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Illinois Deer Hunt
#8554275
03/12/22 02:17 AM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 184
Spooks
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 184 |
Input appreciated:
I have the opportunity to deer hunt Illinois this up coming season. Here is my question: I talked to the land owner this past weekend. Here is my dilemma: archery, shotgun or muzzleloader are my only hunting options. I don’t archery hunt anymore. It’s actually been over 10 years. I don’t deer hunt with either a shotgun or muzzleloader. So due to the rules I have choose my method.
1. Go back to archery? 2. Shoot a slug? 3. Go with a muzzleloader?
Any Illinois advice or recommendations?
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8554277
03/12/22 02:19 AM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 19,275
Biscuit
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 19,275 |
Muzzleloaders these days are as good as a rifle . 200 yard accuracy
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8554337
03/12/22 03:27 AM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 184
Spooks
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 184 |
I went to two different stores and they didn’t sell muzzleloaders?
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8554338
03/12/22 03:29 AM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
Find out from Illinois game dept if the straight wall cartridges like .350 Legend are legal to use during ML season.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: stxranchman]
#8554351
03/12/22 03:43 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,952
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,952 |
Find out from Illinois game dept if the straight wall cartridges like .350 Legend are legal to use during ML season. They are not allowed yet in Illinois, but you can use a revolver or single shot pistol like a Thompson Center Contender using a straight walled cartridge.
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8554355
03/12/22 03:48 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,952
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,952 |
Input appreciated:
I have the opportunity to deer hunt Illinois this up coming season. Here is my question: I talked to the land owner this past weekend. Here is my dilemma: archery, shotgun or muzzleloader are my only hunting options. I don’t archery hunt anymore. It’s actually been over 10 years. I don’t deer hunt with either a shotgun or muzzleloader. So due to the rules I have choose my method.
1. Go back to archery? 2. Shoot a slug? 3. Go with a muzzleloader?
Any Illinois advice or recommendations? There is plenty of time to re-familiarize yourself with a compound bow in time for season ( a crossbow is another option ). I can’t remember if you can still bowhunt during Illinois whitetail gun season, but that is some good bowhunting country. If you can conceivably have some good archery setups in place, I would be tempted to go that route. If not and you are limited to existing firearm stands or having to throw something together quick, I would probably get ahold of a good scoped slug gun with a rifled barrel and get proficient with it.
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8554376
03/12/22 04:16 AM
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Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 500
65x55
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 500 |
What shotguns do you have? Slug barrel + scope would be a fairly cheap and useful option for other situations beyond just Illinois.
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8554438
03/12/22 09:45 AM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 184
Spooks
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 184 |
I appreciate the feedback this far. I’m leaning towards either a solid muzzleloader or shotgun slug gun. I think these would be my choices. The first choice being a shotgun. Now I have to find one!
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8554451
03/12/22 11:38 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,335
onlysmith&wesson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,335 |
I do none of those. If I were in your position and learned that I could kill at 100 yards with a shotgun set up I'd be all over that. Not being familiar with either for deer hunting it seems that shotgun would be quicker and easier to get comfortable with.
An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8555058
03/13/22 04:39 AM
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 133
guysamson
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 133 |
Life passes most people by while they're busy making grand plans for it. www.ottfamilyjewelry.comGreat prices on chains, bracelets, and rings.
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8555268
03/13/22 02:11 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,900
JJH
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,900 |
Curious....where in Illinois will you be hunting?
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8555285
03/13/22 02:28 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,332
Blank
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,332 |
I would go with the shotgun w/ slugs. My 870 with Hornady SST's is as accurate as my rifles, and 200 yard shots are very doable. Plus, you have the advantage of 3 quick shots!
The first firearm season is also in mid-November close to the rut. Second firearm season (first week of Dec) is still before the muzzleloader only season in mid-December.
Beer and whiskey, 'cause you can't drink bacon!!
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8555320
03/13/22 02:52 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,640
LeonCarr
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,640 |
Either the mentioned 870 with SSTs or a muzzleloader. There is a nice CVA Optima V2 .50 for sale in the classifieds .
"Whitetail Deer are extinct because of rifles with telescopes mounted on them." - My 11th Grade English Teacher
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8555360
03/13/22 04:19 PM
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,770
spacejunkie
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,770 |
First deer I killed was with an old Winchester 97 using a slug. Killed several more when I lived in Maine using an 870. Take the plug out and load it with slugs and buckshot. Slug, buckshot, buckshot, slug, buckshot is the order I always loaded mine. Hunt like you are bow hunting and don't take those long shots that are iffy. Just have to go to the range to see what you can and can't do with the slugs and buckshot.
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: JJH]
#8555785
03/14/22 01:25 AM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 184
Spooks
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 184 |
I actually might have two opportunities. First one is outside of Macomb and maybe on the second one Pike county. My son is a minister and moved to Illinois and I had the fortune to meet a few farmers. None of them hunt but extended an offer to me after finding out I enjoy it.
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8555861
03/14/22 02:45 AM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,900
JJH
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,900 |
Sounds like a great opportunity!
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8556221
03/14/22 05:06 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 3,091
Always ready 2 hunt
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 3,091 |
There is a good deal on CVA MZ in the classified forum right now. everything you need. I'd go MZ and the late season can be really good if you have a set up for the snow and temps and a heater for that long sit
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8556243
03/14/22 05:47 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,687
SherpaPhil
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,687 |
I grew up in Illinois and still go back to hunt. The best option is a dedicated slug gun. Get a bolt action, fully rifled barrel and premium sabot slugs and you will be amazed at what a shotgun can do. I use a Marlin 512, but the Savage 212 and 220 are excellent guns. If I were buying new today, I would probably buy a 220.
You can get rifled barrel for a shotgun you may have, but by the time you buy the barrel and scope mounts, it gets expensive quick and still won't have the accuracy of a specialized tool.
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Biscuit]
#8556408
03/14/22 08:56 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,794
ILUVBIGBUCKS
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,794 |
Muzzleloaders these days are as good as a rifle . 200 yard accuracy ^^^^^^^^^^This^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Invest some cash in a good smoke pole and scope and it'll shoot great
High fence, low fence, no fence, it really doesn't matter as long as you're hunting!
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8556557
03/15/22 12:55 AM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 184
Spooks
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 184 |
Thanks - All very good information.
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8557129
03/15/22 08:31 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 715
upsslim
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 715 |
My brother-in-law lives in southern Illinois. His back yard is the Shawnee National Forest. He bow hunts with a compound and his wife uses a crossbow. He also hunts the gun season with a slug gun. The gun season is very short. I'm going up there next year and I'm carrying my crossbow. Lots of big deer up there
East Texas Patriot Guard Rider Flag Captain
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8559086
03/18/22 12:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,965
jdickey
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,965 |
A good crossbow would be an option; it is legal in Illinois. Most of the muzzys these days will give you an accurate shot out to 200 yards and beyond; with a little practice you can shoot out to 300 yards!
I hunted several years ago near Barry, IL and was successful with my shot at 150 yards. Saw a real monster at 190, but could not get a clear shot while he was walking!
Last edited by jdickey; 03/18/22 12:45 PM.
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: upsslim]
#8559369
03/18/22 05:55 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,952
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,952 |
My brother-in-law lives in southern Illinois. His back yard is the Shawnee National Forest. He bow hunts with a compound and his wife uses a crossbow. He also hunts the gun season with a slug gun. The gun season is very short. I'm going up there next year and I'm carrying my crossbow. Lots of big deer up there Deer hunting in the Midwest is completely different than hunting in Texas....and I dare say more enjoyable. They are a completely different whitetail than what we have down here....huge in body
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8560483
03/20/22 01:11 PM
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Joined: May 2021
Posts: 8
1984dog
Green Horn
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Green Horn
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 8 |
Compound/Crossbow the 2nd week of November during peak rut - It is unbelievable!
You will need to hunt a good food source with the shotgun/slug or muzzleloader. You will need to work with the farmer to make sure there is a planted food source. Also, baiting is illegal in IL - the game wardens are strict and not afraid to issue out citations. Follow the laws/regulations to a tee particularly on transporting weapons (this includes bows).
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Re: Illinois Deer Hunt
[Re: Spooks]
#8572769
04/06/22 02:28 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,450
FoxTrot
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,450 |
Illinois is awesome. I hunted there in 2011 and 2012 and chomping at the bit to get back. I hunted Pike County. Their firearms seasons are very short. I believe like a Sat, Sun & Mon and then 2nd season is Fri, Sat & Sun or something similar. 10/30 through about 11/10 can be some sort of amazing in the woods up there. I never shot a buck up there but that is all on me. I missed a couple. I saw the biggest deer that I have ever seen in my life there. Im not sure that I know what a 200" deer looks like but Im guessing this deer was all of that. He was on the neighbors property and I saw him 3 evenings in a row. Multiple encounters with 140" deer and a few a little bigger. I would not hesitate to jump on this and go for a rut archery hunt or 1st firearm season.
The buddy that I leased from in 2011 and 12 just bought another farm in Southern Illinois in Sept and I was going to hunt it but some guys from Florida paid him $10,000 to lease it. he just purchased another farm last month and I may give it a whirl this year.
I love Illinois deer hunting.
Last edited by FoxTrot; 04/06/22 02:28 PM.
I avoid Dick's and hope they fold.
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