Went to put a camera out in a new spot yesterday and there was a fresh scrape right on the edge of cut corn field. Been seeing a monster in this area this year. Closest he's come to the blind is about 70 yards so far. Hoping to at least get some pics to share
is it just me or are we low on deer. between EHD, bobcats, and late winter season there are few deer around even in normally high populated areas. I'm not shooting does for the next few years.
Low on mature deer, at least in my area. Its been a rough season, I've gotten more opportunities than in the past, but I haven't seen a single buck over 3.5 on hoof. Only 2 on camera. Last year I had over 4 shooters and saw 3 of them on hoof. This years rut sucked too.
Saw two yesterday morning in the snow storm we were having. Five in the afternoon in a different area. Shot my first one from the ground. 5 deer walking thru some CRP coming towards me, so I got down on one knee and waited. Shot a young one at 15 yrds. What's everybody think of Rage Hypodermic? I'm thinking they leave an awesome hole I'll post some pics in a minute. They're on my phone
Just thought I would include this link to the Illinois Whitetail Alliance. Also just wanted to bring back the Illinois thread. Home - Illinois Whitetail Alliance Here is some more information Heartland Outdoors ::
I am new to bow hunting this year. I have been shooting a lot. If you have any tips I would appreciate it.
Just keep practicing. Try to practice how you will hunt so if you are going to hunt out of a stand try to take some elevated shots and if you will be hunting out of a ground blind try to practice that way. Also whatever your comfort range is practice past that. For me its 50 yards so I practice out to 60 and 70 yards. It makes you have to concentrate on form more and also the 20 and 30 yard shots seem way easier after shooting out at 60 yards.
Anyone from the NE section of the state have any food plots out? I am curious how they are growing. I am finally going out next week to get a small plot put in. I can 't wait!
My friends food plot, mix of beans and turnips, has taken off very well. The deer have kept the beans mowed down on this 1 acre plot.
Oh how I wish I had a place to go. I get a few invites here and there but wish I could go on my time. Adams Co is amazing! Turkey hunted there a bunch of years ago. I'm all set, been practicing, grabbed a new lifeline and some gear. Best of luck to all!
So....who has been out? I see up in Northern, IL a freaking beast was dropped! Anyone getting anything in Central, IL? My stand for Saturday morning was unreachable due to high water. I have to cross a small farmers bridge to get to my honey hole. The entire bridge was under water and the tricky end might have gone over my boots, didn't want to risk it on a cold morning so early in Oct. I have seen a few more bucks than normal and have heard a few reports. Strange or not, every buck I have seen or heard about was running with at least another buck?
I've noticed the bucks still running in pairs also. In person once and on cams. Went out last Friday and had 6 does come out into bean feild to feed. Shot one and she didn't make it out of field with about a hour before last light so can't say what would of happened. Seems like everything will be kicking off earlier than last couple year but who knows. Could go quiet now that people are hitting the woods. Either way it's looking to be a good year.
I was out opening day in central IL saw 3 does in the morning and that was it but haven't been out since. I will be heading back home this weekend to hunt NW IL so hopefully it will be a good weekend and I can put a deer on the ground. I haven't been back to the properties at home in awhile so its going to play the wind and hope they are around during the daylight.
Went out this past Saturday for an evening sit with the passing cold front. I saw absolutely nothing sitting between a cornfield and some timber. My neighbor has also said the deer movement has been slow. My trail cameras back that notion up too. I guess its time to wait until the big boys start moving in a few weeks.
Check out the threads; Graf's buck and my BBD thread. Two Illinois Beasts, one from the west and one from the north
