I'd love to tag along. I don't know if I'll buy a bow--I think buying three shotguns this year has maxed out the number of new toys I can buy without my wife killing me. Besides, it's been 15 years since I've shot a bow.

If I understand the process correctly, in Illinois one must apply for a hunting license, then buy deer tags once one has been granted?

Welcome,
The best advice I can give you is, regardless of your age, take a Hunter Safety course. You will learn alot of things that most people over look (safety). It's a great way to start off your hunting career.

Thanks Matt!

That's in the plans, even though I am exempt from being required to take such a course to hunt (born before 1980). According to the DNR website, currently none are scheduled in my region.

hey legion,

I Live in Fairbury, In fact I was in Bloomington today Christmas shopping.. Anyway I only bow hunt. If I had my own property I would consider it. Seems its easier to find a place to bow hunt than it is to shotgun.

I would check with the DNR just to make sure that the hunter saftey course is not required. When time comes you can get on DNR sight and put in for tags in what county your going to be hunting. When I use to hunt (shotgun)I applied for two tags. I think it was like 30 bucks and could hunt both seasons.

Good suggestion, was to ask the guy who gives you some meat to tag along. Won't hurt to ask!

im in galesburg,any questions for me?,im close to you. also,i hunt both seasons(first and second) for 15 dollars,you go to a sporting goods store,buy a liscence,then buy a tag,it will be sent to you in mail,in about 2 months,dont forget to sign the tags either. and try posting this on the midwest forum.you might get more answers..

WELCOME!!
Actually your close to being right. You buy the license about anywhere, bait shops, Walmart, most sporting goods store. But you have to apply for the deer tags depending on what county you would like to hunt in.



Sorry guys I just figured out you may be talking bow hunting my bad.....

legion, tags and licenseare a snap. no private land or buddies available to tag along with, try just spending some time on public land during the off season scouting, observing, etc.

what kind of questions do you have about the firearms season or deer hunting in general? be happy to help.

also, walters444hunt, offers to bring people along in Scott county on bowhunts (look in the Midwest forum), you might want to tt him, would be good experience, I know him, good guy, we bothlive near Jacksonville.

Legion, I'm just south of Champaign and know many great public spots in Illinois. I would be happy to help you out. Its a little late to gun hunt this year but that shouldn't stop you from joining in on a bowhunting trip - I could always use a cameraman.

Send me a PM and we can schedule a time to meet up if you would like. We'll hit the woods and I'll help fill in some knowledge gaps. There's nothing like learning real world real time.

There is a lot to learn about hunting before worrying about how to get a tag.

I agree. I know next to nothing other than I like venison. I am patient, and willing to learn for a few years before attempting to hunt myself.

This year is pretty much out for me, but I'd love to tag along next fall if I could. It's be a good excuse to get the digital SLR I've had my eye on.