I took at look at that Timberlandhunts site and he has some GREAT bucks and what's not to like about hunting in Illinois? BUT I seriously doubt an outfitter in an obviously quality area of IL is going to sell hunts for 140"+ bucks for only $2k! If he does he is crazy and is leaving ALOT of money on the table each season.

Just to give you an idea of the "market price" for some bucks, there are several places also in IL that have realistic chances at bucks over 190" like some of those on that website. You can't touch a one of them for less than $15k+ and in many cases those bucks are "sold" for over $20k. This is a competitive business and you can bet that 150"+ bucks are known about WELL BEFORE season and the realistic outfitter is going to put his most monied clients in those areas because he knows he will get the largest tips and return hunts when he handles such hunters like that. That's just the way it goes and that happens with respect too ANY trophy hunting in the world!

Good or bad, the market is just CRAZY right now for quality animals!
RA

ps
MC it sounds like you just want to go on a trip out of state and that is great, but strictly speaking in the interest of time and money there are some HUGE deer very near your location. Check around the many locations up and down the MS River in LA and MS. BUT here again they are gonna cost more than your price limit. Good luck anyway!