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The Spoon River Woodlands Story: A Rich History plus... "Big Bucks!" |
Spoon River Woodlands is located near Bernadotte, Illinois in the heart of Fulton County…the stomping ground for genetically superior ‘Big Bucks’. Fulton County, nationally known for having large deer, offers bow hunters some truly fantastic opportunities. Spoon River Woodlands provides three different tracts for hunters to enjoy, with the Elrod Bridge area displaying premier and pristine conditions. This area, rich in history, dates back hundreds of years as prime Indian hunting ground. Hunters might actually find an arrowhead or two as they scout the land.
Fulton County is home to the people made famous in the Spoon River Anthology. During World War II, Camp Ellis was thriving just a short distance from the Spoon River. A few years ago, the old Elrod Bridge was demolished by a tornado. Now, it’s a great place for bow hunters to hide. Spoon River Woodlands is tucked away in acres of oak, hickory, and walnut trees, supplying ample food and cover for wildlife. Call us for more details at 309-338-4449. |
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TEAM WOODLANDS
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Stu Harrison- aka 'Dog'
Land Manager
Stu, a retired schoolteacher, is a driving force for improved deer hunting and habitat along the Spoon River. As president of the Woodlands, he purchases and leases tracts of prime, pristine and wooded land along the famous river. When the day is done, he loves to sit around the fire and visit. |
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Lisa Harrison-aka 'Belle'
Corporate Secretary
Lisa has been with the Woodlands organization since day one. After office hours you can find her, her husband Pup, and her kids down on the Spoon River canoeing, camping, fishing, hiking, 4-wheeling, cooking out, mushrooming, berry picking, bald eagle watching and swimming. Rumor has it she is ready to purchase her first Matthews bow. Her 8 year son, Trey, has already begun practicing his bowhunting skills. Her daughter, Addi, loves to spend time at the cabin drawing her favorite wildlife. |
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Riley Skaar
Field Manager
Riley has picked up where cave man left off when it comes to hunting the elusive whitetail. He practically lives in the woods from August 1st through the end of bow season. |
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Ben Bishop-
Pro Consultant
Ben, a former school principal, is a professional bow hunter with thirty years of experience. In three days you can learn more about white-tailed deer from our chief guide, Ben, than most people learn in a lifetime. Perhaps you have seen him speaking at many bow hunting seminars throughout the USA, or maybe you been lucky enough to hear one of his ‘yarns’. Ask Ben to tell you about his famous hooded-sweatshirt story. |
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Jason Parsons- aka 'Crafty'
Chief Guide
Jason has been bow hunting since he was knee-high to a grasshopper. Besides being known for his bow hunting skills, he is a nationally known wildlife artist. Jason also has his own art studio where he produces wildlife art, web designs, and various other works of art. After school is out for the summer, he leads a group of youth, young adults, and parents into the wilderness of Canada on a canoe and fishing trip. Ask him about how big the fish are on Lake Kawnipi! |
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Grant Brehm
Chief Guide
Grant Brehm is an avid bowhunter. The Woodlands uses his construction know-how throughout the year. Grant is responsible for deer food plots and other habitat improvements. |
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Sheila Smith- aka 'Silky'
Hostess and Guide
Silky is the epitome of what the Woodlands is all about. She lives like there is no tomorrow. You will enjoy her hand of friendship...forever...and remember...turn on the music and let's have some fun. Silky takes life as it comes, and dances like no one is watching. She is the 2006 Illinois runnerup mushroom champion...ladies division. |
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Rick Smith- aka 'Cakes'
Host and Guide
While working his ground during the farming season, this guy sees it all. From wild boar to big bucks, Mr. Smith encounters some of the wildest and most impressive animals from the seat of a tractor or combine. Rick is a local farmer and a devoted conservationist. He is pictured here with one of the local wild boar that run along the banks and hills of the Spoon River. Rick has some of the most interesting tales of the bunch. |
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Victor Rogers
Guide
Victor is an avid Bowhunter, and working professional. When he is not guiding his team at work, you will find him in the Great outdoors.Victor loves to spend time with those he calls family and friend, often times you will find him most content at the end of the day just listening to someone tell a good story. Victor always seems to be planning his next hunting adventure to parts unknown. Ask him about his up coming trip(s), he just may have an open spot or two. |
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Steve Maas- aka 'Raisin'
Guide
Steve is an avid Bowhunter, as well as, an all around ' Jack of all trades' it is true though he has mastered none, except the art of conversation. When it comes to field work, clearing shooting lanes, or analyzing deer movement, Raisin is da' man. Ask him how he got his nickname. |
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Gary Huntley
Guide & Head Chef
Gary has been preparing food for Guests since the Woodlands began 6 long years ago. Anyone who has shared a camp with Gary has been subjected to days filled with laughter as only he can provide. Gary will go above and beyond the call of the kitchen to assure you have every chance at connecting with the Whitetail of your dreams. He has even been known to sacrifice his dignity while performing as the Human Alarm clock. |
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Mike Bair- aka 'Bair'
Guide
Mike is the epitome of an outdoorsman. He might even be considered one of the greatest morel mushroomers in the state when he is not stepping on them. This Bair has a mean growell but loves to sit back at the end of the night to listen and tell Bair storires! He also helps lead the wilderness canoe adventure with Jason Parsons. |
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Russ Weiss- aka 'No Fuss Russ'
Guide
Russ lives up to his nickname when it comes to putting away meat for the winter. This guy does not mess around during bow season. He is so serious about being out in the woods during the fall that he arranges his work schedule to only work 2-3 days per week. This gives him an excellent advantage of knowing the movement, patterns, and habits of the local Whitetails. |
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Jason Loy
Guide
Jason is obsessed with bowhunting cause' he is in the woods from August to January. He can tell a good story, guide with the best, and even hit his target (most times). Jason brings a high level of hunting expertise to the Woodlands...he will put you in front of a truly great Whitetail. |
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Daniel Vickers
Guide and Chef
Bowhunter Daniel picks up where Aunt Jemima left off in the kitchen. He is a gourmet cook serving stuffed pork loin, succulent steak, corn boils with shrimp, and breakfast favorites. Guests actually leave the Woodlands with a weight gain because of our chef. And, as a guide, he knows Woodlands' trails and habitat. |
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Joe Pigg
Guide
Joe knows the entire bottomlands along the Spoon River. His family owns land along the Spoon River just north of the Woodland Lodge. Joe is an accomplished bowhunter. Every year our cooking staff relies on him to provide the venison for the roasts and breakfast sausages. Besides using his hunting talents, Joe's carpentry and farming skills have been put to good use on the Woodland's 1500 acres. |
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Brian Spindel- aka 'Pard'ner'
Guide
Every since Brian's wife, Christine, bought him a Woodlands hunting package 6 years ago, Brian has been a member of the Woodlands team. He harvested the first Woodland buck...an 8 pointer that field dressed at 230 lbs. [see adjacent picture]. Brian's dad, Len, has been very successful at the Woodlands. The former Navy seal shot a 12 point buck, doe, coyote and passed on a turkey all within 45minutes at Dog's Heaven river stand. Brian is one of our most knowledgeable and best guides. |
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Cynthia Hall- aka 'Muskrat'
Hospitality
Cynthia is a Bright eyed cheerful kinda gal, on the surface. However, if crossed she can become any man's worst nightmare ( Just ask Victor). She is a career professional, devoted mother of Two,and fast becoming an avid outdoors women. Cindy can shoot a bow, handle a gun, hang a tree stand,and almost even knit you a sweater. At the end of the day she enjoys dancing, conversation, and just plain old down home good fun.Most evenings in the off season will find her snuggled up on the couch watching the Outdoors channel, and reading Newsweek, or National Geographic magazines.
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