Hey,
Just wondering from all the Illinois deer hunters, where you go to hunt. Does most everyone hunt private land? I have been looking at some public land like DesPlaines conservation area, and was wondering if any of you guys have had much luck with DNR public land like that.I'm not looking to find out your secret spot or whatever, just curious as to what others think about public land hunting opportunities in IL.

Better place just south and a little west, Heideke Lake area, more deer, better management practices. Just about 5 miles from Desplaines Consv. Area. Hope this helped...... Must pass a competantcy test, with bow, think you must shoot doe before buck (don't really know?), and bucks which are harvested must meet minumum requirements of 4 points on one side and/or 18" spread (at least as wide as ears).

I didn't know they required a competancy test at Heideke. I know they do at JTA (Joliet Training Area, or The Arsenal). Heideke does have a lottery/drawing. I think they only let 20 hunters in at a time. And DesPlaines only gives out 500 parking permits a year now. They usually go within the first 4-5 hours. They give them out Sept. 1st.

There's a place called Medewin National Tallgrass Prairie. They let you hunt there on a daily basis. It's on the east side of I-55 from DesPlaines. Some nice deer taken out of those places every year, but it's hard hunting. Everybody and their brother goes trompin around through there. Still, alot of deer.

DT, sent you a pm. Walt

I hunt mostly public land. Down state here we have a bunch of decent public land. I'm usually on the Kaskaskia FWA. You'll need a boat to access most of the 20000 acres, but there are plenty of nice swamp bucks hiding out there. Good luck.

I've been to Midewin, too many hunters early season and rut. I don't plan on going back! Guys walking through the wood 1 1/2hrs after sunrise!
I hunt some good places in Ogle county, some pretty tough hikes in but well worth it. PM if you would like go sometime.