I hunt public land in Shawnee National Forest in southern IL...about a 5 hour drive for you...if you can get away for weekend I could suggest some decent locations with very little pressure especially during bow season.

I would not give up on Midewin...my friend has taken a couple out of their with bow...just because someone tromps through does not mean all of the deer are gone...that place is full of animals. Bow hunting is just tough and takes patience.