Our Story

For many years, I went on two or three paid hunts a year. Some were good places and some were not, but I never found the perfect place. Some would have good food and friendly guides, but the hunting would be bad. Some had great hunting, but the guides weren’t very easy to deal with. Here at Big Cedar Whitetails, we strive to be the exception. West Central Illinois is probably the most famous destination for big whitetails. We offer hunters great hunting, a lodge designed by hunters for hunters, great food, and a friendly staff. We want you to feel like family from the get go. The one thing that sets us apart though is our Christian, family friendly atmosphere. If you are looking for a place to take your buddies, or your wife or kid, or even your preacher, and not be embarrassed, this is it. Maybe you are a company that stands for Christian values and you want to bring some customers on a hunt that does not compromise that, this is it.

Here at Big Cedar Whitetails, we are committed to serving both our customers and the Lord. Give us a call and join the Big Cedar family.

 

How it all started….

Seventeen years ago Doug and Sandy Payne brought me on as a guide here at Big Cedar Whitetails.  As the years passed, I became more involved and my wife and I eventually bought our own lodge.  In early 2022, Doug decided to step away from BCW and focus his attention on the church he is pastoring in Mississippi.  We hope to continue his vision and passion of serving the Lord and hunting here in central Illinois.

Meet the Team

 

Paul & Rebecca Mclemore

Hosts & Guides

Paul and Rebecca Mclemore have a love for the outdoors and their three girls, Presley, Madison, and Ainsley.  

Paul started hunting as a young boy in Mississippi. Anyone who knows him can see his passion for the outdoors and hunting.  The best character trait about Paul is he is selfless, and that’s what you want in a hunting guide. He works as hard as he can and does everything possible to help you harvest a deer.  He has been on many hunting trips around the United States and assisted with the Wounded Warrior and handicap hunts for several years.  Countless young children and adults in his community have harvested their first deer or turkey with Paul by their side. 

Rebecca did not begin hunting until she met Paul, but now she loves spending her time in the woods when she’s not in the classroom.  Rebecca is a teacher at Sebastopol Elementary, so she is on the planning side of the hunts.  She works hard throughout the year to make sure your accommodations are comfortable and you enjoy the best hunting experience possible.

 

 

 

Sue Wells

Head Cook/Lodge Host

Sue Wells is a friend of Doug and Sandy’s from the local church there in Illinois where she was known for her cooking. She worked with Sandy for several years in the kitchen learning southern classic dishes like “GRITS”. She has taken over as cook and lodge host at BCW. When our hunters rebook with us, they have one question, “Will Sue be back?” The answer is yes!