Deer hunting big bucks in Illinois can be fun, but it can also be very difficult. Mature whitetails are often big-bodied and tough as nails. Even when it appears they have been shot in just the right spot, they can survive to live another day. Here at Illinois Connection, we have Tracker John on retainer. Tracker John is one of
Finally something positive in 2020. A three year pursuit has come to an end with the harvest of this 230 7/8″, 20 point absolute World Class Giant. A true blessing and once in a lifetime deer. We are celebrating our 20th year anniversary of operating here at Illinois Connection and what more could you ask for. This 8 1/2 year
We have recently updated our COVID-19 procedures and safety protocols. Please click here to review them and a letter from owner Doug Benefield. Click to read procedures...
Most people think that all the deer in Illinois have died due to disease….we’ve had, and continue to have, excellent seasons and anticipate all the subsequent years to be of equal quality or even better. Those that missed this season, missed a good one. We have a lot of mature deer that we are looking forward to seeing what they
All is fair in love and war as the old saying goes. We are referring to the woes of free range Whitetails. Unfortunately when dealing with free range whitetails we are going to have a few that travel outside of boundaries within our control…and when that happens it is fair game….Hence, the Laws of Mother Nature. We just want to
Pictures don’t lie…and… if you look at all the trail camera photos we have up on our website from this summer, one thing is certain. We have many big bucks running around on our properties. “Over the past couple years, there have been many rumors floating around that EHD has taken its toll on Illinois, but we are seeing many
Many outfitters only offer the bare necessities. When you arrive in camp, you are sleeping in a musty old bunk house. The meals are often just good enough to keep you going and the service is subpar. As a result, many female hunters don’t feel comfortable going on guided hunts. They choose to stay home and hunt. Many female hunters
Bow season is almost here and we have been taking a buck inventory. Scouting cameras have been strategically placed all over our farms. The good news is we are seeing lots of large bucks which is great news for anyone who plans to hunt with us this fall. “Over the years, we have learned a lot about the travel patterns
Part of our secret to success is the result of growing top notch food plots that attract and keep the deer on the property during the hunting season. There are plenty of food plot options on the market but the seed blend we have taken a liking to is Infinity by Whitetail Select. This mix is made of nine clovers
The summer is very busy here at Illinois Connection. While many are pool side enjoying the sun or going on a summer vacation, we are hard at work getting our food plots ready for fall so hunters can see lots of big bucks. Pike County and Brown County have many big bucks and we make sure you see them by