I'm from Alabama and would like to try some Illinois Bowhunting. Would appreciate any info on some places to consider. Doesn't have to be the most popular place, but would like a place not completely overrun with hunters. Someone suggested the Rend Lake area? Would love to lease a private farm for a week but don't really know how to go about it. Any input would be helpful and most appreciated. Thanks

Being from Southern Illinois Rend Lake is good, there is the Shawnee forest area, Trail of tears in Jonesboro. Crab Orchard wildlife area and Giant City. As forleasing private area, I can't help you with that. I hunt on private farms but I work with them, they want to know the person pretty well before they let them hunt on there land. Good Luck.

Some public ground in IL is only open to IL residents....Check that out first....

Thanks for the info. I'll check the Illinois Dept. of Conservation for more details on which areas are available to non-residents. Thanks again and good hunting.

It will have to be next year tho. All IL archery tags are sold in a draw/quatasystem before the season. And start saving now, IT AINT CHEAP!

Yes, we were planning on next year. We're both on a budget and want to decide where and when so we can start putting some cash back. We use to go to Ohio every year but haven't been able to go the last couple of years because of kids and other obligations. We're looking forward to going somewhere again. Thanks

Anyone else got any info, do,s don,t or what to expect? Any input is greatly needed and appreciated. Thanks

You're on the right track by contacting the IDNR. Your best bet for escaping the crowds will be the Shawnee National Forest. Most of the State Parks in Illinois have public hunting, and while a lot of them hold big bucks, they also tend to get a lot of pressure. Be ready to pay if you're going to lease a private farm!

Thanks for the info. I'll continue to research the state public lands and hopefully make a good choice.