Biologists will tell you there’s no real secrets to growing big whitetails. It takes good genetics, the right food, habitat, and proper management of the deer herd’s age and sex structure. And while west central Illinois is blessed with “the best of the best” of these ingredients, growing good bucks is only part of the equation. Having deer, and producing them for hunters are two totally different things.

 

 

To consistently put big racks on the ground an outfitter must successfully manage not only the deer but the land and hunters as well. Not enough ground, too few stands, too many hunters, too much pressure, inadequate food sources, unseasoned guides, deer drives, improper stand placement, harvesting juvenile bucks…these are the types of things that turn potentially great hunts into mediocre experiences even on land that may hold quality animals.

And while most outfitters understand what it takes to make a quality hunt, few can afford to deliver. It becomes a numbers game, and unless an outfitter has a substantial amount of quality ground or chooses to charge double the going rate, they simply must overhunt the land to make it pay. The outfitter that produces trophy animals year in and year out is in the business for the long haul and understands that he must reinvest profits back into his land and operation.

These are the elements that are key if the outfitter is to consistently produce quality bucks for his clients… but when an outfitter, in addition, chooses to provide superior accommodations, great food, quality equipment and a sincere desire to please, its icing on the cake. Both the outfitter and the hunter wins.

At Hadley Creek, we produce for our hunters and they reward us with what we believe is the highest loyalty in the industry…80% of our hunters are repeat. They come back because we have the deer, we manage for quality, and we treat our guests the way we like to be treated when we go hunting.

If you're serious about your whitetails, and are willing to help us keep our quality high, check us out and come hunt with us. We’re convinced you won’t be disappointed.