Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Illinois deer so large compared to other states?
Illinois deer grow massive antlers because the state deep and black farm land is packed with calcium phosphorus and other minerals that build heavy bone. When deer eat the corn and soybeans grown in that supercharged soil they get the perfect high protein diet they need to blow up in size. The land setup is also perfect since thick creek bottoms and steep bluffs sit right next to massive crop fields so deer have food water and hiding spots all jammed together. Finally because the state limits the number of out of state hunters bucks actually survive long enough to reach their full antler potential.
What is the hunting season structure in Illinois?
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources archery deer season opens in October and runs all the way through mid January. The main firearm season is split into two short weekends in late November and early December followed by a muzzleloader season later in December. Hunters are usually allowed two deer per year using a mix of tags. A huge rule change recently happened since Illinois now allows hunters to use certain straight-wall centerfire rifles during the gun season, which is a massive shift from the old shotgun-only days. The long archery season is incredibly valuable because it lets bowhunters hunt through the entire November rut.
What should I expect to pay for a hunting lease on Illinois land?
According to regional hunting lease data, premium hunting land in western Illinois commands 20 to 40 dollars per acre every year, which is some of the highest rent in the Midwest. Properties in Pike, Adams and Brown counties that already have tree stands and a proven history of big bucks fetch the highest prices. In central and southern Illinois, where the deer are slightly smaller, leases usually go for 10 to 20 dollars per acre. Many landowners double dip by charging a farmer to plant the fields and charging a hunting club to hunt the woods. The lease market is insanely hot right now and the best farms always have a waiting list.
