IRAP program: Drawn hunt for two weeks...where would you hunt?

[Newhunter1]

I was drawn for this two week hunt. The rules state you cannot contact the landowner...at all. You cannot be on the property to scout until it's your time to hunt. I have the first two week session. I've included the picture of the land. If you look the parking area is center left of the line...and next to that is currently a standing corn field. Don't know if it will still be standing. Straight up from the parking area is my first stand location (where I think it should be). At the far left corner of the property just off the corn field. I'll plan on hunting there from daybreak till lunch time. Head back to my truck and grab lunch and then walk the southern fingers of the lake to the potential stand location in the upper right hand corner. The area to the north (North is the top of the map...is a bean field. I know all this becasue the northern area border belongs to a guy that I shoot leagues with. (small world). Anyway his finances uncle owns it...

All of the stand locations in the timber area is the deers bedding area...especially the area that is trail on the lakes northern front. My friend states that he's bumped deer off their beds when he walks that area to fish. All of the area that looks like pasture is CRP and is the grass is 5-8 feet tall. I was told that the potential stand location at the top right of the corner and the one just beneath it is good, but that I have to get above 30 feet in the tree due to the grass being so thick. The markers are potential stand locations...What's everyone's opinion?

I've only been to this location once and I did not walk it...just stood on top of my truck toneau cover to try and see over the grass...it's tall and I'm short.

 

[Newhunter1]

Anyone?

 

[Asusmc]

It’s gonna be hot first couple days of season here in Illinois. I’d look for for trails going from bedding to water. Most of our corn is dry already I’d be willing to be they will be visiting the water hole when it’s up in the 80’s. You get doe only? I didn’t apply didn’t have any close to where I live.


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[Newhunter1]

It’s gonna be hot first couple days of season here in Illinois. I’d look for for trails going from bedding to water. Most of our corn is dry already I’d be willing to be they will be visiting the water hole when it’s up in the 80’s. You get doe only? I didn’t apply didn’t have any close to where I live.


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I got buck and doe...I can take both. It does not stipulate on the paper if it's doe first or one deer. I have till the 15th and think I can take both.

 

[Asusmc]

I got buck and doe...I can take both. It does not stipulate on the paper if it's doe first or one deer. I have till the 15th and think I can take both.

My buddy called Irap and said it was only one deer to be taken. He’s hunting in an outfitters land, so he has a chance at seeing some nice bucks but he can only shoot one doe.


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[Newhunter1]

My buddy called Irap and said it was only one deer to be taken. He’s hunting in an outfitters land, so he has a chance at seeing some nice bucks but he can only shoot one doe.


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I'm glad you let me know...my instructions states buck OR doe...I looked at it and did not register the "OR." So I can only take one...Oh well. Looks like I'll try my hand at the buck, but I'm out of deer and it will be 92 degrees on opening day. I may go out on opening day just to sit and observe...if I shoot then great...but I know that the following Friday will be a high of 72.

 

[Asusmc]

Yea the rules for the program could be a little more clear but that’s Illinois for you haha. Same here gonna me upper 80s opening day then drop almost 20 degrees by day 3 should make for some good hunting. Good luck to you!


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[Newhunter1]

Well this freaking blows!! One the rules it does not state any limit or harvesting on deer. On my windshield card it states Buck OR Doe...I was hoping I was seeing things...but I can only take one deer.

 

[rakbowhunter]

I was drawn for a 1st application hunt as well. Be glad it's OR and not just doe only like I got. It's supposed to get nice and cool after the 1st or 2nd of opener so you should be fine.

 

[hokiehunter373]

What's the wind usually doing there? Any elevation changes?

 

[Newhunter1]

Elevation changes are slight...mainly flat land with small rolling depressions. Wind...no idea.

 

[hokiehunter373]

Elevation changes are slight...mainly flat land with small rolling depressions. Wind...no idea.

No idea what the primary wind direction is for the area?

 

[Newhunter1]

Mostly west and sometimes southwest.


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[hokiehunter373]

If you walk to your first stand location as you stated, I’d think a W or SW wind would clear out everything to the E of you. Leaving you to rely on deer coming from your W maybe down that wood line between you and the corn. Of course it’s going to depend on the wind that day and what all is going on bordering this property as far as food and bedding but I’d think you’d be better set up walking around the S side of the water and sneaking in somewhere on the E side of the property.

How well can you see from the top of your truck? Are any of those trees along the S side of the water trees you could get high in to observe? You might be better off dedicating the first morning to scouting until you figure out the bedding better.


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[Newhunter1]

If you walk to your first stand location as you stated, I’d think a W or SW wind would clear out everything to the E of you. Leaving you to rely on deer coming from your W maybe down that wood line between you and the corn. Of course it’s going to depend on the wind that day and what all is going on bordering this property as far as food and bedding but I’d think you’d be better set up walking around the S side of the water and sneaking in somewhere on the E side of the property.

How well can you see from the top of your truck? Are any of those trees along the S side of the water trees you could get high in to observe? You might be better off dedicating the first morning to scouting until you figure out the bedding better.


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The southern end of the lake is CRP grass and lone scrub trees. I do not remember seeing the types of trees as it was a considerable distance from the road and could not make them out. Tuesday...I will take time to just watch and learn...I will be set up on the patch of trees just off the row of trees to the west. According to my weather app, the wind will be blowing at 7:00 am in a southern direction. It will be blowing Southwest by 10 am and continue southwest throughout the day.

 

[hokiehunter373]

The southern end of the lake is CRP grass and lone scrub trees. I do not remember seeing the types of trees as it was a considerable distance from the road and could not make them out. Tuesday...I will take time to just watch and learn...I will be set up on the patch of trees just off the row of trees to the west. According to my weather app, the wind will be blowing at 7:00 am in a southern direction. It will be blowing Southwest by 10 am and continue southwest throughout the day.

Blowing in a southern direction? So a North wind blowing to the South? That would work perfect for your entry


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[Newhunter1]

Blowing in a southern direction? So a North wind blowing to the South? That would work perfect for your entry


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Yes from the north/northeast to the south southwest. It looks perfect for me to hunt the edge of the tree line/cornfield...just in that patch of trees.

 

[hokiehunter373]

Yes from the north/northeast to the south southwest. It looks perfect for me to hunt the edge of the tree line/cornfield...just in that patch of trees.

Yup. Go get um


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