Summer glassing usually requires peering across large soybean and alfalfa fields here in IL and often times the big guys won't step out into that far end of the field until nearly dark. For that reason I would strongly suggest something in the 8x42 or 10x42 size. For your stand hunting here in IL I would also suggest something in the 8x42 range, their not overly heavy so you can still wear them or hang them comfortably plus they will allow you to peek through the thickest brush in the tail ends of legal shooting time and still achieve and crystal clear view. I've owned so many pairs of binos that I don't understand why anyone would actually want to use a pair of compacts. In my humble opinion as small as any serious hunter should consider would be something in the 36mm size. Good luck with your optic choice.

For the record, the Swarovski 8.5x42mm are the ultimate glass that I've ever used!