Placing yourself into an animal’s environment and engaging them on their own turf for the purpose of harvest, requires an investment in time and effort to learn about them and their habits.  A clean kill is the very minimum of respect that a hunter can exhibit toward his prey.  In this spirit, these following points and/or rules of the hunt are the written guidelines by which person(s) should  feel comfortable embracing. 

•  Treat all firearms as loaded.  A zero tolerance policy exists regarding loaded guns on wheeled-vehicles, when ascending or descending tree-stands, having loaded firearms within or around the porch-area or confines of the lodge or parked vehicles.  Guns and bows need to be inoperable outside of shooting hours.  Guns need to be cased when transported via any method other than walking, and bows either need to be cased or visibly inoperable outside of shooting hours, and when transported.

•  Be the “master” of your weaponry.  No hunter should enter the field without confidently being able to observe the stance and position of an animal so that he/she can cleanly and quickly place a shot that has a high percentage of humanely killing it.  This means that sighting-in and practice with your broad-heads, slugs, muzzleloaders, pistols or crossbows is to be conducted off-premise directly before the seasons, and before your visit to Arrowhead Ridge.   We reserve the right to request proof of proficiency with your bow or gun.   If  you think you’ve downed an animal but cannot visibly see it, do not attempt a recovery without letting Arrowhead Ridge personnel know.  We pride ourselves in recovery that is second to none on wounded game.  However, your part of the equation is to not place the animal in a situation that may result in a failed recovery, or place a non-fatal shot that would weaken the animal, so that it eventually dies.   Vital organ shots are a must.  Head-on, quartering-towards, or running shots are low-percentage and should not be attempted.  Save yourself embarrassment from your peers and keep the herd healthy.  You’ll feel better about the event and so will everyone hunting alongside you.

•  Noise is always a factor in the success of the hunt, as is the degree of stealth involved in the hunt.  Treat all movement near the lodge, and trips to and from your deer-stand, as potential “telegraph” factors to the deer.  Communication between hunters is encouraged, but remember that deer hear you before you hear them.  Two-way radios with headsets are legal and welcome.  Our lodge’s location is in the heart of the deer country.  Pay added attention to door-slamming, shell ejecting, hollering, tailgate shutting, etc.

• Tethers &/or harness systems that would prevent a fall from an elevated tree-stand are mandatory for all persons hunting from above-ground.  These will not be provided by Arrowhead Ridge.  Hunters should provide their own stands or portable ground blinds, as desired.   Be your own judge of what works best for you and practice using it before season and in the dark.  Metal stands and tethers are a main source for noise and a good way to “bump” a trophy deer from your hunt area before your hunt even begins.  Again, stealth is the key to your success.

• Alcoholic beverages that you bring may be enjoyed during evening hours, but drunkenness will not be tolerated.  Weaponry and alcohol definitely don’t mix, and you may unknowingly irritate someone who doesn’t think much of drinking to begin with.  The hunt experience is one of camaraderie and good times, so practice moderation.  There is a zero-tolerance policy for controlled substances, or drugs that alter the mind.  Arrowhead Ridge property is entirely non-smoking.

• Hunting licenses, deer and/or turkey permits and FOID cards (Illinois residents) are to be current and on persons during the hunt on Arrowhead Ridge property.  The Conservation Police Officers of Illinois have eminent domain over all grounds and facilities to check the hunters, lodges, vehicles, camps, freezers, coolers, firearms and premises.  Do not give yourself or the facility that you’ve been invited-to a bad name, or risk fines or jail-time.  Common sense goes a long way.

• Be aware of Arrowhead Ridge property lines.  Being on another person’s property is grounds for a trespass fine.    We will show the property boundaries and fences to you.    We ask the same of our neighbors.   Hunters should remain “on-stand” or in location where guides place them, until designated departure time.

• Please do not litter.  Adopt a “leave it better than you found it” attitude as you go around the grounds.   Arrowhead Ridge has ample property, owned or leased, to provide fresh territories and beautiful vistas to hunt.  However, as with any natural surrounding, it is made “much smaller” by those who leave traces of their having been there.  Be careful not to forget food or food wrappers, water bottles, Hot-Hands wrappers, gloves, hats, etc.  Leave the place without a trace!

If you have had a great time at Arrowhead Ridge, it is not necessary that you tell us.  But if any part of your stay with us could be improved, or if you observed something not meeting your standards,  we ask that you please let us know.  It is only with you, the customer, that we learn how to better serve your hunting desires.   We want you to return to a place where fond memories were created, and we relish the thought of you sharing these with your friends and acquaintances.

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