Illinois is home to some of the most desirable whitetail deer hunting locations in the country. With its diverse habitats and abundant game, it’s no wonder why so many hunters flock to Illinois each year for their buck of a lifetime. Whether you are an experienced hunter or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities throughout the state for whitetail deer hunting.
Illinois Whitetail Deer Characteristics
The whitetail deer is the state mammal of Illinois, and is the only species of deer native to the state. They are typically found in wooded areas near ponds, lakes, or rivers. Although the wooded areas provide shelter for whitetails, most of their foraging is done in fields or farmland.
The state’s whitetail deer are known for their size, with bucks weighing up to 200 pounds and does closer to 130 pounds. The antlers on the Illinois buck can reach up to 30 inches in spread. Whitetails have a reddish or gray coat that helps them blend into their surroundings, making them difficult to spot.
Whitetail Deer Hunting on Public Land in Illinois
Illinois is home to numerous public hunting areas where you will find a variety of terrain suitable for any type of hunter. Illinois does a fantastic job managing the whitetail population, so even the public hunting areas offer hunters plenty of chances to bag a big buck. These public hunting grounds are often divided into zones that offer hunting for a variety of species and techniques.
Popular public hunting grounds include Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, east of Clinton. Over one third of its roughly 9,300 acres are huntable land. Hunters are required to report their success, or they will forfeit their right to hunt the land the following season. Site-specific permits are required as well.
The Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area in Cass County is another public whitetail deer hunting hotspot, with over 16,000 huntable acres.
Crab Orchard NWR is an additional federally owned land expanse that is open to the public for hunting in Illinois.This land consists of roughly 44,000 acres, with about half of it requiring a special permit to hunt. The remaining half is available to the general public for hunting, however a fee is still required. This land offers some of the highest public land whitetail deer hunting success rates in the state.
Wherever you choose to embark on your next hunting adventure, be sure to review license, permit, and fee regulations to remain compliant during your hunt.
Private Whitetail Deer Hunting Properties in Illinois
In addition to public hunting grounds, there are also private properties that offer whitetail deer hunts throughout Illinois. These private properties often have larger numbers of mature bucks than those found on public lands, making them more attractive options for more experienced hunters looking for a trophy animal.
Illinois hunters may hunt on private land with express permission from the landowner. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources offers a Land Access Permission Form to facilitate and officiate this process.
Many outfitters provide guided hunts on these properties as well as lodging, meals, transportation and other helpful services to maximize your chances at success. Find a whitetail deer hunt on HuntAnywhere.com, and easily reserve your trip online.
Safety & Regulations When Hunting Whitetail Deer in Illinois
Regardless of where you choose to hunt in Illinois, it’s important to be aware of regulations and laws in place that protect both wildlife populations and sportsmen alike—this means following size and harvest regulations outlined by the state, buying appropriate permits and licenses before your trip if necessary (you can avoid license lines or visiting a physical location by purchasing online), obeying area closures when they apply, avoiding baiting practices, and using non-toxic ammunition whenever available.
By following these guidelines you can ensure not only that your hunt goes smoothly but also help maintain healthy wildlife populations for years to come. Book your next Whitetail Deer hunting trip on HuntAnywhere.com today!