Looking for a place to bowhunt Northern Illinois this year 2012

Boone county public bow hunting land bout 8 mins from state line. PM me for more details, we can meet on the opener if thats cool

You got that right outdoosman

Ive lived here 40 yrs and have trouble getting access to private ground. I know a lot of farmers in a two county area here. Most private land is leased out or they let close friends and family hunt it. Or just don't allow anyone to hunt it.

State Parks are opened to anyone,first come first hunt. Ive met alot of guys from what ill call the Chicago area that hunt out here in the parks. Many of them will camp out here during the early season to save driving time and having to get up so early to make the 2 hr drive this way.

About an hour to hour and a half north west

How far away are you from Midewin?

exso, Its not any better, I hunt "Parks" because I do not own land and alot of the privately owned land is posted or rented out for more than I can afford to pay. The deer are still wary, and its not like we are tying them to trees or shooting them in a high fence enclosure.

Why do you guys all hunt in parks?I heard the deer are easier to hunt in the park's,is that true.

No problem i live 15 minutes from them. Three is another Park that has opened up to deer hunting. White Pines State Park. They have different rules there. I think the bow hunting opens up in Nov. First come first hunt, only x amount of spots available, All three just have sign in sheets at a post, with trail maps ect... The pines has opened recently to deer hunting, though it is also the heaviest used park (recreation wise). The Rock River borders the back side of Lowden Miller Park and it has 6 parking lots with sign in booths/posts . This buck was taken from lot 6 area

Thanks Bowman for the tip!!

Try Lowden Miller State Park and Castle Rock State Parks Both Parks offer large tracts to bow hunt and minutes apart from each other. And with in your 1 1/2 hr ride.