Hey guys. Looking for some information from those familiar with this piece of property. I'd guess the causeway is passable at this time, as I don't have a boat. Wondering what the crowd is like during the week, as that's the only time I can hunt. Don't really want to battle with a bunch of other guys for a spot. From what I've seen it appears it's a decent area, and it's like 20 minutes from my house. I've heard, use a mountain bike, take a sled, hunt from a blind, and don't leave home without a thermacell. Any and all information appreciated. Went to my normal stomping grounds today (2 hour drive), and saw a couple dinks, and few does, but no shots I felt comfortable with. Then I drove home... not what I'd call a wasted day, but I'd much rather drive 20 minutes and achieve the same success. Thanks for the info.
Also, if anyone wants to do some public hunting together, I'm open for that as well. Again, only available Mon-Thurs
Do a search, this has been brought up before. I haven't hunted there, but remember hearing it was better during the week. I know they kill some deer there.
Yeah I found an old post about it, didn't say much, figured instead of resurrecting an old one I'd make a new one. It mentioned it being better during the week, I just wonder what that means. 0-40 people? Also was wondering if the causeway is passable atm. Was just looking for some up-to-date information if anyone had some. Sorry if the post is redundant.
I haven't personally hunted there, but used to work close by and many of the guys I worked with told me about their trips to Howell Island. Most of them had good hunts (during the week, such as yourself), but never mentioned anything about the passage way (high, dry, underwater, etc.). Two places I would suggest stopping by and asking is the local Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops. There are guys who work there that actually hunt that land. Although they may steer you away from their special spots. Good luck and let us know how your hunts turn out (if you decide to go there).
Just called the MDC, the lady on the phone didn't seem very sure, but said she thinks the crossing is being "worked on still". Guess I'll have to drive over there an see. If anyone has a boat and wants to do some hunting, let me know!
I've hunted there quite a bit in 2006 when I lived in St. Charles. There are a lot of big deer and a lot of deer in general. It does get hunted fairly heavily. If you want to get away from the majority of hunters, plan to walk a couple miles back. Even then, you'll probably get walked in on 1 out of 4 hunts. Make sure you bring a compass or GPS. It's easy to get lost out there if you get back off the hiking trail very far. Believe me, I know. I would walk back 1.5 miles along the trail and then 1/4-1/2 mile off the trail depending on where I was hunting. I got lost for about an hour one night coming out when I forgot my compass. I hunted there 7 straight days in 2006 and saw 4 different shooters that went from 140 - 160 inches. I killed a 154" ten point on the 7th day. Early that year, some one killed a gross 180's on the first day of season. Good luck!
