Southern Illinois Trophy Bow Hunting

Southern Illinois Trophy Bow Hunting has been dedicated to trophy whitetail management since 2005. Located in McLeansboro in Hamilton County, the operation controls or leases over 3,000 acres across Hamilton, Williamson, Jefferson, and Franklin Counties—regions known for producing massive Illinois bucks.

The operation focuses exclusively on trophy whitetail deer with both archery and firearm seasons available. Their herd management produces consistently large bucks:

• •Average mature 3.5-year-old buck: 130" to upper 140s, field dressing 180-220 lbs
• •Boone & Crockett bucks: Multiple harvested annually, some exceeding 200"
• •Pope & Young opportunities: Regular harvests at this caliber
• •Shot opportunities: 50% during archery season, 80% during firearm seasons
• •Minimum harvest standard: 130" (enforced with $1,000 fine for anything smaller)

Archery Hunts (lodging included) - Oct 1-24: 4 days — $2,200 - Oct 26-30: 5.5 days — $2,500 - November: 5.5 days — $2,800

Firearm Hunts (lodging included, very limited) - 1st season: 3 days (shotgun or muzzleloader) — $3,000 - 2nd season: 4 days (muzzleloader) — $2,800 - Late season: 3 days (muzzleloader) — $2,500

All hunts include 1 buck and unlimited doe harvest (hunter responsible for additional doe tags)

The land is managed specifically for trophy production. Rolling hills, mature hardwood timber, agricultural fields, creek bottom draws, and dedicated food plots create the exact habitat mature bucks need. The region's rich Midwest soil grows exceptional crops and creates prime nutrition for deer.

Key management practices: - Low hunting pressure across all leased ground - Strict herd management and genetics selection - Strategic food plot placement and crop fields - Game camera monitoring and year-round observation - Quality age structure in the breeding herd

Hunters stay in a comfortable 1800s-era lodge located within sight of some of the most productive hunting grounds. It's not uncommon to see 140+ inch deer from the porch while having morning coffee.

• •Maximum occupancy: 8 hunters per lodge (ensures individual attention)
• •Meals: Breakfast and lunch self-serve at the lodge; dinner prepared (steaks, Italian, etc.)
• •Stands: Comfortable ladder stands with special accommodations available upon request
• •Support: Staff handles all deer extraction and packing assistance

Staff takes hunters to stands in the morning and evening. Typical conditions: - Hunters see 12-15 deer per morning or evening hunt - Short to moderate walk from dropoff to stand - Staff available via text or call for pickup at any time - Processing center less than 20 minutes away (hamburger, jerky, specialty cuts available) - Hunters can continue hunting doe after filling buck tag

"This was my 5th visit to Southern Illinois Trophy Bow Hunting. This hunt was by far the best because I finally harvested a Pope & Young Deer a dream of a lifetime." — Mel Fisher

"I was looking for an Illinois Bow Hunt that would provide opportunity, food, bed and Big Bucks and I found it with Mike! I have seen some True Big Illinois Bucks on stand." — Dewayne Glover

"Just completed my ninth archery hunt with Southern Illinois Trophy Bow Hunting and couldn't be more happy." — Dave Fisher (uses Matthews bows and Slick Trick broadheads)

"As you both know I personally hunted all over the USA and the deer hunt I just finished with you is the number one & best hunt." — Mike Roy

Contact: 931-638-1360 | [email protected] | Mike Hasting, McLeansboro, Illinois