Firearms Hunts: The State of Illinois limits firearm hunters to shotgun or muzzleloader only. No rifles are allowed. While this may discourage the booking of gun hunts by some sportsmen, it is common knowledge that these same limitations may be the chief reason for the existence of trophy bucks in this state. Simply put, when you limit hunters to shotgun or muzzleloader you limit the distances they are able to shoot. In turn by doing so, deer live longer as they are more difficult to harvest. All this equals longer life spans and larger racks. The firearms tags are obtained through a lenient lottery process in July which IMB Outfitters will assist you with. The process is easy enough that during the 2005 season only one hunter did not receive a tag. Although tags are NOT a guarantee they are relatively easy to obtain. The 1st Gun Season in 2008 is November 21st. through November 23rd. The 2nd Gun Season is December 4th through December 7th.

Archery Hunts: Pike County, Illinois is an archers dream! Illinois has offered bow tags in a number of fashions over the past several years. Expectations are that bow tags will be sold over the phone and easily obtained via outfitter specific. In 2007, all archers with IMB received an Illinois tag if they attempted to obtain one. This telephone tag purchase usually occurs in July. The archery season runs from October 1 to January 17.

Muzzleloader Hunts: Illinois offers a 3 day muzzleloader only whitetail deer hunt from 12-12 to 12-14. The tag is obtained in a lenient lottery process occurring in July. No hunter of IMB has been denied this tag, however denial is possible. 
   

Success Rates: We calculate success rates by dividing the number of trophy buck shot opportunities reported by our hunters, by the number of hunters we take each year in that particular state. During the 2006 season we presented a trophy buck shot success rate in Illinois of 126%. Any rate in excess of 100% implies we offered more shot opportunities at trophy bucks than the number of hunters that visited us during that season. NOTE: No promise or guaranteed shots at trophy bucks are made by IMB Outfitters.

Illinois Location: Our Illinois deer hunting is located in Barry, Illinois just South of Quincy, Illinois. The closest airport would be Springfield, Illinois. A friendly airport located within an hour of our hunting lodge. Those traveling by motor vehicle may travel to our trip information page for a detailed map.

Illinois Lodge: In Barry, Illinois we “sport” a lodge facility that we believe is equivalent to a 4 Starr Setting complete with all the fine food and drink you will partake of during your hunt. This facility can be photo toured in our, Illinois lodge photo gallery.