Illinois Connection offers many tracts of land. Our smaller tracts carry a 140-inch gross minimum with a $1000 fine if they fall below that standard. Our larger tracts of land with several thousand contiguous acres carry a 150-inch gross minimum with a $1000 fine. Our current management has strengthened our trophy quality tremendously. Since 2009, we boast that our ground has produced 74 gross scoring Boone and Crockett; eleven bucks grossing over 200s, eleven bucks grossing over 190s, nine grossing over 180s and forty three grossing over 170s. View our previous photo galleries to see how our quality has increased. With many farms, and over a thousand stand locations (lock-ons, portables, ladder stands, ground blinds and shooting houses), we at Illinois Connection can strategically hunt the wind properly keeping pressure off of our herd.

Unlike most outfitters, Illinois Connection just completed its 22nd year of operation. We have consistently maintained a 70-80% shot chance with a 34-40% success ratio. We are unique and only operate a small portion of the season targeted at what we think is the best chance to harvest one of these magnificent animals. We operate to a minimum until late October and then we apply more pressure in November into mid December. This ensures minimal pressure, increased quality and plenty of trophy bucks remaining for the following year.

There are other outfitters hunting October 1 through mid January (the entire season) running as many as 600 – 1200 hunters yearly with multiple lodges and thousands of acres. These outfitters are selling as many hunts as they can. Granted, with the law of averages, they harvest some trophy bucks but when doing the math, their percentages are much lower and their services impersonal.

At Illinois Connection, we pride ourselves on a small family-owned operation with high-quality, elaborate lodging, home cooked meals, seasoned guides, and some of the best deer hunting in the world. Come see why most of our clientele are repeats.

Our Firearm/Shotgun/Muzzleloader/Straight Wall Centerfire Rifle Hunts are highly productive and fill very quickly. The hunter on these hunts can bring a weapon of choice; muzzleloader, shotgun (slug only), pistol or straight wall centerfire rifle cartridge. These weapons can be equipped with a scope. The hunters on these hunts will hunt from tree stands, ladders, ground blinds and elevated shooting houses.

Our Youth Firearm Hunt is the newest hunt we offer at Illinois Connection. The state now allows Non-Residents under eighteen a three day opportunity (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) in early October the usage of a muzzleloader, shotgun/slug or straight wall centerfire rifle cartridge. This is a very productive hunt at an affordable price. This is a family-oriented environment where it is all about the children. Your child or grandchild will never thank you enough.