We are illinois finest outfitter
Harrison Lane graduated from Western Illinois University with a B.S. in Recreation, Parks, Tourism, and Administration. His emphasis was Outdoor Adventure Rec. with a minor in Business Management. He recently obtained his real estate brokers license for Illinois, and is sponsored by Pioneer Land Company.
Harrison has always been fascinated with the outdoors, as well as the animals that he hunted. He dedicates himself to educate others on ethics and wildlife management. With 20+ years of professional guide service, Harrison has come to understand the land and the local animals that call this place home. His dedication to quality customer service can now be implemented through his guide service, by helping people fulfill lifelong goals through harvesting the buck of a lifetime or purchasing their own piece of Illinois dirt. This is the same standard passed through to his seasoned, professional guide staff.
HGGS is comprised of thousands of acres located throughout Pike and Calhoun counties. The land that we are targeting for the operation consists mainly of timber and overgrowth, with a blend of tillable and CRP. This type of terrain provides enough cover for the deer to hide and grow as well as providing enough food sources to hold the deer on the properties. We have an extensive food plot program to supplement our properties. We also have working relationships with our local farmers to aid us with row crop food sources as well. Hollow Ground is investing in brand new equipment over the next three years to build up our arsenal of tree stands and blinds. Our clients will be safe and comfortable while hunting on our properties. When you combine brand new stands and blind locations with new farms and layouts it creates a recipe for success.
Our clients will never go hungry with our fully catered meal plan and our cook outs. Our lodge setting offers a country atmosphere with all of the amenities of being at home. The lodge location is centralized to our operation, to help keep our travel time to and from the farms to a minimum. The atmosphere at our lodges is laid back and our clients have the ability to come and go as they please. If you decide you need to take a morning off from your hunt, please do so. You are on vacation, so enjoy yourself. While we want you to maximize your time in the field while you are here, we want you to enjoy your stay with us as well.
Management Plan
Our management plan is simple, but very customized for our goals. Many places have a flat scoring range on the deer harvested on their properties. This is better than nothing. What we have found is that not all bucks that meet this scoring range are mature. At the same time, some mature bucks will never make that particular score. Some outfitters claim to be able to age deer, but without a biologist taking a tooth sample, it is an educated guess at best. At Hollow Ground we have created a scoring chart, depending on the framework of the buck.
Main Frame 8 point – 130” gross
Main Frame 9 point – 140” gross
Main Frame 10 point or Non-Typical – 150” gross
Again, this is not a perfect system, but we find this to be a better gauge based on the age structure of the animals we are trying to harvest. There is no leniency or grace in our scores. The penalty for failing to meet these measurements is $1,500 due immediately. This is not designed to be a revenue generator for the operation. It is designed to be a deterrent to ensure the quality of our deer will be above and beyond what is available in other areas. Hollow Ground’s management plan also gives back to the landowners. Not only are we protecting the crop of bucks, but we also give $500 of the penalty back to the landowner of the ground from the which the buck was harvested.
We also realize that although our deer herd is abundant, there are only so many mature bucks available each season. At Hollow Ground, if you draw blood your hunt is over. We strive to create the best shooting scenarios possible for our clients. But as we all know, the big boys rarely give us the “chip shot”. Please be in tune with your equipment before arriving, and refrain from unethical shots. We will do everything possible to recover your deer. If we are unsuccessful in the recovery, we have access to the best tracker in the country. While we provide the opportunity to “call in the dogs”, you the client are responsible for the cost. If we have exhausted all efforts in recovery, and are still unsuccessful, you have the option to buy another hunt. For an additional $1,000, you may continue your hunt. This is only fair for the remaining hunters in camp. Wound another animal and your hunt with us will be concluded for the season. In addition, we now offer “insurance” for the tracking dog. If you wish to purchase tracking dog insurance, $100 is due at time of check in and Hollow Ground will cover the cost of hiring the tracker if we need to use his services.
Our Customers
“Outstanding”
By far the best outfitter hands down. If you want a true deer camp experience this is it. I cannot say enough about their dedication to the client and the hunt. These guys are just awesome. You’ll never go hungry in camp with the absolute best home-cooked meals in western Illinois. Sure there’s a bunch of outfitters you can choose from but if you want a truly memorable hunt experience look no further. This IS it!!! From the minute you arrive, until the minute you leave, you are treated as family. It’s not only about the animals but more about the people. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed!!
Greg Mancilla
“Superb”
Wouldn’t even consider hunting anywhere else in southern Illinois. These guys know what they are doing and most importantly are passionate about it. If I could give them 6 stars I would.
Andy Borders
“Highly Recommend”
Antonacci Outdoors has hunted with Harrison Lane @ Hollow Ground for 7 seasons. Knows his land, his deer patterns, and his positioning of stands for various wind conditions. Highly recommend!!!
Joe Antonacci
