NILO Farms

NILO Farms operates as a full-service hunting and shooting sports preserve 30 minutes east of St. Louis in Brighton, Illinois. Built on Winchester's legacy, the property delivers guided wingshooting experiences for hunters and sport shooters of all skill levels.

Guests arrive at the historic Clubhouse—once a modest farmhouse, now lined with photos, plaques, and awards chronicling decades of hunting heritage. After checking in, you'll receive:

• •Blaze orange hat and hunting vest
• •Illinois hunting license
• •Eye and ear protection
• •Choice of Winchester over-and-under or semi-automatic shotguns (if needed)
• •Safety briefing and firearm operation walkthrough

The day splits into two parts: morning hunting in the fields with trained dogs, then afternoon sporting clays on the clay course after a midday meal.

Lunch consists of either fried chicken or NILO's world-famous pheasant pot pie. Guests take home boxes of dressed, frozen game birds along with NILO's own recipes for preparation.

For lodging, NILO recommends the DoubleTree in Collinsville, IL (1000 Eastport Plaza Drive) with full-service restaurant and spacious rooms.

The property maintains world-class hunting dogs and employs experienced guides:

Dogs eat Purina Pro Plan, NILO's official kennel dog food, ensuring peak conditioning for hunting season.

NILO hosts multiple registered shooting events annually:

• •NILO Open (June, multi-day format)
• •King Buck Classic (April)
• •Registered Shoots (January through September, various dates)

Events bring shooters of all skill levels together for clay target competition. White Flyer targets are used to meet consistency standards across all events.

• •Firearms: Winchester over-and-under and semi-automatic shotguns available to rent/use
• •Ammunition: Winchester ammunition provided; outside ammunition must be approved by NILO guides
• •Target brand: White Flyer (America's #1 trap, skeet, and sporting clays target)

NILO enforces strict firearm safety protocols:

Firearm muzzles always point in safe directions. All guns unloaded when not in use (over-and-unders cracked open, semi-autos with ejection ports open and locked). Shotgun pellets travel up to 500 yards, so clear target areas are non-negotiable. Ear and eye protection mandatory for all shooting activities.

Winchester | 150+ years in ammunition and firearms innovation Browning | Firearms and ammunition designed to highest performance standards Orvis | Official wingshooting property endorsement Purina Pro Plan | Official NILO kennel dog food

Recent testimonials highlight what sets NILO apart:

"Well-manicured fields, outstanding, well-trained dogs and an ambiance that was warm and inviting." — Randy

"Professional. Personable. Driven to exceptional customer service. And the food…oh boy!" — John

"Your entire team did a fantastic job hosting us and the facility was in great shape for a great event." — Mike (Winchester Sales Team)

The property maintains conservation focus and habitat preservation, staying true to founder John Olin's vision for responsible outdoor recreation.