FIND THE ANSWERS TO YOUR MOST COMMON QUESTIONS BELOW.

IS THERE A TROPHY FEE IF I KILL A POPE & YOUNG OR BOONE & CROCKETT BUCK?

No. We don’t have trophy fees. The reason a hunter comes to hunt with us is for a chance at the buck of a lifetime. We will impose penalty fees if you shoot a buck scoring under our set minimum requirements (see Hunting Info Page for more details).

WHAT SIZE DEER WILL I BE HUNTING?

In the past the largest typical bucks from our areas have scored in the 180′s and the largest non-typical bucks have scored in the 200’s.

DO YOU HAVE A MANAGEMENT POLICY IN PLACE?

Yes. We constantly monitor the balance between our deer herds and food available for them. In each hunting area we estimate the number of does and trophy bucks that can be harvested to maintain the quality of hunt that we demand for our guests. We will cease to hunt an area before the pressure on the herd becomes too great. This helps us maintain a healthy herd and enables us to place hunters in prime areas every time. When possible, we strive to honor our repeat hunter’s requests to hunt areas where they have hunted before.

DO YOU HAVE FOOD PLOTS?

Yes, we have hundreds of acres of food plots scattered throughout our hunting areas. In this agricultural area, food is not the limiting factor for the deer. We plant food plots for two reasons. One is to offer the deer an alternate food that they would not normally have access to. For this reason the deer come to the food plots, not for more to eat, but for something different to eat. The second is to make sure the deer have a constant source of protein available to them throughout the year. PLENTY OF PROTEIN = PLENTY OF BIG RACK BUCKS!!!

DO YOU HAVE SOME BOWHUNTING ONLY AREAS?

Yes. If you are interested in hunting one of these areas, please contact a member of our staff for more information.

DO YOU HAVE A SIZE RESTRICTION ON YOUR BUCKS?

Yes, we strive to protect our young bucks! Bucks 8 points or less (main frame), must have a minimum 125 inch P&Y score and bucks with 9 points or more (mainframe), must have a minimum 140 inch P & Y score to be a shootable buck. If you take a buck under our set minimums, there is a$400 up-charge if within 5″ less than the minimum and a $1000 up-charge if more than 5″ less than min, payable immediately. Button Bucks are an additional $250. We would much rather see them bigger next year than have the penalty money. Please don’t shoot them!

HOW DO I TELL IF A BUCK WILL MEET YOUR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS?

If the deer’s rack is 2-3 inches wider than its ear tips then it is considered a shootable buck. You will be given more details on how to accurately judge a qualified Pope & Young buck when you get here. If in doubt – don’t shoot! There are plenty of does if you are interested in only the meat. If you just want to shoot any antlered deer that presents itself, we will be happy to recommend another outfitter that can better fit your hunting requirements.

WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON WOUNDED BUCKS?

We always make every effort possible to recover any and all wounded animals. A hunter will not be allowed to resume hunting until a representative of Campbell Illinois Whitetails determines that the wounded animal can not be recovered. If a second animal is wounded, that hunt will be considered completed.

WHAT ABOUT CARING FOR THE DEER MEAT AND THE TROPHY?

The guides are responsible for bringing back the deer. They will clean and skin the deer. They do not cape the deer. They will quarter the deer at your request to fit in a cooler.

I’D LIKE TO BRING MY SON/DAUGHTER WITH ME ON A HUNT. DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL RATES FOR CHILDREN?

Yes, each child age 16 and under hunts free with a paid adult on selected archery hunts.

WHAT TYPES OF STANDS OR BLINDS ARE AVAILABLE?

We have a variety to accommodate all types of hunters. Lock-on Stands, Ladder Stands, Ground Blinds, and Elevated Blinds.

WHAT AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR AND WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

You are responsible for the following: Purchasing your appropriate tags and licenses. Obeying the rules and regulations of the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources. Your own personal hunting equipment e.g.. firearms, bows, clothing, coolers, safety harnesses, boot dryers, etc. Any special dietary requirements. Transportation to and from the hunting areas. If you choose to bring your own stands, we will help you set them up. Meat processing fees and trophy mounting fees plus any shipping fees involved. Controlling the weather and having a great time!

WHAT ABOUT FOOD AND COOKING ARRANGEMENTS?

Our lodge hunts are just like staying in a condo. Food is included on specific hunts only, see hunting info page for more details. We are about ten minutes from Carmi, a town of about 5000, that offers McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen, three local diners, a pub that serves food, a Mexican restaurant, three local pizza joints, and one Chinese restaurant. There are also three grocery stores, five convenience stores, and a liquor store.

WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR LODGING?

We provide all bed linens, pillows & towels. Bring your own snacks and personal items. Please call us if you have any specific dietary requirements as we try to be as accommodating as we can. All of our linens are laundered with non-scented detergent and a washer and dryer is available for guest use. Our hunting office has internet access, a fax machine and copy machine, telephones and computers that we can also make available to you.

DO YOU OFFER WEEKEND HUNTS OR 3 DAY HUNTS IN ADDITION TO YOUR LISTED HUNTS?

Yes, but you’ll need to call for availability.

I WANT TO BRING ALONG A NON-HUNTING GUEST. IS THIS ALLOWED? WHAT WILL IT COST?

Non-hunting guests are welcome depending on available lodging. Usually there are more rooms available during our non-rut hunts. Cost is $60.00 per person per day.

WHAT IF MY VACATION TIME DOESN’T EXACTLY MATCH YOUR HUNT ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DATES?

We will be happy to make special arrangements for you and your party so long as you give us plenty of time. Generally speaking we can be more flexible during the early and late season hunts.