I would start by going to the IL DNR website and looking at what public land is available where your looking. You can also get stats there on alot of this land on how many people hunted it, and what the harvest was. This is a great way to start.

I have hunted Panther Creek for many years and did so this last year. Yes there are good bucks there but the pressure is getting crazy. If your a Non-Resident you have to put in for a lottery for the last week of Oct up to the gun season in Nov. The lottery has been free in the past but you still have to buy a tag if drawn. The resident hunters are getting thicker in there but its still not a bad place to hunt if your lucky enough not to have someone set up next to you.

Look at all the details on the public land too. Some areas dont allow NR, some limit them, and some you have to take a doe first.


Don