Cut my teeth the same way Muzzy did. I got saline county tags and hit the NF down there. Was able to connect on a buck first time I went, opening morning. Its tougher, but they are there. I hate to say it, but the best way is to find a place for gun that only issues a certain amount of tags and apply there. The key is to get as far away from Chicago as you can. Sure, you'll spend a bit on a hotel but some of those places hold some good deer and they don't allow too many hunters. Forget about the Chain by fox lake, I can't believe how low the gun numbers have been the last few years. Ridiculous. The NF down south still holds some deer, but you have to work for them and think outside the box. Good Luck!