Elmore Stock Farm Outfitters - Illinois Hunting

Elmore Stock Farm Outfitters sits on property that hasn't been on the market since the early 1900s—a working corn, soybean, and cattle farm owned by lifelong farmer Doug Milby. The acreage spans Peoria, Stark, and Knox counties along the Spoon River, with rolling fields, timber, five ponds and lakes, cliffs, and creeks. All game is 100% wild and fair chase.

Whitetail deer from late October through mid-November via bow hunts. Hunters work from treestands and box blinds positioned where Pope and Young or Boone and Crockett class bucks move through. The property also supports wild turkey, plus you'll see pheasant, quail, ducks, geese, and raccoons. If you tag out early, fishing is excellent at all five ponds with cabin access, boats, and docks.

World-class raccoon hunting is available at their other farms—bring your hounds and stay at the lodge.

• •50% deposit required to book; balance due on arrival
• •Groups up to 19 people accommodated
• •Guides available to deliver game for processing and taxidermy
• •No refunds; liability waiver and signed contract required
• •Safety harness mandatory in all stands

Six bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen, dining room, family room with fireplace, laundry, large porch, and enclosed equipment storage. Sleeps up to 19. Wi-Fi, cable TV, and nature trails included. Guest furnished meals. Non-smoking, no pets.

Overnight rates (per night): - Main floor only: $325 - Main floor + second floor: $750 - Whole house: $950

Full-day rental: $325 (15 hours, $25/additional hour). 6% excise tax applies.

Only 2.5 hours south of Chicago, 3 hours north of St. Louis. Exit 71 off Route 74 from Peoria, or Exit 33 off Route 80 to Kewanee. Nearby towns include Kewanee (pop. 13k) and Toulon (pop. 1.5k).

"I've hunted Mass, Maine, Vermont, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Texas but prefer Illinois to them all. It's a place where your buck of a lifetime can appear at any moment." — Alex Gureckis, photographer