huntinfo

All hunts are sold on a first come first serve basis. A $500.00 (non-refundable) Deposit is required per hunter at time
of booking! Dates and hunting spot will not be considered reserved until a deposit is received.
There are 25000 nonresident archery tags available for purchase through a lottery process each year. Don't let
the lottery process scare you. We have had 100% success in drawing all tags for every type of hunt.
Remaining archery tags are always sold on a first come first serve basis beginning sometime in August. All
non-resident hunters are to apply in the non-resident archery lottery for their permits and license's. You may
apply online or by telephone and all Information is posted on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Web
Site. Before applying, Hunters should have ready their Drivers License #, Social Security #, Date of Birth,
Height, Weight, Eye and Hair Color. Apply for a Illinois Non Resident Archery Permit. The nonresident archery
application period begins on June 1st and runs through June 30th. The cost for a nonresident combination
archery permit is currently $400.00. Firearm permits & Muzzle Loader only tags are $300. Along with your tag,
hunters will need a nonresident annual hunting license $57.75 and a state habitat stamp $5.50. Those applying
online can expect to pay up to an additional $10.18 additional for a convenience fee. Applicants applying for a
permit with Backwoods Whitetails may need to apply under Backwoods Whitetails license #DT0900259. There
is an equal opportunity for a permit, even if you apply on the last day of the lottery. There has been a 100%
success in drawing a tag for the last 7 years. However, In the event that you are not successful in the lottery,
your deposit will be rolled over to secure your spot for the next years hunt. Once the hunter has received
notification he/she has succeeded in drawing a permit, the hunter must submit 50% of the remaining balance of
their hunt by August 1st and the final payment is due by September 1st. Any cancellations of hunts made
before October 1st will result in all fee's paid for that years hunt to be rolled over (one time) to the next years
hunt or the fee's paid can be transferred to another hunter not already booked with Backwoods Whitetails.
Remember that all Illinois Archery and firearm tags are NON-TRANSFERABLE!!!

Archery Hunting Schedule
Pre Rut Archery -$1900.00 Click here for need to know archery hunting information
7 Day Early October Moon Hunt

6 Day Peak Rut Archery - $2300.00
Last week of October
1st week of November
2nd week Of November

5 Day Peak Rut Archery $2100.00
3rd Week of November preceding the 1st Firearm Season.

7 Day Late Season Archery Moon Hunt - $1900.00

Firearm Schedule Click here for need to know firearm hunting Information!
1st Firearm Season - $2300.00

2nd Firearm Season - $2100.00

Muzzle Loader Only Season - $1900.00

So check us out then send us an email at i nfo@backwoodswhitetails.com or give us a call at 309-224-2853 to
reserve your spot for that hunt of a lifetime

We want to thank you for taking the time to inquire about hunting with us in Illinois. Backwoods Whitetails is a
State Licensed Outfitter and guide service that specializes in whitetail and eastern wild turkey hunting. With a
annual average overall success rate from 50-60%, In 2009 we had a 60% overall success rate with opportunity
rates of 100% on does, 99% on 1 /12 yr old bucks, 85% on 2 1/2 year old bucks and 85% on bucks 3 1/2 years or
older. Some hunters even reported seeing up to 40+ deer in one day. In 2007 we were reviewed by the Northeast
Big Buck Club and received a rating higher than the average outfitter reviewed by the Northeast Big Buck Club.
Why...? We feel it's because we only schedule our whitetail hunts during a few select weeks each year. At
Backwoods Whitetails, we offer one week of hunting for local bucks based on the moons position. We don't mess
with booking hunters during the in Mid October lull when bucks seemingly go nocturnal prior to the seek &
Chase phase of the peak rut. Then by only offering select weeks for peak rut bowhunting, we feel that this helps
to ensure hunters of a fresh stand with a good level of rutting activity. After our 1st season firearm hunt, we cut
our 3 remaining hunts back to 3 farms to hunt yarded up whitetails. So from our first week of our hunting, right
on through the following weeks of the peak rut, right on through the firearm and late archery season. Hunters can
experience the excitement of Illinois whitetails during either the pre, peak or the post rut. Please remember that
we only take a limited number of hunters for each week that we offer during our archery and firearm seasons.
Currently we only take a maximum of 20 archery hunters for week of peak rut, 16 hunters for the 1st season
firearm hunters, 6 hunters for the 2nd firearm season, the 3 day muzzle loader and late archery seasons. We
refuse to over book our properties and will only in clients as we grow in huntable acres. All hunts are guided
with the freedom to move on your own to succeed on 5000+ acres of privately leased farmland located in Fulton
and Schuyler counties of West Central Illinois. With the exception of a daily ride to an from your hunt site, our
guides will be there for your every need. Remember that all hunters are allowed to move on their own to succeed
but will still have the full assistance of a guide. All Backwoods properties are hunter managed to the capacity of
the land to help increase hunter success, shot opportunities, avoid over crowding and (most importantly), help
limit the negative effects of over hunting. An initial stand or stand will be for each hunter in what we feel is a
prime or proven hunting spot. Remember, hunters are not obligated to hunt out of our stand set ups and again
are free to move on their own to succeed. Each hunter is required to bring a self climber or a climbing stick and
portable stand. Your guide will set your stand for you, assist you in setting your stand or your are free to do it
solo. All hunters have the freedom to hunt the way they want to with the full knowledge and assistance of a
resident Illinois guide. The use of scent elimination clothing with a head cover is MANDATORY!! This is to help
prevent the spread of human odor and to improve your opportunity and success. So, with the freedom to make
any strategic moves necessary, without the added human activity & hunting pressure, any of the unwanted scent
from additional people or guides stomping around your hunting area, hunters can look forward to an enjoyable
vacation with Backwood Whitetails. Click here to take a quick look at our simple hunting schedule. Again
remember, that our guides that will be ready to help out at the hunters request. Your guide will move your stand,
track, retrieve, field dress, drag out your deer or what ever you may need. We DO NOT impose antler minimums,
trophy fines or charge trophy fee's. Click here to find out why? Understand that we do encourage hunters to
apply trophy management practices but, the opportunity to take home the buck of your choice is what we
provide. Each hunter is permitted to harvest one doe and one buck per hunt. Hunters are to arrive in camp by 1
p.m. The day before their scheduled hunt is to begin. Hunters will check in with Backwoods staff, record all
license and permit information, go over the rules and regulations and complete any unfinished paper work
necessary. Hunters will then be taken to their assigned property, show their stand sites and review the map of
their property and its boundaries. Hunters will be informed of the current whitetail activities, to the best of the
guides knowledge. Hunters are allowed to have that night as a free night of hunting. At Backwoods Whitetails we
hope to provide hunters with a quality and memorable hunting experience. Though it is our intention for everyone
to harvest a trophy whitetail, no hunt is guaranteed. Most of all we want everyone to enjoy their hunting vacation
and build lasting friendships with every client that comes to Illinois to hunt with Backwoods Whitetails Outfitters.