Hadley Creek Outfitters

Hadley Creek Outfitters operates from Barry, Illinois (26625 County Highway 4, Adams County) and specializes in free-range whitetail hunting with no high fences. The operation is owned and managed by Stacey and Michelle Ward and has maintained continuous operation since 1997.

The core numbers tell the story:

• •200+ bucks grossing over 170" harvested since 1997
• •Average buck grosses over 150"
• •65% of harvested bucks are 5 years or older
• •1,000+ acres under active food plot management
• •140" minimum harvest standard strictly enforced ($1,000 fee for bucks below minimum)

Hadley Creek doesn't assign hunters to a single guide or property. Instead, clients hunt a different stand with a different guide each day, rotating through multiple farms. This approach:

• •Reduces hunting pressure on individual properties
• •Exposes hunters to different terrain and stand locations
• •Keeps deer from becoming patterned to human activity
• •Provides multiple hunting opportunities per week

Guides are not permitted to hunt the farms themselves, and they receive bonus payments when clients successfully harvest qualifying bucks—creating direct incentive alignment between guide performance and client success.

Year-round food plot management is Hadley Creek's foundational management tool. They maintain:

• •Imperial Whitetail Clover (partnered with Whitetail Institute)
• •Brassicas, rape, and kale
• •Turnips, radishes, and sugar beets
• •Peas, oats, and rye
• •Corn and soybeans

Every hunting farm has multiple food plots. The system requires full-time staff, dedicated farm equipment, and ongoing maintenance (mowing and herbicide application). This keeps deer attracted and holding on properties year-round.

Early & Pre-Rut Archery Specialty season occurring in September-early October. Deer haven't been pressured, relate primarily to food sources, and can be patterned. October weather is comfortable, and early-season bucks run as large as rut-season bucks.

Archery Rut Hunts Booking fills first each year. High deer density, positive buck-to-doe ratio, solid age class structure, and low hunting pressure combine for approximately 150% shot opportunity at 140+ bucks during the rut.

Rifle/Shotgun/Muzzleloader - First firearm season: 3-day hunt - Second firearm season: 4-day hunt - Weapon choice: rifle, shotgun slug, muzzleloader, or pistol - December muzzleloader-only season available - Uses tree stands, ground blinds, and elevated box blinds

Youth Firearm Illinois has opened early-season firearm deer hunting to non-residents 17 or younger. Three-day Saturday-Monday hunt in early October with comfortable weather, family atmosphere, competitive pricing, and high success rates.

Late Season Bowhunts Offered when conditions permit, predominantly afternoon hunts focusing on food plot concentrations.

Lodges are modern, clean, well-equipped, and decorated with mounts from Hadley Creek harvests. Food service is considered excellent with abundant portions—so much that weight loss during a hunt is difficult. Clients report return visits are driven equally by hunting success and quality of meals.

• •Now booking for 2026 and 2027. Current rates not fully disclosed in source, but:

• •$500 non-refundable deposit reserves hunt dates
• •Combination archery/firearm hunts (opportunity for two bucks) available at multiple dates
• •Deposits and scheduled payments are non-refundable
• •Travel insurance recommended

Pickup available at Quincy, Illinois airport at no charge. St. Louis airport approximately 2 hours away.

Hadley Creek also offers landowner partnerships for non-Illinois residents wanting hunting and investment property benefits without long-distance management hassle. Partners receive:

• •Income from farming operations
• •Income from Hadley Creek hunting privileges
• •Non-resident landowner status with Illinois DNR benefits (two tags, guaranteed tags annually)
• •Hunt flexibility (not limited to one week per season)
• •Turnkey management or active participation in habitat/food plot work
• •Shed hunting and coyote hunting opportunities

Minimum qualifying farm size: 160 acres.

• •Phone: (217) 335-3804
• •Email: [email protected]
• •Address: 26625 County Highway 4, Barry, IL 62312