Ever since we started Hadley Creek in 1997 we’ve wanted to provide a self-guided option for hunters who prefer hunting on their own. But we decided not to offer it until we could do it the Hadley Creek way….with top quality well managed properties and low hunting pressure. There’s no secret what it takes to deliver a high quality free ranging trophy whitetail hunt…the challenge is to do it so it works for both the hunter and outfitter. We introduced Hadley Creek Self-Guided on a limited basis in 2009 believing we had the right formula. We used 2009 as a learning year and to test several un-promised upgrades. The feedback from our first year self-guided hunters was excellent and over half have re-booked for next fall.

Our self-guided hunts provide:

Quality Ground: An average of 100 acres per hunter on some of the finest whitetail ground that West Central Illinois has to offer. Trophy managed properties averaging 70% timber 30% crops and food plots.

Limited Pressure: We don’t hunt self-guided farms week to week, meaning that no one hunts the farm the week before you get there…or the week after you leave. It takes twice the amount of ground to run our hunts this way but it’s the only way to consistently deliver the quality hunting experience and trophy potential Hadley Creek Outfitters is known for.

Stands and Recovery Assistance: All our self-guided farms have stands in place, both top-of-the line loc-ons and ladders. Hunters are still encouraged to bring their own as we don’t cover every location possibility. Having stands set and trimmed gives hunters a good head start on learning the property and makes their first couple hunt days productive. We also assist with deer recovery, bringing a quad to help remove your buck from the woods.

130 P&Y Minimum: A 130 (gross) P&Y minimum is enforced with a $500 fee for bucks not reaching that standard. We don’t call it a penalty as we understand that a 125 class buck is a once in a lifetime trophy to some of our hunters but the minimum is in place, and enforced, to protect our younger bucks. There is no trophy fee for any buck over 130.

Procedures: Hunters are met the day prior to their hunt…license and permit numbers are verified and liability releases are signed. An aerial photo is provided and we drive to the farm to review boundaries and provide suggestions on hunting the property.

Not Included: Lodging, meals, guides, field dressing, trophy preparation and transportation during the hunt are not included on self-guided hunts.

Hadley Creek self-guided hunts are less expensive than our fully-guided, but they aren’t cheap. They are priced to keep the hunting pressure light and the quality high. There are definitely advantages to hunting fully-guided and if you have questions we’ll help you understand the differences so you select the best option. If you’re an experienced trophy hunter who enjoys the challenge of reading the land, making decisions and hunting on your own…a Hadley Creek self-guided hunt may be perfect for you. Rates and dates are as follows:

 

2010    
Archery Early Season Six Day Hunts $1,400
October 1-6    
October 7-12    
October 13-18    
October 19-24    
     
Archery Prime Rut Six Day Hunts $2,200
October 26-31    
November 1-6    
November 7-12    
November 13-18    
     
Firearms 1st Season Three Day Hunt $2,200
November 19-21    
     
Firearms 2nd Season Four Day Hunt $1,600
December 2-5    
     
Muzzleloader Season Three Day Hunt $1,200
December 10-12    
     
Archery Late Season Six Day Hunts $1,200
     
Thanksgiving week or any six days until season closes mid January 2011
 
   
 
   
 

 

Click here if interested in a Hadley Creek Self-Guided hunt.