SCOUTING HELP...
 

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 3:46 pm Post subject: SCOUTING HELP...



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I will be going on a semi-guided archery hunt to Adams County Illinois from Oct.25 through Oct.31 of 2008. Basically, we’ll get there and the outfitter will show us the around the property/properties we’ll be hunting, tell us what he’s been seeing and where, and then it’s up to us to hang our stands.

I’d like any advice or tips on how to scout with such limited time and knowledge of the property. We can scout as much as we want, but obviously, if I’m scouting, I’m not hunting.

Also, I’m curious as to whether or not it would be worth while to use a buck decoy, rattle bag, etc… during this time period. I’ve never hunted this part of the country, so I don’t really know much about their rut timing. Here in Maryland, I’ve had some luck around this time period with light rattling, as the bucks seem to just be getting in the fighting mood.

This is my first out-of-town hunt, and I want to give myself the best chance possible, so any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Jason

RE: SCOUTING HELP...
 

im guessing you are hunting with bigneck since you said you are going on a semi guided hunt in adams county. they are good guys. you will have a blast over there with them. i have hunted with them a few times and had a ball and seen some pretty good deer every time. i was there one time the week before you are going and all the younger bucks were out checking all the does. the week you will be there should be good. depends on what property they put you on, they will probably already have some stands up. Ben, Randy, or Mark know the deer over there just listen to them. they will probably give you a arial photo of the section you will be in and if there are stands up they will show you were they are and also show you some other good spots. all the stands they have up will be ladder stands.

RE: SCOUTING HELP...
 

Jason:
This will be my 8th year to go to IL greene,scot co.
So i do not live in IL but hunt it about 2weeks a year.

Here is MY take on IL.The dates you are going will be good IMO.But I like
the 1st week in NOV the best.The buck's are chaseing real good then.
I live in arkansas and the deer look for you in the trees.I can get away
with alot more in IL.TheBuck's in IL won't hesitate to cross an open
field like they do here.I like tofind the trails that are worn-out the most
and set up shop.

I would hunt the farms that the corn is all ready cut.Most should be out
by then but some may not be.If you have any more ? that i might can
answer just PM me.

RE: SCOUTING HELP...
 

Yep, I'll be with Bigneck! Some friends of mine went out last year, one of which shot a good buck. Somewhere around the 140's. Wasn't a monster, but they all four saw a ton of great bucks. I'm really looking forward to it. They had a great time with Ben, Mark, and Randy. One of their wives even baked a cherry pie for one of my buddies that had a birthday while they were there!

RE: SCOUTING HELP...
 

Thanks for the info Ranger. I'll let you know if I have any specific questions!