- Medalist Stalker Fleece Pants and Coat
- Medalist Base Layers
- Medalist Packable Rain pants and Coat
- Hunter Safety Systems Pro-Series Safety Vest
- LaCrosse Alph Burly Rubber Boots
- Kodak Easy Share ZD 8612 LS Digital Camera
- Canon XHA-1 HD Camcorder
A journey to Pike County Illinois. World record bucks, monster long beards, waterfowl, morel mushrooms and Carter's Trophy Hunting Lodge!
Teresa and I drove all night and arrived in a little town of Milton, Illinois. I pulled off the road and questioned a gentleman at the Post Office in an attempt to locate a gas station and of course a place to graze. The gentleman kindly smiled and pointed directly behind the vehicle and stated, "Well Dink's Diner is the only place to eat in this town and the gas station across the street is open but not manned." I thanked him and proceeded to the gas station.
To my surprise it is an UNMANNED gas station with no human beings present. The sign reads, "24 HOUR SERVICE,SWIPE YOUR CARD. IF NO PRESSURE , WAIT 30 SECONDS FOR THE PRESSURE TO BUILD UP AND PROCEED." Talk about small town America. Population 300 SALUTE! After a few laughs we ventured about 10miles up the road to Pittsfield in hopes to find more resourceful accommodations. Little did we know, eating at Dink's Diner is like eating Mama's home cooking after over indulging there on a couple of occasions.
Pittsfield, Illinois is also home of Jeff Foiles Inc., and the Archery Shop. The only bow shop within 50 miles. After talking to a few of the patrons, this is the place to go for personal care of your bow and friendly staff!
Once inside, I managed to pick my chin up off the floor and wipe the drool from my lip in astonishment of all the trophy mounts adorned on the walls. Nathan conducted a short safety briefing while checking Teresa's license. Some casual conversation and we were escorted to our humble abode.
Once unloading all our gear we returned to the Lodge and met some of the hunters, our Guides Eddie and Randy.
Talk about resourceful, 8000+ acres owned or leased, 250 double hung stands, bow hunting only for MINIMUM 140 class whitetails. Escorted to the stand site strategically placed due to wind direction, food source and whitetail movement. A cameraman's dream...double hung stands at every location to acquire the over the shoulder shot when presented.
Free range whitetails that are given an opportunity to mature only means one thing, MONSTER BUCKS! For you as the hunter, a chance to harvest a buck of a lifetime.
The first night in camp we took a ride with Randy to check out the property. Hopefully get some footage of bucks and/or buck activity. The deer trails look like cattle paths, fence posts and cedar trees are shredded and the bucks are chasing does. Shortly after admiring a few rubs we rounded the corner to encounter a buck tending a doe. An act of nature that most hunters never see in a lifetime of being afield. We were able to capture this act int he first hour with Carter's Hunting Lodge. To a bow hunter this means the rut is near. Enabling multiple sightings of mature bucks and the ability for the hunter to prey on mother natures weakness of such an elusive animal. The desire to reproduce, forcing the most nocturnal animal to be seen within the guidelines of legal shooting hours. Making dreams come true.
With the camera in hand I attempt to capture the beauty and fruit of Dale Carter's labor as he enables others to enjoy his passion and embrace their innermost desire. The thrill of a whitetail abound on the forest floor as one attempts to put a well placed shot with his or her bow on a buck of a lifetime. Stimulating an endorphin dump that over-rides the brain's ability to remain calm and in control. Stabilizing a tiny pin on a minuet hair in hopes of silencing the pulsating heartbeat in ones head. Better known as BUCK FEVER! I call it heaven on Earth!
Everyday at camp the rut activity was getting more intense. A minimum of six bucks sighted up to eleven on our most active day. The Guides told us if you were here when the rut goes into full swing, peak rut...it is off the hook with buck sightings. Being from Pennsylvania hunting State Game Lands, eleven bucks in one day is virtually unheard of. I couldn't imagine being suspended above the forest floor when the peak rut kicked off at Carter's Hunting Lodge!
Most hunters I talk to that have taken a hunting trip have complained of not seeing doe and very few bucks. This was not the case. We saw plenty of doe and when you saw one running you could bet one thing. There was a buck in pursuit, grunting and growling behind her.
If you are looking for a hunt of a lifetime. I would sincerely recommend Carter's hunting Lodge. Where not only could you shoot a buck of a lifetime, you will encounter a laid back friendly attitude an exemplified personal care from Dale Carter and his staff. It will make you want to take a road trip just to bring you back to the grass roots of our magnificent sport and those family traditions of camaraderie and fellowship in deer camp.
See Carter's Hunting Lodge crew at the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show and book your hunt of a lifetime!
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