2026–2027 Illinois Whitetail Deer Hunting Dates and Rates
Experience a true DIY Illinois archery deer hunt at Butler Farms Outdoor Adventures in Pike County, Illinois. Our five-day hunting packages include lodging, access to quality whitetail habitat, and the opportunity to scout your hunting site before your scheduled hunt begins.
Whether you are planning an early-season hunt, targeting the November rut, or pursuing a late-season whitetail, we offer several hunting periods throughout the 2026–2027 Illinois archery season.
2026–2027 Whitetail Hunting Packages
October 1–October 17, 2026
Five-Day Hunt and Lodging: $1,400 per hunter
Hunt Illinois whitetails during the early archery season as deer begin transitioning from summer feeding patterns into increased fall activity.
October 18–November 19, 2026
Five-Day Hunt and Lodging: $1,895 per hunter
This popular hunting period provides an opportunity to experience the pre-rut and rut in Pike County, when mature bucks may travel more frequently in search of receptive does.
November 23–December 2, 2026
Five-Day Hunt and Lodging: $1,400 per hunter
Enjoy a late-November archery hunt as deer activity begins transitioning from the peak rut into winter feeding and bedding patterns.
December 7, 2026–January 18, 2027
Five-Day Hunt and Lodging: $1,400 per hunter
Our late-season package is ideal for hunters who enjoy colder conditions and hunting near established winter food sources, bedding cover, and travel corridors.
Lodging and Check-In Information
Lodging for the night before your hunt is included in the package price.
Hunters may check in beginning at 12:00 noon on the day before their scheduled hunt. This provides time to become familiar with the property, scout the assigned hunting area, and prepare for the first morning of the hunt.
Additional Hunting Days
Hunters may extend their stay by purchasing additional hunting days. Availability and pricing depend on the scheduled hunting period.
- Purchase up to three additional hunting days for $240 per day, per hunter.
- Purchase up to two additional hunting days for $300 per day, per hunter.
Additional days must be arranged in advance and are subject to availability.
What to Expect from Your DIY Deer Hunt
All Butler Farms Outdoor Adventures deer hunts are do-it-yourself archery hunts.
Hunters are responsible for furnishing, transporting, positioning, and removing their own deer stands and blinds. Each hunter is permitted to use:
- Up to three deer stands
- One hunting blind
Hunters should bring all necessary hunting equipment, safety gear, climbing equipment, and personal supplies. We strongly recommend using a full-body safety harness whenever hunting from an elevated stand.
Illinois Deer Hunting Permits
Each hunter is responsible for obtaining the appropriate Illinois hunting license, habitat stamp, deer permit, and any other documentation required by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Permit fees, application periods, availability, and hunting regulations may change. Hunters should review the current requirements directly through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources before making travel arrangements. Official deer permit information is available through the IDNR deer permit and archery permit pages.
Illinois Resident Deer Hunting Permits
Illinois residents should review the available resident archery deer permits and purchase the appropriate license and permit before arriving for their hunt.
Illinois Nonresident Deer Hunting Permits
Nonresident hunters must obtain the required nonresident Illinois hunting license and archery deer permit. Nonresident archery permits may have different purchasing procedures, fees, and availability than resident permits, so hunters should begin the process early.
Licenses and eligible hunting products may also be available through the official ExploreMore IL licensing system.
Book Your Pike County Illinois Deer Hunt
Pike County is one of Illinois’ best-known whitetail hunting destinations. At Butler Farms Outdoor Adventures, hunters can enjoy a straightforward DIY hunting experience with lodging included and time to scout before the hunt begins.
Availability is limited, particularly during the popular October and November hunting periods. Contact us early to reserve your preferred dates.
Butler Farms Outdoor Adventures
Pike County, Illinois
Phone: (217) 723-4451
We look forward to hosting your 2026–2027 DIY Illinois archery deer hunt.