Learn more about NILO Farms

NILO Farms Spotlight

Location & Heritage

• Address: 15025 Hwy 111, Brighton, IL 62012

• Phone: 618-225-1855 618-466-0613)

• Website: nilofarms.com

Founded by John M. Olin in 1952, NILO Farms transformed 650 acres of farmland and timber into a premier wildlife oasis—built for raising exceptional Labrador retrievers and becoming a model for conservation and upland game habitat.

An Orvis-Endorsed Wingshooting Grounds with deep roots in the Winchester legacy, NILO offers a distinguished and authentic sporting experience.

The Experience & Atmosphere

Arriving guests shed their street clothes for hunting and shooting gear inside the charming clubhouse adorned with photos, plaques, and awards chronicling the property’s rich past.

Inside, guests are welcomed with coffee, equipped with safety gear and blaze orange hats, and introduced to quality Winchester shotguns if needed.

After guided shooting or hunting sessions, guests return for lunch featuring renowned fried chicken or world-famous pheasant pot pie, followed by relaxed storytelling and camaraderie before heading home with dressed, frozen birds and NILO’s signature recipes.

Hunting & Shooting Offerings

Hunting experiences include:

• Pheasant hunts behind Labrador, springer, and pointer dogs in managed fields

• Chukar hunts, offering challenging, erratic flushes—an engaging test of skill and dog work

• Duck hunts, featuring flighted mallards presented from blinds—only two shooters per blind, with high-speed passes and little margin for error

Clay shooting and upland games include:

• Sporting clays, 5-stand, trap, skeet

• Unique features like a 40-foot tower, riverside skeet, and the quirky Crazy Quail event—shooters at 22 yards face targets launched unpredictably; hitting 10 out of 10 earns cedar tree-inscribed honors in the clubhouse

Lessons and instruction are available by the hour. Winchester ammunition is always provided.

Events & Shoot Schedule

NILO hosts numerous NSCA-registered shoots annually, including:

• January through September events such as the NILO Open and others on its 650-acre sporting grounds

Key special events include:

• Top Shot Youth Championship (April)

• Boy Scout and Guide Dogs fundraisers (May)

• Kids and Clays (August), SCI Veteran Shoot (September)

• Folds of Honor and Anderson Hospital fundraisers (October)

Event results like those from the NILO Open are published to showcase standout performances and community spirit.

Rates & Packages

Shooting & social amenities:

• Sporting clays: $90, includes ammo and shotgun use

• Trap, skeet, or 5-stand: $20 per box (25 targets)

• Fundraiser rates for weekends and youth shooting: $80 each

• Lunch (max seating 24): $35

• Clubhouse rental (meetings): $200

• Shooting lessons: $100/hour

• Pavilion rental: $1,500 (waived if hosting a sporting clays shoot)

Hunting packages:

• One-day hunt, $625/person: 4 ducks, 6 pheasants, lunch, sporting clays, ammo

• Two-day hunt, $1,000/person: Day 1 – clays, trap/skeet/5-stand, lunch, pheasant hunt (6 birds); Day 2 – 4 ducks, 6 chukar, lunch, ammo

• Design-A-Hunt (non-peak): $350 minimum per hunter or $35 per bird (duck, pheasant, chukar)—customizable with birds, targets, and lunch to meet minimum

Staff & Stewardship

NILO’s staff emphasize dedication to conservation, dog training, and customer experience:

• Duane Pitts (Manager): NSCA level 1 instructor with 14 years guiding experience. Raised on the farm and committed to preserving John Olin’s vision

• Dean Pitts (Supervisor): Over 30 years at NILO, expert dog trainer, NSCA level 2 instructor and competitive shooter

• John Eyers & Josh Eyers (Dog Trainers): Passionate trainers focused on dogs and guest satisfaction

• Scott Huschle (Dog Trainer): Outdoorsman and dedicated conservationist, committed to engaging younger generations

Why NILO Farms Stands Out

• Unmatched heritage: Over 70 years of tradition rooted in conservation, shooting sports, and elite dog training

• Comprehensive offerings: From upland and waterfowl hunting to diverse clay games—there’s something for every shooter

• Unique experiences: Crazy Quail, riverside skeet, 40-ft tower, and personalized hunt packages

• Inviting and storied setting: A clubhouse rich in history, warm hospitality, home-style meals, and remembrance

• Expert staff: Trainers and guides steeped in the sport, committed to safety, satisfaction, and NILO’s legacy