WALNUT KNOB ABOUT US



	Pike County is an outdoorsmen's dream: hunting whitetail deer and turkeys, fishing, or enjoying a day spent in the woods. Nestled between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, the terrain is varied and a natural wildlife habitat. Pike County is synonymous with the best in whitetail hunting. At Walnut Knob Outdoors, we offer outstanding whitetail hunts for those with a sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors. Our semi-guided hunts allow flexibility for the experienced whitetail hunter and support for the novice. There is nothing like a hunt for that trophy buck in Pike County, Illinois! Walnut Knob Outdoors was established in the late 1980's on the ground farmed by our family for generations. We have gradually added many more acres that are owned by our friends and neighbors. These farms cover many acres of timber, crop ground, and creek bottoms. Walnut Knob grew significantly when Doug's sister and family (Jody and Dan Heavner and sons) returned to Pike County to the Heavner Family Farm. The Heavner family has owned and farmed many acres of fertile Illinois River bottom ground in addition the many adjacent wooded hills. Dan learned to hunt that area with his grandfather as a child. Hunting and fishing continue to be a big part of the Heavner family's life. Walnut Knob is also home to an elk ranch so bugling can often be heard in the fall as the elk bulls establish their territory.

	WALNUT KNOB STAFF....

	Scott and Doug Pennock (right)	Doug Pennock was raised on the ground where Walnut Knob is based. Doug serves as General Manager for Walnut Knob Outdoors. Being born and raised in the heart of Pike County, Doug has had the opportunity to see his fair share of big whitetail bucks, some from the tractor and some out the dining room window! After a stint in the “real” world, Doug has returned to his roots, once again living on the edge of Time. Doug is the “brains” of the outfit, leaving one wondering how we get things done at all! Seriously, Doug enjoyed many years of bird hunting on the home place and is a true steward of the land and its resources. Years of involvement in conservation programs has resulted in quality hunts for all and the chance for you to take home that Pike County Whitetail! His role as GM puts him in contact with every hunter that comes through here, many of them have become lifelong friends.

	Dave Bryant (“Cousin Dave”) serves as the Walnut Knob Hunt Coordinator. Cousin Dave is just that, Doug’s Cousin. Dave spent many summers on the Pennock farm as a kid helping work the livestock and pitching in wherever needed. It was on this ground that Dave and Doug “cut” their hunting teeth. He currently lives at Green Pond, near Walnut Knob East and has certainly done his best to become acquainted with the ground and the habits of the deer in the area. Not hard for him to figure out as it is impossible for him to keep trees alive in his own yard! Cousin Dave knows the ground as well as anyone, and has spent countless hours scouting and searching for the ideal stand locations. Finding the monster Pike County Whitetail will be much easier with Cousin Dave on the job! He can certainly answer any questions you may have.				Seth and Dave Bryant (right)

		Danny Bess has joined us in the role of Hunt Coordinator as well as working in sales for our sister company, Pea Ridge Elk Ranch. Danny brings many years of hunting experience and is a life long Pike County resident, growing up near the ground that is now a part of Walnut Knob. In addition to his whitetail experience, Danny is an avid duck hunter, having traveled throughout North America hoping to find more birds sporting "jewelry". Danny has a real love of nature and hunting and will be a tremendous asset to our operation.

	Jaci Wade has joined in the role of Account Services Coordinator. Jaci is a Pittsfield native with a degree in Mass Communications from SIU Edwardsville. She is the newest friendly voice you will hear when you call our office. Jaci is still working through our accounting software and will be a huge asset to us for advertising. Her outgoing personality will make you feel right at home. When not chained to her desk, she can be found wrangling salamanders to add to her ever growing collection.

	Dan (Left) and Jack	Dan Heavner is the Manager of Walnut Knob East. This ground lies along the bluffs and bottom ground of the Illinois River where Dan was raised. Boone, as he is called by his family learned, to hunt the ground with his father and grandfather as a child. Dan was fortunate enough to marry in to the Pennock Family many years ago. He and Doug’s sister Jody are married and have three boys of their own. Now he is lucky enough to be able to hunt the same ground with his own sons. Dalton, the oldest of the three boys, shot his first buck in the fall of 2004 and his first turkey this spring, bringing things full circle. In addition to managing the ground, Dan is also responsible for building and maintaining the website.

	Lois Pennock, or Mom as she is referred to by all who come to know her, is the Guest Services Coordinator. Her mission in life is to make our guests as welcome and comfortable as possible. It is obvious she has succeeded as we have many guests return year after year and consider themselves a part of the family. Due to the large number of requests for adoptions, her own children have asked that it be made clear that they will not be sharing the Pennock Nickel when the time comes. In the meantime, Mom will do her best to make sure to have the accommodations ready and the rest of us are behaving!

		Sandy Lierly serves in the role of Guest Services Coordinator. Sandy comes to us with many years experience in the service industry. She is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of our lodging facilities, as well as reservations and marketing. Sandy is married to Mike (see above info) making this a true family affair (have to ask them how fun it is to work together!) They are the parents of two daughters, Nikki and Natalie. When not spending time with her husband here the Knob, Sandy enjoys fishing and freestyle skateboarding. She also has an extensive collection of artificial foliage.

	Mike Lierly serves as guide and all-around handy man. A Pike County native, Mike enjoys the great out-of-doors, hunting and fishing are at the top of his list. He is the most talented of our crew, not that it is much of a stretch around here, playing in the local band “Last Chance”. When not hard at work keeping things running smoothly around here, he can be found spending time with his lovely wife, Sandy. Just ask and he may put on his Hawaiian shirt and sing a little Jimmy Buffett.

		Lindsey Smith is not a new face to many of you. Linds started here as an intern on the elk ranch several years ago and has returned from school to work for us full time. It is hard to imagine this place running as well as it does without her hard work. If you need something done, give it to Linds. If you have questions about our operation while you visit us, Lindsey is a great person to ask. Ask Lindsey about her collection of dried sea urchins!

	Gina Grammar, our House Mom at the Lodge, is always ready to help! We love Gina dearly and consider her a part of our family. Gina is the mom of Dana and Bradley and the proud grandmother of 2 beautiful baby girls. She works very hard to make your stay here relaxing and comfortable. Just keep in mind, Gina is caffeine powered, without a steady supply of coffee or Mountain Dew, things get very ugly, very quickly.