Illinois Hunters...........

[TreeNap]

Ok, I'm trying to plan my trip to Illinois........and I hope to gain some knowledge from guys who have experience in that area.

First off, I hunt in Mason County. I've gone there for years now but mainly for waterfowl. After missing a nice deer last year with a half hearted whitetail hunting attempt..........I've decided to really put in the time this year.

I have hundred of acres and several different places to hunt.

I can hunt hardwoods which I love. I also have access to river bottoms. I prefer the timber just because it's more scenic I guess.

I can go anytime of the year with almost impulse notice. Meaning if a front is coming through, I can leave the day before. I normally leave on a Sat. and return the following Sun.

Last year I used a ladder stand to hunt out of. Although it presents challenges. Because these properties are hardly hunted, the deer information paths usually come from the farmers who've seen them from roads and what not.

How do I locate the best possible spots with no lead time in the woods? Do I look for signs such as scrapes, rubs, trails ect? If I do so do I run the risk of bumping good deer?

Or, do I set on a field and glass travel patterns of deer the first day and go from there?

There is a field on the timber spot that is approx. 20 acres planted in wheat on the interior of the timber. I've sat on this field before seeing large number of deer but no big bucks obviously.

I set up on a rub last year and saw 2 nice bucks but deer movement was not exactly what I was looking for.

When is the best time to go? I always hear the first part of November is the best. Last year I was there around the 10th and saw good rut movement I think.

Anyhow...........looking for some guidance I guess.

Hopefully someone will help this rookie out.

[whackem and stackem]

TreeNap,
I have hunted successfully in Illinois for several years. The best thing to do is look at aerials of the property which is a must and find all the pinchpoints, bedding areas, field corners etc and set up in them. I would use lock on's and hang several per property for different winds. The food sources are going to be key so if the deer are hitting cut corn fields, beans or wheat, this is where you should concentrate. If there are major creeks, rivers, etc. Big bucks will travel them as well during the rut. It is easy to pattern deer in the Midwest as there is a lack of cover and definite terrain features that deer use. The best time to be there is the 1st of Nov thru Thanksgiving. The end of Oct. is good at times as the bucks start cruising for the first estrous does. Play the wind, hunt the rut, rattle, grunt and pick a spot on a mature buck. Good Luck

[TreeNap]

So, besides google earth, where are some good places to find arial maps?

Maybe I someone can look at one with me over the phone and help me out..................

Man I sound like a rookie.

[whackem and stackem]

terraserver, or google earth is all you need.

[yukon2]

End of October and first couple of weeks in November you can't hardly go wrong. Good luck.