure contain any information that is NOT in your web site?

A:    Absolutely NONE! We have a very nice brochure, but our web site contains MUCH more information, including everything in our brochure. There is even a reservation card that you can print out at www.pikeland.com/hunt_reservation_form.htm. It is so much easier and more economical to keep our web page up to date. Share us with your friends!
Back to top

Q:    What open dates do you have for this coming fall?

A:    Check out our calendar at www.pikeland.com/calendar.html
Back to top

Q:    Will you send a map of how to get to the lodge?

A:    Yes, about 60 days before your hunt, you will get a packet that has rules from Illinois' DNR, things you might want to bring, an invoice for any outstanding balance, and a map of how to get to the lodge. If you need one on short notice, here's one...Map of Pittsfield. An atlas will help you find Pittsfield in Pike County, between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers about 100 miles north of St. Louis, Missouri. You should use a fairly new atlas, so that the new interstate highway (I 72 (old US 36)) will show up. It will get you to us quickly and easily.
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Q:    What airports are close to you?

A:    If you are flying in and need a ride from the airport, please notify us as soon as possible with your flying itinerary. Make sure you include flight numbers and times of arrival and departure. The closest major airport is St. Louis. There are smaller airports at Quincy, Springfield and Pittsfield.
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Q:    What is Illinois DNR's web site address?

A:    http://www.dnr.illinois.gov Illinois has a great site. Check it out.
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Feel free to give us a call if you have any other questions after
looking thru this information.
Thanks again for your interest and we look forward to hunting with you.

Hurry, reserve your spot today!!! Space is limited!!!
For a reservation form, click here.
For a brochure, please e-mail your name and address to:
hunt@pikeland.com


	Home		Here are our most frequently asked questions. If you don't see your question here, please email or call and we will be happy to answer any other concerns. How much is the license? Where/how do I get them? What does it cover? What about shooting does? What if I accidently kill a button buck? What is the minimum on bucks? Do you have bedding and towels or do we have to supply them? When do we arrive? When do we leave? I have a doctor's slip to use a crossbow in my state? What do I need in Illinois? What kind of terrain or locations do we hunt? How many hunters are in camp at one time? I have special dietary needs. Can you accomodate me? What kind of stands do you hunt out of? I see your typical day listed in your web site and brochure. It shows us coming in for lunch. Can we hunt all day if we like? Can we still hunt? Are there any other "hidden" costs that we need to know about? Do you offer muzzleloader or rifle hunts? What is your success ratio? When is the rut in full swing? I want to book a hunt two years from now? How do you handle that? Does your brochure contain any information that is NOT in your web site? What open dates do you have for this coming fall? Will you send a map of how to get to the lodge? What airports are close to you? What is Illinois DNR's web site address? Q: How much is the license? Where/how do I get them? What does it cover? A: The license is your responsibility and is NOT included in the price of the hunt. We cannot offer licenses at the lodge anymore because of state law changes. Our state outfitter permit number is DT1000122. Back to top Q: What about shooting does? A: We encourage hunters to shoot does. Everyone that shoots a doe enters a drawing for a FREE late-season hunt the following year. Details are posted in the lodge. Back to top Q: What if I accidently kill a button buck? A: There is really little reason to "accidently" kill a button buck. We explain what to look for before you start hunting, to minimize this problem. In an effort to improve our management efforts, any button buck shot will result in a $25 fine. Back to top Q: What is the minimum on bucks? A: 16" inside spread and 8 points or better. All we care about is that it is a MATURE buck. 3 1/2 yr. old or older. If it is a big heavy 6 point and a mature deer, we are happy. We just don't want the 1 1/2 yr. old basket rack or "pencil rack." By the time you see the racks in the lodge and look at pictures and visit with us the day before the hunt, you should know what we are looking for, and what there are plenty of, for you to shoot. Back to top Q: Do you have bedding and towels or do we have to supply them? A: Everything is supplied as far as bedding, pillows, towels, wash cloths. All you need is shampoo, toothbrush, shaving kit, etc.--personal stuff... There is a Walmart in town if you need anything else. If you fly, you can bring as many bags as you like, it's just the extra ones that cost. If you like, you can UPS us some things directly to the lodge. They'll be waiting for you when you arrive. There is probably a box of something that you don't need for a week before you come. Let us know, we are happy to help out with anything we can. Back to top Q: When do we arrive? When do we leave? A: We normally run our hunts Sunday through Thursday. Arrive on Saturday and leave on Friday. We only advertise 5 day hunts; however, we do have some daily rates as well (normally early or late-season only.) Our non-hunter rate is $40/day. There are three major cities 50, 70 and 100 miles away for shopping. Also, just across the river in Missouri is Hannibal, home of Mark Twain and Huck Finn. Back to top Q: I have a doctor's slip to use a crossbow in my state? What do I need in Illinois? A: You will need to fill out an application for Illinois as well. We have more information or you can email or call the state for one. Back to top Q: What kind of terrain or locations do we hunt? A: We have a wide variety of habitat in which we hunt. We have creek bottoms, creek bluffs, oak timbers, hickory timbers, brushy draws and hollows, agricultural fields, etc. The terrain is rolling. We are 15-20 miles from the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. We hunt a lot of funnels and trail intersections. Back to top Q: How many hunters are in camp at one time? A: We are taking up to 12 hunters per week. Back to top Q: I have special dietary needs. Can you accomodate me? A: We have some great cooks and you won't ever go away hungry. If you need a special diet, we are more than happy to work with you. Just let us know at least a week in advance. Back to top Q: What kind of stands do you hunt out of? A: We use API Baby Grands for our fixed position stands and Gland Slam Supremes, Magnums, Bowhunters, and Shooting Stars for our climbers. We hang our stands at 16-20 feet or higher. If you have a problem with heights, let the guide know and he will put you in a lower location. Back to top Q: I see your typical day listed in your web site and brochure. It shows us coming in for lunch. Can we hunt all day if we like? A: It's your hunt and we try to work it the way you want to. If you want to hunt all day, you are more than encouraged to do so. We will take care of you. We will provide you with a sack lunch and arrange for a meeting place and/or signals if you kill something or decide you want to come in. Back to top Q: Can we still hunt? A: It is all treestand hunting (or ground blind for those who can't climb.) No still hunting or walking around. We know how to hunt these big deer. We've been doing it all our lives. If you listen to the guide and sit still and stay quiet, you will most likely have an opportunity. Back to top Q: Are there any other "hidden" costs that we need to know about? A: Not really. License, shipping, taxidemy, and meat processing are your responsibility. It will vary depending on what you want done, but should be about the same as your local area. There really are no hidden surprise costs. The license is the only other cost you will have until you kill an animal. Then it's just processing costs. Back to top Q: Do you offer muzzleloader or rifle hunts? A: We are now offering very limited shotgun and muzzleloader hunts. Contact us for details. Illinois doesn't have rifle hunts, only shotgun and muzzleloader. We do have some fantastic bowhunting though! Back to top Q: What is your success ratio? A: Our success ratio last three years: Approximately 50% of our hunters had a shot at or killed a minimum buck. Our good average deer will score around 140. We have several very large bucks (150-160 plus!) that were not taken this year. 90% of the bucks on the video are still walking around our property. We have 75% repeat business this year. Back to top Q: When is the rut in full swing? A: The first three weeks of November normally. Of course, it depends on the weather. A nice sharp cold snap that time of year....watch out!!! Back to top Q: I want to book a hunt two years from now? How do you handle that? A: We request 30% down for a deposit on our waiting list. The way the waiting list works: The customers that hunt with us, hunt Sunday thru Thursday. They leave Friday morning. They have until the following Friday to rebook for the following year in the same week or any open spot prior to that week. After that Friday goes by, people with money down on our waiting list get first shots and then everyone else. We normally are able to accomodate you to a spot in one of the three weeks if it's just one or two guys. If you are dead set on a particular week, it's just taking your chance. We feel this is the only fair way to handle re-bookings for our current customers and still allow new customers the chance to get in the door. Our rut hunts and the week prior are VERY popular. After the rut is great too. We don't gun hunt our land, so the gun season doesn't have much effect on the bucks, which makes later season is good too. Back to top Q: Does your brochure contain any information that is NOT in your web site? A: Absolutely NONE! We have a very nice brochure, but our web site contains MUCH more information, including everything in our brochure. There is even a reservation card that you can print out at www.pikeland.com/hunt_reservation_form.htm. It is so much easier and more economical to keep our web page up to date. Share us with your friends! Back to top Q: What open dates do you have for this coming fall? A: Check out our calendar at www.pikeland.com/calendar.html Back to top Q: Will you send a map of how to get to the lodge? A: Yes, about 60 days before your hunt, you will get a packet that has rules from Illinois' DNR, things you might want to bring, an invoice for any outstanding balance, and a map of how to get to the lodge. If you need one on short notice, here's one...Map of Pittsfield. An atlas will help you find Pittsfield in Pike County, between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers about 100 miles north of St. Louis, Missouri. You should use a fairly new atlas, so that the new interstate highway (I 72 (old US 36)) will show up. It will get you to us quickly and easily. Back to top Q: What airports are close to you? A: If you are flying in and need a ride from the airport, please notify us as soon as possible with your flying itinerary. Make sure you include flight numbers and times of arrival and departure. The closest major airport is St. Louis. There are smaller airports at Quincy, Springfield and Pittsfield. Back to top Q: What is Illinois DNR's web site address? A: http://www.dnr.illinois.gov Illinois has a great site. Check it out. Back to top Feel free to give us a call if you have any other questions after looking thru this information. Thanks again for your interest and we look forward to hunting with you. *Hurry, reserve your spot today!!! Space is limited!!!* For a reservation form, click here. For a brochure, please e-mail your name and address to: hunt@pikeland.com
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