I'm tryin to locate some areas fairly close to me for some bow hunting, I live all the way up in NW Lake CO... anyone know of some public lands up this direction between rockford and lake michigan close to the WI border??

http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/hunter_fact_sheet/

You're probably better off sneaking up over the border into WI. Not too many public hunting grounds around here. Although if you're set on IL try looking into Chain O' Lakes State Park. Its first-come first-served, but there's some decent deer in there, and it's not too far from you.

Good luck!

Although it's by permit and I'm pretty sure the application period has passed, Volo Bog and Moraine are open to the public in Mchenry County.

Go to OGLE county it's a little south of Rockford. Lowden Miler and Castle Rock has some good land if you don't mind hiking.