Illinois Deer Hunters...Would Like Your Input

[cflhunter]

My buddy and I are planning an Illinois archery hunt for the first week of November. I have family in the southern Illinois area (Centralia). They have been asking a few friends and co-workers for any land available for us to hunt. The attached picture is what they have come up with as of now. The area highlighted in yellow is the portion that a family friend has offered us to hunt. I have never hunted outside of Florida and was wondering if any fellow forum members would mind sharing their knowledge or insight of hunting areas such as this. In Florida we're are used to hunting large areas of timber. By no means are we used to hunting the fertile farm lands and small batches of timber that Illinois has to offer. Are permits are $400 this year, as well as traveling expenses. I simply don't want to waste our time or money. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time!

[tdm69]

Well I am from northern IL but I am used to this type of land. There is one great location that I would be in, without seeing the actual sign, and that's the N.W. corner where the two woods meet. That's a natural funnel. I would also put a stand up where the little point of woods comes up and meets the pond on the S.E. edge of it. During the rut the bucks and does will need water and they have the cover to get right to it there without being seen. That's where I would start. Hope it helps.

[backwoods07]

I also hunt in northern IL, and I agree with the first post about having a stand in the Northwest corner, or close to it. It's a perfect transition spot where the deer might be heading out to the field in the evening.

But without looking at sign, it's tough to say. Good luck. We have some great hunting here in Illinois

[cflhunter]

Thanks backwoods & tdm69 for the replies. Definitely helping to boost my confidence. I'm gettin' a little excited now! (Ha!)

[rad_112176]

The NW corner is a deffinate spot for a stand as long as th wind is not coming from the south. The large timber along the west edge of the property may also be a good funnel for the deer that are coming from across the road and trying to get to the bedding area. It appears in the pics that the area located behind the pond may be a good spot for a bedding area since it looks thick. You probably want to see if someone can spend a day or two out there scouting for you and even driving around the property the couple of weeks before you come to see where the deer are feeding and moving. Good luck and be sure to let us know how you do.

[PotashRLS]

I agree also, however.........

Judging by the scale of the aerial photo or just flat out guessing, it looks like the parcel is only a portion of a 40 acre tract. You better have someone scout it before you waiste a lot of $$$$$$ on a potential "Good from far....Far from good" hunting spot.

It also appears there may be adequate hunting pressure around just based on the proximity of the neighbors.

Its a start but I wouldn't hang your hat on it. Just my 2cents.

[Mirage]

I too hunt florida and I am going to Illinois this year too! I am going niorth though with coppers creek outfitters. I hunt over by daytona speed way

[danthehunter]

Well lucky for you i live in Centralia, and i know exactly where you are hunting. There was a deer killed about 1/2 mile from that spot about 2 years ago that went in the 180's with a 12 inch drop-tine, and the funny part is, i have the shed from that deer. My buddy that lives about 1/4 mile away from this place found it in his yard and gave it to me. Great hunting in that area, lots of nice deer taken there in the last 5 yrs. Stay on the northern side of that property and you should have some luck. Let me know if you want some more info on this area.

[huntermq32]

Going from big timber to small timber hunting is a big change. Deer are very weary so bring you A game. If you want to hunt big timber that is loaded with deer check out the shawnee forest its free hunting. Also hunters are always talking about how good the deer hunting is in november but if it is a big buck you want the third week in october is the time to be here.

[cflhunter]

Thanks Dan and huntermg32!

[dlb]

The other posts about the NW corner are right on. That big block of timber to the west and north will likely get a fair amount of pressure. The deer may use the northern edge of your property to escape to other big cover to the east.