Illinois Buck Hunting
 

For those of you in Illinois, what are the best options for muzzleloader? Lease hunting land? Public land? Are there tons of hunters on the public land?

It seems quite expensive for leases when you compare to the window of time you can hunt.

the bad thing about muzzleloader is you get whats left over from the 2 shotgun seasons and its pretty tough hunting. Your best bet is to just hunt the shotgun seasons. The first one is in Nov. and the second is the first of dec. Mostly durinf muzzleloader everything is shot up by muzzleloader season. Public ground in my area is pressured hard by bow hunters all year.

what are the dates for shotgun?

Illinois is over hunted for the most part IMHO
ROLL TIDE
dd

2009 Season Dates:
November 20, 21, 22 (first season)
December 3, 4, 5, 6 (second season)

The first day of the first season is most likely the best day of both seasons. This year, we saw bucks chasing does the entire first day. The second day can be quite different as they realize that they are being hunted and sightings go down. On the flip side, the second and third days are Saturday and Sunday so there is a chance that increased pressure from others can push a buck past you.

Good luck.

brizzo,

IMO I would lease private land.
Then you know the ground better after time that is,there are no surprises on who' hunting where? Helluva lot safer!! And in time you can do food plots/pattern deer to YOUR advantage-NOT some other slob who slept in late with a "fat head" i.e. hangover.
Its your time and money-might as well maximize it.

Ranger

there are also gun seasons...dec 31, jan 1, 2, 3

jan. 15, 16, 17