Deer Hunting Guide IL

Contact Illinois Backwoods Outfitters

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Meet Your Guides

Deer Guide

Co-Owner


Matthew Howell


I’m from Marietta, GA where I was raised on GA football and a bow shop that my father owned. That’s where I found my passion for the outdoors, waterfowl and wing shooting. Whitetails and turkeys were always second best, but later in life I found another passion...bow hunting whitetails. I now reside in Acworth, GA with my wife and my 3 beautiful children.


I'm truly excited to offer the same experience I had as a hunter to other hunters like my self. A hunt of a lifetime and a chance at a World-Class whitetail. At IBO it’s all about The Experience, The Food, The Laughs, The Friendships, The Chase, The Hunt and That Moment it all comes together. Even if you don’t take a home a trophy....you will take home the memories of a lifetime.

Deer Outfitter

Co-Owner


Wesley McNelley


My name is Wesley McNelley. I was born and raised in beautiful Blue Ridge Georgia. I currently live with my wife Amanda and our three children Madison, Eva, and Nathan in the gorgeous mountains of North Georgia. Growing up in the mountains, I was always on the quest for monster bucks. As I got older my passion for hunting grew exponentially. Whitetail hunts in Illinois have by far been one of my favorites each year.


Having been a client of IBO for several years, I was always finding myself looking forward to the next year when I’d make it back up. Hanging out with my buddies and having such a high success rate at the outfitter.... I caught myself definitely getting pumped up each year to harvest a monster buck at IBO. The property was were I landed my biggest bucks and I enjoyed the atmosphere of the lodge. The guides became friends and it just developed into an interest of mine with each bow season. Couldn’t beat the success I had at IBO.


Last season I was asked to join in as a buying partner for the outfitter. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. IBO will always have a vested interest from me. Going from being a long standing client to now being a partner in owning and making my favorite bow hunting spot in Illinios one of the best is a dream come true. I’m excited to see how much more we can offer to make the outfitter a place my fellow hunters look forward to returning to year after year. I gotta say it’s an exciting endeavor and I look forward to making it the best monster whitetail hunts Illinois can offer.


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