Hunting in IL (Looking for mentor)

[Trent]

Anyone in Illinois want to mentor a new hunter on the fine art of deer hunting?

Never been deer hunting before. Want to get some field experience, learn where I can go, what I should do, etc.

If you're going out this fall and don't mind a tag-a-long (I don't even mind if *I* hunt, just want to learn). If you're interested lemme know.

Thanks.

(PS central Illinois preferred but I'll travel a couple hours if necessary), I live near I-155 about 15 mins south of I-74.

 

[floorit76]

Only about 2 hours from me. Shame I don't hunt.

 

[Art Eatman]

Browse through the thread that's the fourth sticky from the top of this forum page. There might be somebody from your neck of the woods.

 

[buck460XVR]

Trent. Check with your local Whitetaills Unlimited or DNR. Around here both sponsor first time hunter clinics and mentoring.

 

[Trent]

Thanks Buck.

One of the mentors on this board responded to me earlier, lives down in Southern Illinois (great white-tail country). Hoping we can work something out.. 3+ hours away but I'm not against travelling a little, I *love* the Shawnee national forest area, used to go there with the family all the time camping.

If that don't work out I'll get in touch with WU or DNR, thanks!!!

 

[Kingcreek]

Tremont area?
I'm in the Henry/stark/Knox tricounty area 1+ hours N and W. There is actually some pretty good state land available in Illinois. Are you planning to hunt firearm or archery?
PM me if I can help.

 

[Patocazador]

Anyone in Illinois want to mentor a new hunter on the fine art of deer hunting?

Never been deer hunting before. Want to get some field experience, learn where I can go, what I should do, etc.

If you're going out this fall and don't mind a tag-a-long (I don't even mind if *I* hunt, just want to learn). If you're interested lemme know.

Thanks.

(PS central Illinois preferred but I'll travel a couple hours if necessary), I live near I-155 about 15 mins south of I-74.

In my opinion, you can learn more about deer hunting by going scouting with a knowledgeable hunter than by hunting with one. First, he won't usually mind you asking questions and can instruct you in why he is doing certain things. During a hunt, I'm sure he wouldn't want a lot of chatter. Second, you all can socialize and get to know one another better which could lead to a lasting friendship with someone who shares your interests (unlike most wives).

 

[Kingcreek]

In my opinion, you can learn more about deer hunting by going scouting with a knowledgeable hunter than by hunting with one.

That is actually very good advice. Thanks Pato.
I'm not real anxious to bring somebody elses sound and scent along when I bowhunt but I would be glad to have somebody along when I'm scouting or hanging stands in September. Besides my main hunting partner is my wife and she would rather just the 2 of us hunt. She has no interest in scouting or hanging stands, cutting trails, etc.

 

[Trent]

Kingcreek - I was talking with the guy in Southern Illinois over e-mail, they have a "big group" that gets together every year.

You willing to give some one on one scouting advice, would be real interested. I'm not that far from you and would happily make the drive out that way. As it sits I can't tell deer scat from dog scat, and would likely miss every sign they leave. The only way I know a deer has been through my yard is when they eat my veggies in the garden and leave tracks in the snow or mud.

I've been giving some thought on what I need to learn (without DOING it, it's hard to know where I am short on knowledge); I know I could *probably* find out all of this stuff with enough digging but I work 60-70 hours most weeks and with 5 kids, just don't have the time. Got one day a week I don't work (Sunday). I figure a day with someone and I could soak up what I need to know very fast.

* How permit stuff works (only familiar with how to do wild turkey permits, but I managed to screw THAT one up this year and got a tag for a county I don't have anyplace to hunt at)
* Where I can hunt, and what's involved with doing so.
* How to scout for sign (I assume this is done well in advance?)
* How to pick a spot
* What gear I'll need (tree stand?!), and what I can live without. I don't want to go to a sporting goods shop and buy a bunch of useless junk.. have enough of that cluttering up my garage / basement.

Most importantly.. how to field dress a deer. I can clean a turkey. I can clean a fish. I even cleaned the dishes once (wife won't let me do it again; there was an incident involving baby bottles, a wire brush and a high speed power drill). The thought of cleaning a deer is somewhat overwhelming, wouldn't even know where to start!

Scouting trip would be fine, I'll bring along whatever and help out for the day. Gotta be on a sunday or a saturday (and saturday, only on 3 day weekends), though.

 

[Kingcreek]

Trent, PM me your contact info. Well see what we can work out in September when I start scouting and getting stands out for October bow season.
I've been killing Illinois deer for almost 30 years and I don't think you need lots of special gear or equipment. I kind of specialize in hunting small spots overlooked by most hunters. I've killed a few nice bucks but I mostly just hunt for the freezer.