I'm from a high pressured, rifle hunter dominated, dog hunting tradition state.... We have 2 1/2 months of firearm seasons.... ALL phases of the rut take place during some sort of firearm season.... We have great genetics for growing big bucks, but the average age class killed is well under 3.5 yrs old.... The absolute best hunter I know that hunts your average ground has killed a few P&Y bucks, and he is the absolute best... I have killed 1 and have only laid eyes on about 5......

Now, I've been to Illinois twice, DIY, but on private land.. In those 10 days, I've seen more shooter bucks than I would see in 5+ years here in MS..... To put it bluntly, its fairly easy to shoot a decent (110+) buck in Illinois. They have a well defined rut, farm land terrain that funnels movement, etc..... I know one guy out there that has killed 7 P&Y bucks on 40 acres.... 40 freaking acres! Down here you can't kill 7 squirrels on 40 acres, much less P&Y deer.

I defintely don't thinks those mid west hunters are any less skilled that those anywhere else in the country, they just have a huge advantage.. Not only are there A LOT more big deer, in most areas they are easier to pattern.... You set up on a draw, fence line, etc and just wait... It's worked for me the 2 times I've been... I hope it works again this season.