COVID-19 Procedures and Safety

Dear Hunters,

During these unprecedented times we are finding ourselves in, I hope all is well with you and your families. The coronavirus pandemic to most has been very taxing and stressful…but optimistically speaking we will come out of this stronger than ever. Just think, in a few months you will find yourself up a tree breathing fresh air and enjoying the great outdoors in an effort to harvest a mature Illinois Whitetail….We at Illinois Connection are celebrating our 22nd season this year. It has been our goal from the start to provide you with the hunt of a lifetime. We at IC consider ourselves to offer one of the very best packages available in the entire Mid-West. Going forward, regardless of the situation we will continually tweak and make improvements to be the best.

1F5Q6496_1Last fall we had an incredible season, we harvested multiple Boones and the overall average was up. With the usage of trails cameras and actual sightings it was very obvious that our age structure across all farms is very strong. During this past shed season the quality and quantity of horns that we found was unbelievable. Given that, combined with not finding hardly any dead deer due to EHD, a very mild winter, plentiful rains, and the current farming being on time, are all indications that the upcoming season could be one not to miss. We are currently finishing up all spring food plotting and soon will be prepping for the fall. Also, to note we are re-cabling all of our lock-ons…a mental note to all that we are maintaining our equipment for your safety.

Given the current Covid-19 situation and its potential threat, or not , in the fall, we at IC will be practicing and performing safety protocol just to make sure everyone’s health and well-being is safe guarded. We have partnered with SERVPRO to ensure that the lodge will be disinfected on a daily basis and “SERVPRO Certified Cleaned”. Our team will be trained by SERVPRO, using the same products and techniques. Operation and procedures we will be as follows:

  • Checking temperatures.
  • ULV Mister: Application of a daily fog throughout the entire lodge of Bioesque Botanical Disinfectant Solution that kills 99.99% of germs.
  • Vigilantly wiping down frequently touched surfaces, i.e. counter tops, bar tops, door knobs, railing, doors, etc.
  • Social distancing if applicable. The lodge is large enough to space everyone during breakfast, dinner, lounging, and bunking. Most sleeping arrangements are within one’s group.
  • Group restrictions if applicable. If there are gathering and group limitations mandated by the state during the season, we have arranged for alternate lodging and accommodations, i.e. main lodge, guides cabin, John Leonard’s cabin, etc.

Many scientist and doctors speculate that the virus will be minimal this fall….hopefully this is the case. If not, we at IC will be prepared. If at the time different measures are to be applied, we will be ready to apply as necessary.

The time to apply for or purchase licenses has started, or is days away. In the past, some hunters procrastinate, wait, and purchase their license over the counter once they enter the state in the fall. This year we will be adamant that everyone purchase their license in June. There is a chance Illinois could shut down over the counter license sales as a precautionary measure to limit occupants coming into the state if there is something lurking this fall. If you have already purchased your sate allotted tag or permit it is highly unlikely that the state would deny the privilege of occupying private land. So, again we will make sure everyone has the necessary documents for the upcoming fall. Also, I have had a few hunters ask if it is okay to put in for the Bobcat Permit. Absolutely, please do…the sightings of cats is getting greater every season. The Bobcat application is available online September 1-30 yearly just like doing the archery and or firearm permit.

Hunters, we will be delighted to see you all soon. This year, as every year, we anxiously await your arrival. The camp laughter, fellowship, and chance that on any given day we could drag out a monster whitetail, are truly what we all need. If anyone has any questions, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to give me a call. Again, I hope this letter finds you all well, and we look forward to seeing you all soon!

Sincerely,
Doug Benefield and Staff
404-401-1341 (cell)