I had lived in Illinois since birth untill 7 years ago-now I live in Iowa right on Ill./Iowa border 30 min. from my Illinois Family. been a bowhunter since 1957 & took my 1st deer in Ill. in 1958. I also have travelled to Ws. to bowhunt since 1958 & up until a few years ago missed very few seasons. I have had shots at Trophy Bucks in all 3 states.
Now, over ALL these years of HARD BOWHUNTING every year I have 4 decent bucks BUT have almost every year had a chance at a wall hanger (P&Y).
I bowhunt private & public ground in Ill. & Iowa & only public in Ws..
I filmed a friend in Ill. this year & he took a 120- 8 point Buck on his 3rd day over 200 lbs. A TROPHY to him as his area of Maryland has a smaller deer. to us (residents), he was a nice Buck.
All 3 states have TROPHY Bucks. I have missed 1 buck this year & passed on forkys, 6s, 8s & 1 possible 125 10 point. Why? I am trying to top my biggest Buck b/4 I pass on to the Bowhunting grounds in the sky.
Any place in these 3 states hold a trophy-you just have to be lucky enough to be in that spot no matter how much you know about Deer hunting. I "SEE" them every year. I also filmed a friend Miss a 20 yard shot on a beautiful P&Y drop tine Buck in N. Ws. on PUBLIC ground. Saw 2 P&Y bucks from this stand in 3 days. Ill. is good almost anywhere-public or private. Iowa-get in line for preference points-Ws. is over the counter & a bargain for Non-residents AND lots of EXCELLENT public ground. Bowhunting North America Videos has a video/map package covering all 3 states for under $20 on public bowhunting 1-563-243-7877 Good Luck.