I was hunting Macoupin county and heard plenty of shots on opening day. Sounded like all the neighbors around me was killing deer. I saw more deer 2 weeks before gun season opened.

Maybe the number is lower because more hunters want big bucks. Personally I try to get the bigger bucks during bow season. Gun season is when I fill my freezer with meat. I gotta go back second season this year.

I even gave away my Willie Nelson tickets so I could hunt second season. If I don't see anything like first season I will be pissed!!!