Alright, I hunt in Illinois and I get one week off of work. I've already picked that week, but it'll be easy to change it, if need be. What week would my fellow hunters take off?
I've always had good luck after the first week of November before 1st shotgun. Last year it seemd a little earlier but I'd say anytime after Halloween is what I'd shoot for, that's when things seem to pick up around here anyway.
The 4th thru the 8th of November. Make sure you are hunting the 2nd and 3rd also. The first Saturday in November is always opening pheasant season and many bedding grounds get pushed for the first time that weekend.
I always take the first week of November. This year, I have the 2nd thru the 10th. It's become a tradition for me, and last year I took the bruiser in my avatar the morning of November 7th. I've always seen good deer movement on our property the first week of November. I've always tried to bow hunt as much as possible before the first shotgun season.
The couple days before gun season is also great. All the last minute dummies, out scouting, hanging stands, etc... Some of my best bucks have fallen on that last day.
I've always liked the first week of November although I've shot my last few bucks within two days of thanksgiving.
I'm taking off Halloween through the 10th of November. Full moon falls on the 17th of Nov. this year, barring any weather factors crops should be out by then as well. Empty fields and dark nights for me.
I know the BHOD crew loves Halloween. This year Halloween being on a Thursday makes a a bit tough, but you could always start on Nov. 2nd. Personally, I get Veterans Day off as a holiday (Mon Nov 12) then Michigan's rifle season opens the 15th (that Thursday) so I'm taking Friday the 8th, then the 12-15th off. I end up getting 10 straight days in the woods and only using 5 days of leave. I'll probably also take Friday Nov. 1st off and hunt hard closer to home that weekend as well.
