I've booked a bow hunt for this upcoming October in Pike's County IL with a very reputable outfitter. I was just curious as to anyone's experience bow hunting Pikes. This is my first guided hunt and first time hunting outside of MA & CT. I am very anxious and hope not to get fined the $500 for shooting a buck below a 125 score... that will be hard because my biggest buck probably scores 110! This is going to be tuff! Can't wait! Any feedback will help!

W MA HUNTER, i have never actually hunted in Pike county; but the counties i hunt in (Morgan & Cass) are just on the other side of the Illinois river and share in the absolutely awesome whitetail hunting that Pike co offers.
as far as your upcoming hunt goes, you are going to have a great time. you are going to see a lot of deer, including some very big bucks. if you're worried about shooting a 125 class buck or under, my advice to you would be to not take any buck that has less than 10 typical points if you want to be extremely careful dont take anything less than a 12 pt typical. there are a lot of immature 8 pointers who fall right in the range of 110 to about 130 or so.
good hunting and best of luck.

MA Hunter,
125 Class bucks are a dime a dozen in IL, Dont even think about shooting one of those in Pike county, you will be in one of the best locations in the world for Whitetail. You'll know your buck when you see him. The question is will you be able to handle the buck fever.