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Tips and Tricks please.

Dmathews87 said:
also...if this is your first time buying a license out of state like it was for me, make sure you bring proof that you completed hunters ed.i luckily keep my completion card in my wallet but alot of guys dont seem to have that on them. dont need to complete it in that state, just have to show that at some point some where you completed hunters ed
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I had lost mine and went through a whole ordeal to finally get it in the mail last week. You are right.
 
you can actually...theres a filter for crops in OnX and will highlight yellow the corn fields...granted it cant tell you if the field is planted or has been cut but its a good place to start.
 
Dmathews87 said:
you can actually...theres a filter for crops in OnX and will highlight yellow the corn fields...granted it cant tell you if the field is planted or has been cut but its a good place to start.
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Good to know. I will look into that. Like I said, I've never hunted over ag so pardon a dumb question. But if it has been cut, is it no good to hunt? Is there enough residual corn left to keep drawing deer?
 
CP3 said:
Good to know. I will look into that. Like I said, I've never hunted over ag so pardon a dumb question. But if it has been cut, is it no good to hunt? Is there enough residual corn left to keep drawing deer?
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Im sure there is...we talked to locals there and they told us hunt planted corn if its not planted go some where else. During the week you can sit right on the edge of a field and not see anybody and see more deer than you have ever seen come into that field (at least for me) find funnels going from one field to another or sit on the corners of a field.
 
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Dmathews87 said:
Im sure there is...we talked to locals there and they told us hunt planted corn if its not planted go some where else. During the week you can sit right on the edge of a field and not see anybody and see more deer than you have ever seen come into that field (at least for me) find funnels going from one field to another or sit on the corners of a field.
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Excellent info
 
CP3 said:
I hear ya. I appreciate the help. I'm having to train my mind to "see" what OnX is showing me. I don't know if that makes sense.
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I find it helpful to compare onX, google earth and interactive game and fish maps when available to get different time period views rather say just a summer view. Plus sometimes the combination paints a better picture about where hunter pressure is likely to be and how to use that to your advantage.
 
For morale sake I always say take some good food. For every night or two you're eating PB&J and mountain house, eat something fresh and healthy. Lot's of pre-made and quick cooking meals that travel well, especially the time of year when it's cold outside.
 
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CP3 said:
Good to know. I will look into that. Like I said, I've never hunted over ag so pardon a dumb question. But if it has been cut, is it no good to hunt? Is there enough residual corn left to keep drawing deer?
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If it's cut 2-4 days before you hunt it it can be absolute dynamite. More than that and not so much. I can't speak to Illinois specifically but around me I'd much prefer to hunt the edges @BTaylor mentioned (below) that lead to the corn than the exact edge of the corn. Like others have said though, spend a good bit of time scouting and you'll figure out if the field edge is enough to get it done.

BTaylor said:
What I meant by edge was not just field edge. It could also be an edge on a body of water(creek, river, lake). It could be a transition edge from uncut woods to a thinned or clear cut area. It could be a vegetative edge. Lots of types of edges but if I can connect an edge to travel(benches, saddles or other topo features) and food or beds, I like those spots.
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Nutterbuster said:
My thoughts.

Take a buddy. It's more fun and if crap goes tits-up you have ar least one person around you can for sure trust.

Scout until you can't walk away from sign. Don't feel pressured into hunting before you've scouted. You're not "wasting time" by burning limited hours scouting. You're dang-sure wasting it if you hang-n-hope.

Bring less stuff. If you absolutely, positively, have to have something and you didn't bring it...you probably still don't need it and you can buy it if you do.

Guest house beats rental house beats motel beats RV beats improved camping beats tent camping beats truck camping. A comfortable base camp will keep you in the game when you're burning out.

Plan on eating out if it's feasible. Less crap to pack and you don't have to cook and wash dishes after a long, hard day.

Don't pizz off the locals. Bend over backwards to be agreeable and play dumb vs know-it-all. Talk to folks who'll talk.

Don't believe a word about a place from the internet. Talk to DCNR reps and biologists and compare the hunting to other areas using numbers, not forum BS.

Change your oil, check your tires, and bring an oh-sh!t kit for the truck.

Go with the flow. Trust the universe. Abandon your preconceived beliefs. "Hold on loosely..." If plan A doesn't look so hot, be ready to move to plans B-Z with a smile.
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This is all great advice and should benefit us all but it goes without saying that you’re wanting to be in the best shape possible to enjoy and handle whatever trails you may face. Hunting hard and long takes a toll on your body if you’re not in good shape. Also consider other methods of hunting that may better fit the terrain or condition than what you normally do. Be thankful for every opportunity you have and don’t get impatient or distracted by anything other than being ready to take and make the shot.
 
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Goinlighter said:
This is all great advice and should benefit us all but it goes without saying that you’re wanting to be in the best shape possible to enjoy and handle whatever trails you may face. Hunting hard and long takes a toll on your body if you’re not in good shape. Also consider other methods of hunting that may better fit the terrain or condition than what you normally do. Be thankful for every opportunity you have and don’t get impatient or distracted by anything other than being ready to take and make the shot.
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Shhhhh don’t tell anyone, but I’m going to take my climber. Just in case.
 
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