That's both neat and kind of a bummer since you didn't have a tag. Of course being in IL, you can't just go buy one, you have to apply way in advance. Next time get your camera out in advance!!!
I didn't apply for a shotgun tag but I'm hunting on public land that has standby tags. First, it's a bit of aluck to get a tag, then with all the hunters out there, you're pretty darn lucky if you even see a deer. It's a
different kind of challenge. (not to mention that I've never shot a shotgun out of a treestand before, I'm hoping it doesn't knock me out of the tree) I would fall out of the tree if I saw a 170" deer out there.