Illinois Ohio Valley Trophy Hunts

Illinois Ohio Valley Trophy Hunts operates across Pope County and Johnson County in southern Illinois, regions that have consistently produced some of the country's biggest whitetails. The operation manages over 4,000 acres of private land featuring crop fields, white-oak acorn forests, swamps, and Ohio River bottoms—terrain that naturally attracts trophy bucks.

Only bucks scoring 130 inches and larger (Pope and Young standard) may be taken. This selective harvest strategy ensures younger bucks mature into their prime years, creating a sustainable population of genuinely massive deer. Hunters consistently encounter and harvest bucks in the 170-190+ inch range.

The operation's competitive edge comes from intensive food plot management. Multiple proprietary food plot mixes are distributed throughout the properties—clover, winter wheat, prairie grass blends, and bean fields. The fertile southern Illinois soil supports these plots year-round, creating sanctuaries that hold reclusive monster bucks when other properties run empty.

"A multitude of secret food plot mixes are interspersed throughout our properties which serve to maintain and enhance our big buck population."

Thorough year-round scouting maximizes your chances. The operation maintains 300+ lock-on and ladder stands positioned between 17 and 20 feet high across prime locations. Close tree steps and quality ladder sticks make access comfortable. Guides—family and friends who've invested hours scouting these properties—discuss hunting strategy daily, accounting for weather patterns and wind thermals.

Your designated guide transports you to and from hunting locations each day but hunts from the ground, giving you space in the tree. You'll know exactly where you're hunting and why. Guides work to put you in position for genuinely big deer.

All hunts include lodging, breakfast, and supper.

The main lodge features a full kitchen, washer/dryer, bunk beds, pool table, big-screen TV with Dish Network, shooting range, and outdoor grills. Satellite camps with similar amenities are used during certain weeks. Cell service is limited but landline calling is available. Note: Plan to drive about a mile for cell signal if needed.

Recent harvests include a 190-inch typical Boone and Crockett buck (taken 2011), a 183 4/8-inch brute with 16 points and 8.5-inch bases (2013), and a 178 4/8-inch typical (2013)—all taken from food plots or during the rut chase. Repeat clients include multi-year hunters who've taken multiple trophy bucks from the same properties.

Contact: Jarod at 618-559-2967 or [email protected]. Lodge: 618-672-5066. David: 618-638-0714.