Hey Guys, New to the sport. I have obviously read all the DNR regs and what not about the public hunting sites in IL. I am not trying to "poach" anyone's spot from them, but what words of advice would you offer to a new hunter trying to get his feet wet on public land?
look for stands or obvous spots where people park, we cant place stands on state land til sept 1st here, most guys leave hem out year around and that make it easier for me to see who is around. If you have a buddy that hunts alot and has been doing it bring him along, a friend of mine spots stands like ive never seen, i try to take him to new spots when i look. Get as far back as reasonable to find your places to hunt, most people try to stay close to the old dirt roads. Good luck
Scout the land out before the season, it will give you a better idea of where you are in the woods and where the deer may be moving. I didnt have the opportunity to do that last year before i got thrown into public land but it would have helped a lot if i would have done that. Another thing is to get in there early like hunting any other place. You might have some idiot walking in right around day light towards you. ( Had it happen to me) Now most of the time that will just piss you off and will likely lead to little or no sightings but you might get lucky and get a deer bumped to you. When hunting public land just stay positive and keep hunting hard. The hard work will eventually pay off. Good luck this fall.
Make sure that you apply for some of the spots that are by lottery drawing like Volo and Moraine Hills. Hate it when I miss the application deadline. Also look into Midewin.
Yep I got in for a place that I has a lottery drawing this fall. Sent from my XT901 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Look for a food and water source, Id try to find some trails or intersecting trails that would be a good spot to place a stand. Keep in mind shooting lanes, you can usually picture it in your head. I dont hunt public land that often but when I do I always seem to be on someone elses toes, so just think about that.
If you have time take a look at Shawnee National Forest in southern IL. I realize that it is a LONG ways from Chitown, but my neighbor and I have hunted down there for a few years now and you would be amazed at how many other hunters you do NOT see! The further north you go in the state the more hunters you will find. I only live 10 min from Chain-o-lakes State Park. To bowhunt there you need to get there early as it is first-come, first serve to access the property as they only allow a set amount of hunters. There has been many times where I was turned away to go home and back to bed 'cause I was too late in arriving there at 4:00 AM!!! Good luck. I have heard some good reports out of Midewin if that isn't too far for you.
Fine with me. I forgot to report my hunts last season before the deadline so I am not eligable for a tag this upcoming season. Sent from my BNTV600 using Tapatalk 2
