RE: New to Hunting - IL
Bowhunting would be you best bet in Illinois. The season is 3 1/2 months long, with a couple weeks of firearms thrown in the middle here and there.
Yiou'd have to start with a decent bow, then it's a matter of getting out and finding deer. Not too easy on public land, especially anywhere north in the state. Lasalle state fish and wildlife area is a great spot. So is Kankakee River State park. Kankakee isn't too far from you.
If you'd like, send me a PM and I'll be glad to hook up with you and show you around. I'm also huge into bowfishing. I have a boat all set up with room for one more most of the time, and I go to a spot near Joliet most of the time. Make sure you check out the bowfishing forums here.