New hunter, Illinois (Spring Turkey)

[LWYM425]

Hey all,
I've moved from Illinois to WA and taken up Fall turkey hunting with a work buddy. I've been talking to my Uncle about it and he would really like to get involved back in IL. His son has committed to the marines and will start boot camp on May 25th. I think that my uncle would really like to go with his son before he starts his training.

Both guys have become proficient with a shotgun through trap/sporting clay shooting. They are members at a gun club in the subburbs of Chicago.

My question is what resources can I point him to? If it weren't for my buddy out here I wouldn't know the first thing about where to hunt in WA so I'm having a tough time helping him. Can anyone recommend public lands or other locations that are hunter friendly? I know this might be asking for information that some of you prefer to keep to yourselves so I will be greatful for anything offered. PMs are fine if you don't want the whole world to know about your favorite spots. I promise to be respectful with the information.

Thanks in advance!

 

[leadaddict]

http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/hunter_fact_sheet/index.htm

This link is to a list of public hunting areas in IL by region. Click on the region and then on a location to see what types of hunting is allowed. There should still be daily drawings for tags if they don't have them yet.

IL doesn't have a lot of public land for hunting compared to western states. As the old saying goes, "It's not what you know, but who you know that counts." At least I think that's an old saying???

 

[Tom Held]

Illinois Hunting

I live in Maryland but have some hunting property in Illinois. There is quite a bit of public hunting for waterfowl on both the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. There are multiple refugees with first come/first serve duck and goose blinds, almost all with decoys already set up by the local blind builders.

Almost all of the turkey hunting permits are gone for the season in the counties I hunt (Calhoun and Pike). Most of the prime deer hunting is controlled by outfitters and farmers but it's available.

There are public hunting preserves scattered throughout the state that stock Pheasant but most in the central part of the state and further south.

 

[LWYM425]

Thanks guys!