RE: Illinois
Welcome,
Truth be told, their is not a Booner behind every tree here.....Just every other one!
The deer hunting up and down the river is great. Nothing but agriculture and big fat deer.
As far as no rifles, get your self a short-range rifle (slug gun or muzzleloader) and get used to short and intense gun seasons. Better yet, if you don't already shoot a bow buy one. Our bow season is plenty long with no limit on does.
Good Hunting,
Bowflex