How do you book a hunt with Full Draw?

Your first step towards booking a hunt with Full Draw is to contact Jeff at 217-440-5553 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to check for availability and rates.  After you have finalized your dates and received the Full Draw Hunts contract via email or mail, you will need to mail in your signed contract with your 50% deposit to hold your spot.  Once your deposit is received, your spot is finalized and set. Deposits are nonrefundable but can be rolled into the following year.  Due to the very low number of hunters Full Draw takes, it is necessary to require a nonrefundable deposit.  Next you will contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to purchase your nonresident archery or firearm permit by going to http://dnr.state.il.us/ or by calling 888-673-7648.  You will need an archery or firearm permit (Adams County for Firearm), a Nonresident hunting license and a Habitat Stamp.  Permits are $410 for archery and $300 for firearm while licenses are $57 for a full season and $35 for a 5 day license.  The Habitat stamp is $5.  Please make sure you acquire all 3 prior to your hunt.  Contact Jeff at 217-440-5553 with any questions or concerns.  Archery permits are usually available into September and October while the Firearm permits have a deadline of August 15th.

 
When do you arrive for a hunt with Full Draw?

Hunts normally begin on Monday and run through Friday.  Please make arrangements to arrive at 3 PM on Sunday prior to your hunt.  Full Draw also has the option of offering an extra 1-2 days onto all archery hunting packages and we will work with your schedule as much as we can.  If you decide to fly, make arrangements to fly into St. Louis, Missouri or Quincy, Illinois.  St. Louis International Airport is 2.5 hours from the Full Draw Lodge.  There are also daily flights between St. Louis and the Quincy Regional Airport for under $100 roundtrip.

 
What hunting tactics will be used at Full Draw?

At Full Draw Hunts, we mainly utilize Big Game Boss XL tree stands and Big Game 20' Quick Sticks with the stands generally hung at 18-22'.  Double Bull and Ameristep ground blinds are also used with great success. We have a variety of sets for each phase of the hunting season as our tactics change throughout the fall.  We like to focus our setups on food sources, travel routes and bedding areas while paying strict attention to the wind.  Make sure to contact Jeff at 217-440-5553 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to let us know which kinds of stands you prefer and are most comfortable with.

 
What is the minimum trophy size at Full Draw?

Full Draw Hunts has a strict 3.5 year old or 140" minimum (mature cull bucks and youth hunts are exempt from this policy).  We find it very useful in assuring that the big 2.5 year old bucks do not get harvested.  We run a very strict QDM program and this policy is plays a crucial role.  There is a $500 fine for any buck younger than 3.5 or under 140” that does not meet the criteria.  All Full Draw farms are 100% fair chase and there are absolutely no trophy fees.

 
What is included in the price of a hunt at Full Draw?

The price of your hunt covers 5+ days of strategically planned whitetail hunting on our unpressured whitetail properties, lodging at our beautiful farm house lodge, home cooked dinners after each day of hunting (Pre Rut, Rut & Firearm Weeks only. Hunters will only need to bring food and drinks for breakfast and lunch during this time), guides, transportation, cleaning and prep of your animal and an overall enjoyable hunting experience.  All Licenses need to be acquired by the hunter prior to the hunt.  You will need a Non Resident Archery or Firearm permit (Adams County for Firearm), Non Resident Hunting License (5 day or full season available) and a Habitat stamp.  Please make sure you have all 3 prior to your hunt.

 
 
What happens if a mature buck is wounded at Full Draw?

Unfortunately it is part of hunting and it happens to everyone.  The Staff will work unbelievably hard to help you recover your buck of a lifetime.  With that said, a wound is a kill and this will be dealt with on a case by case basis.  Take high percentage and ethical shots and the rest will take care of itself.  If you have any question's please feel free to contact us to discuss.