Parks41

I'm new to hunting Public Land in Illinois and don't quite understand the process. I would really appreciate any help.

For the upcoming deer season, you apply for a tag (resident) but are only allowed to put down two options for location on the application. What are the odds of getting selected for either of those locations?

What happens if you aren't selected for either of those locations?

Roughly how many permits per season are given for each specific site?

Are we going to go out there and be in the woods with 100's of other hunters?

Thanks again for the help!

fastetti

It all depends on where you are applying for. Are you applying for a site specific permit (i.e. a certain state park or such) or a county? If you are trying to public land gun hunt in the northern part of the state you most likely need a site specific permit which means you have to apply for a certain location. What you should do is apply for your first choice location and for the second choice put the second location you would like to hunt. Unless you are hunting a very large public land spot such as Shawnee NF you shouldn't put in for a county. Every year people put in for a county permit thinking they can hunt any public land in that county which is incorrect. If you need any help, PM me, I have a decent amount of experience with public land hunting and would be happy to help. If they are sites in Northern Illinois I know a few of them pretty well and would be happy to give my .02. Good Luck!

fastetti

Ill help with the questions to since I have a few minutes.


If you aren't selected for either location the state will send you a check back for the permit costs. You are then free to apply for any permits left in the second drawing.

Permit #s vary from site to site, it all depends on how many acres the area is. I know a few #s for some of these parks, its not a huge number but enough to stay somewhat away from people.

You shouldn't be overloaded with hunters since they keep it at a decent number. It all depends on where you hunt. If you stick to 150 yards off the road you probably will be close to some hunters. If you are prepared to do a little walking into the woods you usually can get away from most hunters and see more deer. It just depends on where you are applying too.

Parks41

Thank you so much for the help! I have a lot better understanding now!

Matchbook454

Look into hunting the Joliet Training Center. Its not state land but a military training area and not listed in the states list of public hunting areas. If you bow hunt you need to qualify - pass a test. If you gun hunt you need to apply in a lottery before the state lottery. If chosen then you apply with the st ate gor a Will cty. tag..

Matchbook454

Btw, they shoot b&c as well as several p&y deer there every year.

Murdy

Is the Joliet Training Center the same thing as Midwein National Grassland?