At Monarch river outfitters,

we strive to make your hunting experience memorable,

enjoyable, safe and comfortable.

We have compiled a list of “What to Bring” items to help you make the most of your Hunt. Everything on the list is in a PDF file, which you can conveniently download and Print.

  • Valid Archery and/or Firearm Permits, Hunting License, Habitat Stamp received from the Illinois DNR

  • Gun/Bow and proper Ammunition/Arrows/Bolts (Don’t forget your release if you are archery hunting)

  • Gun/Bow case.  IL law requires firearms to be cased and bows to be cased or inoperable during transport.

  • ALL hunters hunting from treestands need to bring a safety vest or harness (we have lifelines at most stands, but you need to make sure to bring your own safety vest/harness to hook into them)

  • Lineman rope (in the event a lifeline is not available, a lineman rope may be used to secure to a tree)

  • Shooting sticks/Tripod (Recommended for gun or crossbow hunters)

  • Quality Binoculars

  • Range Finder

  • Handheld thermal monocular

  • Headlamp or small flashlight (we prefer the red lights over the green as it is our experience that deer will tolerate the red light more than the green)

  • Screw-in bow hanger and a bow rope (we try to make sure all stands have these, but sometimes they end up missing or squirrels chew the ropes so it is best to simply have these in your packs just in case)

  • Grunt call and doe bleat call

  • Backpack to carry everything

  • Weather-appropriate camo clothing—camo gloves, face mask and head wear

  • Rain gear

  • Long underwear and warm socks

  • Hand and foot warmers (for colder weeks)

  • Waterproof boots with appropriate insulation for time of year (the guides regularly wear rubber boots)

  • Camera or video camera

  • Thermos/insulated drink bottle to take on stand

  • Firearm and muzzleloader hunters– bring a solid orange Vest and Hat required by law while hunting

Gun and proper ammunition. (Illinois DNR guidelines) https://www.monarchrivers.com/illinois-tag-deadlines

Items for the lodge:

  • Prescription medications

  • Chargers for electronics

  • Comfortable clothing to wear in the evening

  • Slippers to wear around the lodge

  • Personal hygiene products (don’t worry if you forget something, we may have extra toiletries on hand or can run to town and get it)

  • Good hunting stories, a few jokes, and some words of wisdom

If you are traveling to Monarch Rivers and need to pick up your Archery OTC permits we recommend picking up your permits on the way to camp.

All hunters traveling through St. Louis can stop by Cabelas https://www.cabelas.com/ or Bass Pro shops https://www.basspro.com/home.  Please note that these box stores are in Missouri and ARE able to sell Illinois Archery Permits.

The store locations closest to our lodge to buy an Archery Permit are Farm and Home or Walmart in Jerseyville and Pittsfield.

Hunters traveling through Springfield can stop by Scheels https://www.scheels.com/ for a complete hunting store experience.