RE: Illinois Rut
Ricky - it seems like your first trip to Pike. But no matter, you chose your destination for a reason. If I were to make a journey to a place I really desired to hunt deer, what ever state/region/reason/cost..............I would hunt each and every second I possibly could. Drinking and eating good energy foods, all the sleep I could squeeeze in. Warming in to my stands or blinds well before daylight and warming off after full darknes (with an unloaded gun).
That's what I would do, maximize my opportunities.
Of course, scent-control, wind-in-the-face, etc......etc. .........but MAXIMIZE TIME AFIELD!