Welcome to Briarwood Ranch - one of the finest trophy whitetail hunting destinations in the country. If you haven't heard of Briarwood Ranch before, it should be no surprise as Briarwood has been one of the best kept secrets when it comes to harvesting true trophy class bucks.

Briarwood is a working ranch consisting of approximately 50% wooded areas and 50% fields. Fields are planted with corn, soy beans, alfalfa, clover, sudan grass, and other food plots vital to whitetail nutrition. The combination of this high protein diet, along with the superior genetics inherent to our region, and deer maturity create true monster bucks.

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Briarwood was placed under a high fence in 1990 for management purposes. The resources of the ranch are managed for a perfect natural balance and no browse line exists. It is perhaps the most fair chase hunt under management fence you will ever see. For the first many years, only does were harvested to bring the buck to doe ratio to acceptable levels, and to allow bucks to mature to their true trophy potential. We have only hunted the ranch since 1995 with very limited clientele (usually about 10 or less per year). In our first four seasons we have taken three deer that gross over 200" with several more spotted. We have also harvested numerous bucks in the 190's, 180's, 170's and 160's. In addition to these trophy hunts, we also offer a few management hunts every year for mature bucks which are usually 8 points or do not have true trophy potential. These bucks usually score from 130 to 150" and are offered at a much lower rate.

While we generally cater to bowhunters (archery tags are available in Illinois over-the-counter), we also offer 2-3 shotgun hunts per year which are on a draw basis and coincide with the short 3-day Illinois shotgun seasons. Our bowhunting season is quite lengthy and we generally offer hunts starting in October all the way into January, allowing flexibility for our hunter's schedules.

At Briarwood, we provide not only trophy hunting opportunities, but also have the type of upscale accommodations and services our clientele have come to expect. Delightful meals are served in our lodge which is complete with a full bar, leather sofa, and cathedral ceiling trophy room with a soaring, cozy fireplace. Private bedrooms are located on the lower level of the lodge and feature down comforter-covered beds. We even have a whirlpool bathtub to unwind in after a long day of hunting.

Our guide services are strictly one on one and with nearly 100 treestands and blinds to choose from, we are sure to get you close to the trophies. Transportation on the ranch mainly consists of electric powered off-road camo buggies as well as ATV's and 6-wheeler. The low noise of the buggies allows us to get you near your stand in the most quiet manner.

If you are interested in a true trophy-class whitetail hunt, we ask that you give Briarwood Ranch a try - we are certain you will not be disappointed in the quality of our trophies or in your overall hunting experience with us. To get started, please give Markus Muhlhauser a call at 860-729-7807. We look forward to hearing from you!

Bowhunting: Trophy Hunts

Base Hunt Price:
Trophy Fee

$5,000 + trophy fee
$ 150 per inch over 150 inches (gross)

Example: 170" deer harvested = $8,000 total

Management Hunts
(usually mature 8-pointer)

Base Hunt Price
Trophy Fee

$2,000 + trophy fee
$ 150 per inch over 130 inches (gross)

Example: 140" deer harvested = $3,500

Special for 2000 Season:

Management Hunt (Usually mature 8 pointer)
Management Hunt - $2000 for any management deer (guide judges) Usually 130-150 inches

Shotgun Hunting

Same price as bowhunting trophy hunts. Trophy hunts only.

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