The Top 5 Reasons Illinois Is the Best State for Deer Hunting

Hunters eagerly await fall and winter every year. That is when they get the opportunity to take home a deer (or two). And one of the best places in the nation to hunt white-tailed deer is Illinois. Those familiar with the region likely already know why. However, not everyone has had the chance to spend quality hunting time in the state. We aim to change that. So, here are the top 5 reasons Illinois is the best state for deer hunting.

1. Access to Public Hunting Lands

There is no need to worry about where one might do their deer hunting in Illinois. On top of private land possibilities, the state offers incredible access to public hunting lands. There are nearly 700,000 acres of public hunting land to choose from. Those are spread out over 1,000 locations. 

Illinois public hunting lands are carefully managed to ensure the wildlife populations don’t dip too low. 

Pay close attention to specific rules or regulations on your permit, as that may dictate where you go. Certain locations may also limit the type of equipment you can use. 

2. Availability of Prized Bucks

It’s every deer hunter’s dream to land a prized buck. And in Illinois, that dream is actually within reach. Pike County is well known for its sizable white-tail population. Hunters flock to the area for the best opportunity to fill their tags. 

It also has recently earned another reputation – the place where hunters have a chance to finally take their dream deer. In the last ten years, hunters spending time in Pike County have submitted a shocking number of entries to the Boone and Crocket record book. The region leads the nation in submissions.

The demand is so high that countless outfitters and guides have opened shop in the area, and they’re all successful. Everyone wants a shot at sending in their own record-breaking submission!

3. Sizable Deer Population

Illinois has a sizable (and stable) white-tailed deer population. The benefit of this is that plenty of tags are available every hunting season. Most years, over 100,000 deer tags get filled throughout the state. It feels like a lot. However, the state has roughly 660,000 deer and has maintained a similar population level for years.

One of the reasons for this stability is that the state and local outfitters all focus on population management. The goal is to ensure the deer don’t get overhunted, which would potentially cause future problems. 

4. Habitat Quality

White-tailed deer love to hang out in wooded areas; thankfully, Illinois has plenty of those! While they spend the bulk of their time under the cover of tree canopies, their feeding habits often bring them closer to populated areas. They also enjoy meandering through pasturelands and meadows, which offer enough cover from predators.

There is such rich foliage and ample food that the deer population has remained relatively stable for years. White-tailed deers will happily munch on shrubs, fruit, grains, mushrooms, grasses, and more.

5. Multiple Hunting Seasons

Illinois separates its hunting seasons into distinct sections. The state clearly communicates the dates and which hunting method is valid during those periods. There are three firearms seasons, one of which gets set aside for muzzleloaders. Additionally, the bow hunting season lasts much longer than any of the firearms seasons.

Details about the dates and locations for each season will vary by year. Check with the state for more information before scheduling your trip.

However, that’s not all! Illinois also schedules a youth-specific hunting season so young budding hunters can experience less stress. There is also a late winter hunting season. It is important to note that this final hunting season of the year is for antlerless white-tailed deer only.

Summary of the 5 Top Reasons Illinois Is the Best State for Deer Hunting

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