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Top Species to Hunt in Illinois

Looking for your next hunt? These are the most hunted animals in the state.

About Our Hunts in Illinois

Intro to the state—landscapes, strategies, costs, and comforts.

Summary

Illinois offers a diverse and thriving hunting environment, attracting outdoor enthusiasts with its abundant wildlife and varied landscapes. Renowned for its rich populations of white-tailed deer, waterfowl, and wild turkey, hunters can experience both guided and self-directed hunts across the state's fertile fields, river valleys, and dense woodlands. The region's extensive network of state parks and wildlife areas provides excellent opportunities for both novice and seasoned hunters. With its strategic blend of agricultural land and marshes, Illinois is particularly famous for its exceptional migratory bird hunting during the fall and winter months. Whether pursuing the elusive whitetail or basking in the thrill of an early morning duck hunt, Illinois stands out as a premier destination for hunting enthusiasts seeking adventure and connection with nature.
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Prominent Land Features

In west-central Illinois’s “Golden Triangle,” hunters traverse a mosaic of gently rolling agricultural fields, strategically planted food plots, and well-timbered hardwood ridges carved by creek and river bottomlands. Properties are managed under a Quality Deer Management plan with low hunter density and periodic doe reductions to maintain a healthy buck-to-doe ratio. Free-range tracts span open cropland edges into pockets of oak-hickory and mixed hardwood timber, offering both wide-open sightlines and secluded cover. Trail cameras and thoughtfully placed elevated stands and blinds take advantage of natural funnels and travel corridors, making this region one of the premier whitetail landscapes in the Midwest.
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Amenities

West-central Illinois whitetail hunts center on full-service, climate-controlled lodges that serve as comfortable home bases. Accommodations feature private rooms with standard beds, ensuring a restful sleep between outings. Each lodge is equipped with modern heating and air-conditioning for year-round comfort. With low hunter density and expert guidance into managed fields and timbered ridges, these packages combine professional support with reliable, lodge-style amenities for both novice and seasoned hunters alike.
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Featured Hunts in Illinois

We think these three hunts should be at the top of your list: 

Illinois FAQs

What you need to know before you book:

What makes hunting in Illinois unique?
Are there specific regions of Illinois known for better hunting?
Are hunts in Illinois typically more physical or accessible?

Explore Our Illinois Hunts

Filter, sort, and find the perfect hunt tailored to your style.

Armadillo
Opossum
Wildebeest
Redhead
Ring-Necked Duck
Shoveler (Spoonbill)
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Red-Breasted Merganser
Common Merganser
Long-Tailed Duck
Goldeneye
Bluebill (Lesser Scoup)
Mergansers
White-Winged Scoter
Surf Scoter
Black Scoter
Common Eider
Black Duck
Wigeon
Pintail
Band-Tailed Pigeon
Sooty Grouse
Wild Bovine
Land Otter
Columbia Black-Tailed Deer
Columbia White-Tailed Deer
Sitka Black-Tailed Deer
White-Winged Dove
Snow Goose
Eurasian Collard Dove
Canada Goose
Cinnamon Teal
Green-Winged Teal
Blue-Winged Teal
Wood Duck
Teal
Gadwall
Mallard
Sandhill Crane
Alaska Moose
Barren-Ground Caribou
Wolverine
Specklebelly (White-Fronted) Goose
Western Moose
Eastern Moose
Grey Fox
Python
Waterbuck
Sika
Pere David
Nilgai
Fallow Deer
Barasingha
Snipe
Chukar Partridge
Grey Partridge (Hungarian Partridge)
Red Stag
Blackbuck Antelope
Frog
Iguana
Raccoon
Alligator
Rock Squirrel
Western Grey Squirrel
Fox Squirrel
Eastern Grey Squirrel
California Bighorn Sheep
Roosevelt Elk
Tule Elk
Axis Deer
Sambar Deer
Exotic Sheep & Goats
Four-Horned Sheep
Water Buffalo
Russian Boar
Sharp-Tailed Grouse
White-Winged Quail
Montezuma Quail
Scaled Quail
Gambel's Quail
Mountain Quail
California Quail
Woodcock
Ruffed Grouse
Bobcat
Ibex
Aoudad
Javelina
Coues Deer
Bobwhite Quail
Greater Prairie Chicken
Oryx
Stone Sheep
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
California Ground Squirrel
Red Fox
Eastern Wild Turkey
Osceola Wild Turkey
Rio Grande Wild Turkey
Unspecified
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Western Illinois Free Range Whitetail Hunt - Archery Early Season
The acres your hunt will take place on are very strictly managed. South Fork hunters are required to harvest at minimum 140 inch, 3 ½ year old bucks. Having these practices in place for years has only made a good thing that much better. In addition to the doe’s that our hunters harvest, we take heard surveys that enable us to go through late season and remove doe’s in highly populated areas. As a whole – the areas you will be hunting have an excellent doe-to-buck ratio (2 or 3-to-1). Hunter to acre ratio is also very important. Low pressure is a huge part of harvesting mid-west whitetail deer. Here at South Fork, we keep ample ground for the numbers of hunters we run, with some farms not being hunted for entire seasons. This is all to ensure South Fork ground will remain the best of the best. We take stand location very seriously. This is crucial when getting close to giant Illinois bruisers. The wind and thermals are taken into consideration on every set. The stand set ups are for stealth entry and exits. Stand location is one of the biggest keys to a successful hunt- second only to having a piece of great managed whitetail ground. All stands are set by South Fork Guides that have years of experience and the bucks to prove it! The rule of thumb we live by is “if we wouldn’t hunt it, we won’t hang it!” We are as excited to get you into the stand that we hung, as you are to be in it. It’s like we are hunting with you. Our sets consist of hang–on’s with climbing sticks (20′-25′); ladder stands (16′-20′); shooting houses (7′-10′); and assorted ground blinds. We utilize over 70+ Shadowhunter Blinds to provide our gun hunters with a comfortable and solid shooting setup. We put you up close and personal, it’s just a matter of time before a big shooter reveals himself. All hunts are completely free range with no high fences in the “Golden Triangle” of Illinois- Pike, Adams, and Hancock counties. All South Fork properties provide the benefits of a long-standing Quality Deer Management Plan and uphold a Pope & Young deer scoring minimum of 140 inches or better. Trail cameras cover almost every property for the majority of the growing season giving you the chance to see a potential trophy before stepping foot in the woods. Field dressing services and deer transportation are provided by our guides if desired. Our guides will assist in meat & trophy care and preparation for shipping
Illinois
White-Tailed Deer
3500
South Fork Outfitting
Fair Chase
Private
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Good Cell Service
3500
Illinois, 2-Buck Hunt, Archery + Rifle, November, 7 & 1/2 Days
We specialize in providing our hunters with a premium whitetail hunting experience. Every tree stand and blind is placed with the utmost focus on getting you that opportunity to harvest your trophy Whitetail. Deer hunting is a passion like none other and it is our duty as outfitter to get you in the middle of the action. Hunts are fully guided. 140" minimum.
Illinois
White-Tailed Deer
6500
Xtreme Hunts
Fair Chase
Private
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Good Cell Service
6500
Western Illinois Free Range Whitetail Hunt - Archery Late Season
The acres your hunt will take place on are very strictly managed. South Fork hunters are required to harvest at minimum 140 inch, 3 ½ year old bucks. Having these practices in place for years has only made a good thing that much better. In addition to the doe’s that our hunters harvest, we take heard surveys that enable us to go through late season and remove doe’s in highly populated areas. As a whole – the areas you will be hunting have an excellent doe-to-buck ratio (2 or 3-to-1). Hunter to acre ratio is also very important. Low pressure is a huge part of harvesting mid-west whitetail deer. Here at South Fork, we keep ample ground for the numbers of hunters we run, with some farms not being hunted for entire seasons. This is all to ensure South Fork ground will remain the best of the best. We take stand location very seriously. This is crucial when getting close to giant Illinois bruisers. The wind and thermals are taken into consideration on every set. The stand set ups are for stealth entry and exits. Stand location is one of the biggest keys to a successful hunt- second only to having a piece of great managed whitetail ground. All stands are set by South Fork Guides that have years of experience and the bucks to prove it! The rule of thumb we live by is “if we wouldn’t hunt it, we won’t hang it!” We are as excited to get you into the stand that we hung, as you are to be in it. It’s like we are hunting with you. Our sets consist of hang–on’s with climbing sticks (20′-25′); ladder stands (16′-20′); shooting houses (7′-10′); and assorted ground blinds. We utilize over 70+ Shadowhunter Blinds to provide our gun hunters with a comfortable and solid shooting setup. We put you up close and personal, it’s just a matter of time before a big shooter reveals himself. All hunts are completely free range with no high fences in the “Golden Triangle” of Illinois- Pike, Adams, and Hancock counties. All South Fork properties provide the benefits of a long-standing Quality Deer Management Plan and uphold a Pope & Young deer scoring minimum of 140 inches or better. Trail cameras cover almost every property for the majority of the growing season giving you the chance to see a potential trophy before stepping foot in the woods. Field dressing services and deer transportation are provided by our guides if desired. Our guides will assist in meat & trophy care and preparation for shipping
Illinois
White-Tailed Deer
3500
South Fork Outfitting
Fair Chase
Private
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Good Cell Service
3500
Western Illinois Free Range Whitetail Hunt - Archery Pre-Rut/Rut
The acres your hunt will take place on are very strictly managed. South Fork hunters are required to harvest at minimum 140 inch, 3 ½ year old bucks. Having these practices in place for years has only made a good thing that much better. In addition to the doe’s that our hunters harvest, we take heard surveys that enable us to go through late season and remove doe’s in highly populated areas. As a whole – the areas you will be hunting have an excellent doe-to-buck ratio (2 or 3-to-1). Hunter to acre ratio is also very important. Low pressure is a huge part of harvesting mid-west whitetail deer. Here at South Fork, we keep ample ground for the numbers of hunters we run, with some farms not being hunted for entire seasons. This is all to ensure South Fork ground will remain the best of the best. We take stand location very seriously. This is crucial when getting close to giant Illinois bruisers. The wind and thermals are taken into consideration on every set. The stand set ups are for stealth entry and exits. Stand location is one of the biggest keys to a successful hunt- second only to having a piece of great managed whitetail ground. All stands are set by South Fork Guides that have years of experience and the bucks to prove it! The rule of thumb we live by is “if we wouldn’t hunt it, we won’t hang it!” We are as excited to get you into the stand that we hung, as you are to be in it. It’s like we are hunting with you. Our sets consist of hang–on’s with climbing sticks (20′-25′); ladder stands (16′-20′); shooting houses (7′-10′); and assorted ground blinds. We utilize over 70+ Shadowhunter Blinds to provide our gun hunters with a comfortable and solid shooting setup. We put you up close and personal, it’s just a matter of time before a big shooter reveals himself. All hunts are completely free range with no high fences in the “Golden Triangle” of Illinois- Pike, Adams, and Hancock counties. All South Fork properties provide the benefits of a long-standing Quality Deer Management Plan and uphold a Pope & Young deer scoring minimum of 140 inches or better. Trail cameras cover almost every property for the majority of the growing season giving you the chance to see a potential trophy before stepping foot in the woods. Field dressing services and deer transportation are provided by our guides if desired. Our guides will assist in meat & trophy care and preparation for shipping
Illinois
White-Tailed Deer
4500
South Fork Outfitting
Fair Chase
Private
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Good Cell Service
4500
Illinois Food Plot Archery Hunt, 5-Day, All Inclusive: October
We specialize in providing our hunters with a premium whitetail hunting experience. Every tree stand and blind is placed with the utmost focus on getting you that opportunity to harvest your trophy Whitetail. Deer hunting is a passion like none other and it is our duty as outfitter to get you in the middle of the action. Hunts are fully guided. 140" minimum.
Illinois
White-Tailed Deer
3050
Xtreme Hunts
Fair Chase
Private
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Good Cell Service
3050
Illinois Pre-Rut & Rut Archery Hunt, 5-Day, All Inclusive: Late October - Nov
We specialize in providing our hunters with a premium whitetail hunting experience. Every tree stand and blind is placed with the utmost focus on getting you that opportunity to harvest your trophy Whitetail. Deer hunting is a passion like none other and it is our duty as outfitter to get you in the middle of the action. Hunts are fully guided. 140" minimum.
Illinois
White-Tailed Deer
3750
Xtreme Hunts
Fair Chase
Private
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Good Cell Service
3750
Illinois, Late Muzzleloader Season, 3-Day
We specialize in providing our hunters with a premium whitetail hunting experience. Every tree stand and blind is placed with the utmost focus on getting you that opportunity to harvest your trophy Whitetail. Deer hunting is a passion like none other and it is our duty as outfitter to get you in the middle of the action. Hunts are fully guided. 140" minimum.
Illinois
White-Tailed Deer
3450
Xtreme Hunts
Fair Chase
Private
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Good Cell Service
3450
Western Illinois Free Range Whitetail Hunt - Rifle
The acres your hunt will take place on are very strictly managed. South Fork hunters are required to harvest at minimum 140 inch, 3 ½ year old bucks. Having these practices in place for years has only made a good thing that much better. In addition to the doe’s that our hunters harvest, we take heard surveys that enable us to go through late season and remove doe’s in highly populated areas. As a whole – the areas you will be hunting have an excellent doe-to-buck ratio (2 or 3-to-1). Hunter to acre ratio is also very important. Low pressure is a huge part of harvesting mid-west whitetail deer. Here at South Fork, we keep ample ground for the numbers of hunters we run, with some farms not being hunted for entire seasons. This is all to ensure South Fork ground will remain the best of the best. We take stand location very seriously. This is crucial when getting close to giant Illinois bruisers. The wind and thermals are taken into consideration on every set. The stand set ups are for stealth entry and exits. Stand location is one of the biggest keys to a successful hunt- second only to having a piece of great managed whitetail ground. All stands are set by South Fork Guides that have years of experience and the bucks to prove it! The rule of thumb we live by is “if we wouldn’t hunt it, we won’t hang it!” We are as excited to get you into the stand that we hung, as you are to be in it. It’s like we are hunting with you. Our sets consist of hang–on’s with climbing sticks (20′-25′); ladder stands (16′-20′); shooting houses (7′-10′); and assorted ground blinds. We utilize over 70+ Shadowhunter Blinds to provide our gun hunters with a comfortable and solid shooting setup. We put you up close and personal, it’s just a matter of time before a big shooter reveals himself. All hunts are completely free range with no high fences in the “Golden Triangle” of Illinois- Pike, Adams, and Hancock counties. All South Fork properties provide the benefits of a long-standing Quality Deer Management Plan and uphold a Pope & Young deer scoring minimum of 140 inches or better. Trail cameras cover almost every property for the majority of the growing season giving you the chance to see a potential trophy before stepping foot in the woods. Field dressing services and deer transportation are provided by our guides if desired. Our guides will assist in meat & trophy care and preparation for shipping
Illinois
White-Tailed Deer
4500
South Fork Outfitting
Fair Chase
Private
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Good Cell Service
4500
Western Illinois Free Range Whitetail Hunt - Archery Pre-Rut
The acres your hunt will take place on are very strictly managed. South Fork hunters are required to harvest at minimum 140 inch, 3 ½ year old bucks. Having these practices in place for years has only made a good thing that much better. In addition to the doe’s that our hunters harvest, we take heard surveys that enable us to go through late season and remove doe’s in highly populated areas. As a whole – the areas you will be hunting have an excellent doe-to-buck ratio (2 or 3-to-1). Hunter to acre ratio is also very important. Low pressure is a huge part of harvesting mid-west whitetail deer. Here at South Fork, we keep ample ground for the numbers of hunters we run, with some farms not being hunted for entire seasons. This is all to ensure South Fork ground will remain the best of the best. We take stand location very seriously. This is crucial when getting close to giant Illinois bruisers. The wind and thermals are taken into consideration on every set. The stand set ups are for stealth entry and exits. Stand location is one of the biggest keys to a successful hunt- second only to having a piece of great managed whitetail ground. All stands are set by South Fork Guides that have years of experience and the bucks to prove it! The rule of thumb we live by is “if we wouldn’t hunt it, we won’t hang it!” We are as excited to get you into the stand that we hung, as you are to be in it. It’s like we are hunting with you. Our sets consist of hang–on’s with climbing sticks (20′-25′); ladder stands (16′-20′); shooting houses (7′-10′); and assorted ground blinds. We utilize over 70+ Shadowhunter Blinds to provide our gun hunters with a comfortable and solid shooting setup. We put you up close and personal, it’s just a matter of time before a big shooter reveals himself. All hunts are completely free range with no high fences in the “Golden Triangle” of Illinois- Pike, Adams, and Hancock counties. All South Fork properties provide the benefits of a long-standing Quality Deer Management Plan and uphold a Pope & Young deer scoring minimum of 140 inches or better. Trail cameras cover almost every property for the majority of the growing season giving you the chance to see a potential trophy before stepping foot in the woods. Field dressing services and deer transportation are provided by our guides if desired. Our guides will assist in meat & trophy care and preparation for shipping
Illinois
White-Tailed Deer
4000
South Fork Outfitting
Fair Chase
Private
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Good Cell Service
4000
Illinois, Firearm Season, 3-Day, All-Inclusive, Nov-Dec
We specialize in providing our hunters with a premium whitetail hunting experience. Every tree stand and blind is placed with the utmost focus on getting you that opportunity to harvest your trophy Whitetail. Deer hunting is a passion like none other and it is our duty as outfitter to get you in the middle of the action. Hunts are fully guided. 140" minimum.
Illinois
White-Tailed Deer
3750
Xtreme Hunts
Fair Chase
Private
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Good Cell Service
3750
Western Illinois Free Range Whitetail Hunt - Muzzleloader
The acres your hunt will take place on are very strictly managed. South Fork hunters are required to harvest at minimum 140 inch, 3 ½ year old bucks. Having these practices in place for years has only made a good thing that much better. In addition to the doe’s that our hunters harvest, we take heard surveys that enable us to go through late season and remove doe’s in highly populated areas. As a whole – the areas you will be hunting have an excellent doe-to-buck ratio (2 or 3-to-1). Hunter to acre ratio is also very important. Low pressure is a huge part of harvesting mid-west whitetail deer. Here at South Fork, we keep ample ground for the numbers of hunters we run, with some farms not being hunted for entire seasons. This is all to ensure South Fork ground will remain the best of the best. We take stand location very seriously. This is crucial when getting close to giant Illinois bruisers. The wind and thermals are taken into consideration on every set. The stand set ups are for stealth entry and exits. Stand location is one of the biggest keys to a successful hunt- second only to having a piece of great managed whitetail ground. All stands are set by South Fork Guides that have years of experience and the bucks to prove it! The rule of thumb we live by is “if we wouldn’t hunt it, we won’t hang it!” We are as excited to get you into the stand that we hung, as you are to be in it. It’s like we are hunting with you. Our sets consist of hang–on’s with climbing sticks (20′-25′); ladder stands (16′-20′); shooting houses (7′-10′); and assorted ground blinds. We utilize over 70+ Shadowhunter Blinds to provide our gun hunters with a comfortable and solid shooting setup. We put you up close and personal, it’s just a matter of time before a big shooter reveals himself. All hunts are completely free range with no high fences in the “Golden Triangle” of Illinois- Pike, Adams, and Hancock counties. All South Fork properties provide the benefits of a long-standing Quality Deer Management Plan and uphold a Pope & Young deer scoring minimum of 140 inches or better. Trail cameras cover almost every property for the majority of the growing season giving you the chance to see a potential trophy before stepping foot in the woods. Field dressing services and deer transportation are provided by our guides if desired. Our guides will assist in meat & trophy care and preparation for shipping
Illinois
White-Tailed Deer
4200
South Fork Outfitting
Fair Chase
Private
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Good Cell Service
4200
Western Illinois Free Range Whitetail Hunt - Archery Rut
The acres your hunt will take place on are very strictly managed. South Fork hunters are required to harvest at minimum 140 inch, 3 ½ year old bucks. Having these practices in place for years has only made a good thing that much better. In addition to the doe’s that our hunters harvest, we take heard surveys that enable us to go through late season and remove doe’s in highly populated areas. As a whole – the areas you will be hunting have an excellent doe-to-buck ratio (2 or 3-to-1). Hunter to acre ratio is also very important. Low pressure is a huge part of harvesting mid-west whitetail deer. Here at South Fork, we keep ample ground for the numbers of hunters we run, with some farms not being hunted for entire seasons. This is all to ensure South Fork ground will remain the best of the best. We take stand location very seriously. This is crucial when getting close to giant Illinois bruisers. The wind and thermals are taken into consideration on every set. The stand set ups are for stealth entry and exits. Stand location is one of the biggest keys to a successful hunt- second only to having a piece of great managed whitetail ground. All stands are set by South Fork Guides that have years of experience and the bucks to prove it! The rule of thumb we live by is “if we wouldn’t hunt it, we won’t hang it!” We are as excited to get you into the stand that we hung, as you are to be in it. It’s like we are hunting with you. Our sets consist of hang–on’s with climbing sticks (20′-25′); ladder stands (16′-20′); shooting houses (7′-10′); and assorted ground blinds. We utilize over 70+ Shadowhunter Blinds to provide our gun hunters with a comfortable and solid shooting setup. We put you up close and personal, it’s just a matter of time before a big shooter reveals himself. All hunts are completely free range with no high fences in the “Golden Triangle” of Illinois- Pike, Adams, and Hancock counties. All South Fork properties provide the benefits of a long-standing Quality Deer Management Plan and uphold a Pope & Young deer scoring minimum of 140 inches or better. Trail cameras cover almost every property for the majority of the growing season giving you the chance to see a potential trophy before stepping foot in the woods. Field dressing services and deer transportation are provided by our guides if desired. Our guides will assist in meat & trophy care and preparation for shipping
Illinois
White-Tailed Deer
4500
South Fork Outfitting
Fair Chase
Private
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Good Cell Service
4500
Illinois Couples Bow Hunt, 5-Day, All Inclusive: Early October
We specialize in providing our hunters with a premium whitetail hunting experience. Every tree stand and blind is placed with the utmost focus on getting you that opportunity to harvest your trophy Whitetail. Deer hunting is a passion like none other and it is our duty as outfitter to get you in the middle of the action. Hunts are fully guided. 140" minimum.
Illinois
White-Tailed Deer
4700
Xtreme Hunts
Fair Chase
Private
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Good Cell Service
4700
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