Illinois Backwoods Outfitters

Illinois Backwoods Outfitters operates prime whitetail hunting grounds in Edgar County with a focus on low-pressure hunting, dense deer populations, and consistent success. The property combines fertile farmland with diverse habitat—the exact conditions that make Illinois famous for trophy-class bucks.

After time in the field, you're staying at a modern hunting lodge with spacious rooms, private baths, and hearty meals prepared by staff. The lodge accommodates large hunting parties and is designed around the idea that good food and comfortable rest matter as much as the hunt itself.

What's Included: - 4 or 5-day hunt packages - Lodge accommodations with private baths - All meals (hunter's breakfast, midday food, evening dinner) - Expert guides with intimate land knowledge - Access to 6,500 acres of managed whitetail habitat

Co-owners Matthew Howell and Wesley McNelley both came to this property as clients first. Howell grew up around hunting in Georgia and spent years chasing whitetails across the country. McNelley hunted Illinois Backwoods for several seasons before becoming a buying partner—he landed his biggest bucks here and kept coming back. They know the property because they've hunted it extensively.

They cater to both seasoned bow hunters and newcomers, with limited spots to keep hunts personal and focused. The Illinois whitetail population here includes mature, trophy-class deer that roam managed land.