Gum Farm Hunt Club

Gumfarm Hunt Club sits on farmland with deep roots—Rich Gum's family started farming here in 1963, and Rich grew up on the same property where the hunt club operates today. Founded in 2012, the club is now run by Rich and his daughter Amber, continuing a legacy built on tradition and passion for hunting.

The operation spans 7 hunting areas planted with native grasses, sorghums, and corn—ideal habitat for upland game birds. Unlike managed hunting operations that feel sterile, Gumfarm is built on actual working farmland with real hunting tradition behind it.

Pheasants are the primary draw. The native prairie grass creates the kind of habitat pheasants thrive in, and minimum 3-bird releases per hunter ensure you've got birds to find.

Chukar are also available, offering different hunting dynamics than pheasants. Both species are hunted with trained bird dogs provided by the club.

Quail hunts are available depending on seasonal availability, with a 25-bird minimum per hunt.

All hunts run October 1 through March 31, with operations Wednesday through Sunday by confirmed reservation. The lodge is open the morning of Thanksgiving and closed only on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Easter Sunday.

Each membership includes a minimum 3-bird release per scheduled hunt. Additional birds cost $22 each (or $24 after December 31st).

If you want professional assistance, guided hunts come with a bird dog handler and guide for an additional $100 per hunt (not including tip—$20 per gun recommended). Book guided hunts at least one week ahead. Cancellations must be made 72 hours before the scheduled hunt or the guide fee is charged.

Guest hunts are available for non-members: $75 per person for the hunt itself, then $29 per bird with a 4-bird minimum. Guests accompanied by a member pay just $25 and don't need to purchase birds. Corporate members' guests hunt for free.

The club has 2 trap houses onsite for practice before your hunt.

After your day in the field, head to the lodge to unwind. The club serves home-cooked meals in an inviting atmosphere—bring house slippers or a change of shoes.

Bird cleaning service is available onsite at $4–$7 per bird, saving you cleanup work.

Contact: 815-739-0612 (call or text—texting preferred). Email: [email protected]

Payment: Cash, check, and most major credit cards accepted. Credit card transactions incur a 4% processing fee.

Requirements: All hunters must have a valid Illinois hunting license. Youth hunters must have completed the Illinois hunter safety course.

Gumfarm takes hunting safety seriously. Their resources cover everything from firearm fundamentals (always assume a gun is loaded, keep the safety on, barrel down when walking) to field tactics like staying quiet, hunting with a buddy, and wearing blaze orange.

For first-time hunters, the club recommends: - Clothing: Sweater, hunting jacket, heavy socks, gloves, hat, good boots, brush pants or field chaps - Firearm: Shotgun from .410 to 12 gauge (be comfortable with your choice) - Ammo: Know whether you're shooting steel or lead shot - Preparation: Familiarize yourself with your gun before the hunt

They stress hunting strategy—find your sweet spot in the terrain, follow the hunting dog, stay quiet, and respect fellow hunters.

"Get back to basics and escape the daily distractions and stresses of life by enjoying the unique exploration and hunting experience offered only at Gumfarm."

Gumfarm specializes in customized corporate retreats and charter hunts for groups of any size. The entire resort and staff can be dedicated to your group. Whether you're looking for a team-building weekend or a corporate hunting charter, the facility can accommodate large or small parties.

• •All birds in your membership package must be released by March 2nd—no exceptions
• •Cancellations or rescheduling require 24 hours notice or your birds are forfeited
• •Guided hunt cancellations require 72 hours notice or the guide fee is charged
• •The club reserves the right to substitute chukar for remaining birds in your package during the final month of season (March)
• •No cleanup hunts offered

Gumfarm Hunt Club is a working operation with real tradition, not a commercial shooting gallery. If you want to hunt pheasant and chukar in Illinois with trained dogs, good company, and home-cooked meals at the end of the day, this is the place.