public land ect. in Illinois land
 

I am an avid bow hunter from souther Oklahoma and am looking into some options on traveling to Illinois and hunting for a long weekend without spending a bunch of money on a outfitter. I thought it would be cool to take a thursday and friday off and head where the big boys are next year. give me some insite info if you could!!!

RE: public land ect. in Illinois land
 

cado creek,

I hunted with an outfitter in Illinois. However, if I were to do it again,(and I will) I would hunt Shiloam Springs state park. All these outfitters land borders this state park. I didn't shoot anything when I was there, primarily because of the weather (all the deer were nocturnal...full moon with snow on the ground makes for easy night going) But, around dusk each evening on the way back to the lodge, I saw deer that would make you faint. huge 10 and 12 pointers, the kind that would grace the cover of Outdoor life or Field and Stream. As far as I know, if you bow hunt, all you have to do is show up and register to hunt in there. If it is a gun hunt, you have to apply for a permit from ILlinois DNR.
and Illinois is only shotgun. No rifle.

RE: public land ect. in Illinois land
 

cado creek,

I hunted with an outfitter in Illinois. However, if I were to do it again,(and I will) I would hunt Shiloam Springs state park. All these outfitters land borders this state park. I didn't shoot anything when I was there, primarily because of the weather (all the deer were nocturnal...full moon with snow on the ground makes for easy night going) But, around dusk each evening on the way back to the lodge, I saw deer that would make you faint. huge 10 and 12 pointers, the kind that would grace the cover of Outdoor life or Field and Stream. As far as I know, if you bow hunt, all you have to do is show up and register to hunt in there. If it is a gun hunt, you have to apply for a permit from ILlinois DNR.
and Illinois is only shotgun. No rifle.

RE: public land ect. in Illinois land
 

I'll second Siloam Springs.

It's a large area with beautiful terrain. Plenty of camping and first-rate facilities.

JRW

RE: public land ect. in Illinois land
 

thanks guys, I really appreciate the advice.

RE: public land ect. in Illinois land
 

Just as a reminder.....The state of Illinois is now limiting the number of archery licenses sold to non-residents. There is a definate time frame when you have to apply for them. Just check out the IDNR website for the information.

Would hate for someone to show up thinking that it is still over the counter tags and get turned away!!

Good luck guys.

My Web Page
www.geocities.com/hfpmad

RE: public land ect. in Illinois land
 

Thanks Ill bow man, I will start in january w/ planing and everything. When it gets closer maybe someone could give me some advice on where to start since I will only be there for 3 & a half days of actual hunting. good luck the rest of the year man