How has hunting been?

[Coryy]

Hey guys,

I lost my land and didn't draw shotgun permits this year so I have to live vicariously through everyone else. How was bow season thus far and how was first season shotgun?

Would love to hear some stories and see some pics. They don't have to be Illinois hunts either just like to hear some stories.

This is a deer I arrowed two years back on public land that I was lucky enough to draw opening weekend for bow. I am pretty proud of this buck for a public land hunt here in Illinois.

Took this deer at Volo Bog from my climbing stand. I was about to take a Doe when I saw the trees up on a ridge start thrashing around and then saw the white of antler. My mind instantly changed as he decended down into the meadow and went behind a patch of trees. I knew I had one chance and that was when he would step out from the trees and I was hoping he wouldn't turn around and go back the way he came.

His nose came visable form the heavy brush, I drew and let him step out. His vitals came into view and then his body was in the open and he stopped giving me a clear 25yard shot. He only went about 50 yards and piled up. Thank godness there was another hunter in the area I had made contact with earlier to help me drag this guy out. Dressed he came out around 190 to 200lbs.

Let's hear your stories