Had a good time on pvt land N of Peoria. The farmer always wants deer gone. Much of his crops are like big food plots, lots of cover with a smallish river running through. I took a good sized 9 ptr & 4 does, all with the Knight. The partners did well with a 13 & a big 8 & some does. I can't go next gun session but should make it for the later M-L season. The weather was a little warm mid day, but the winds & rest was pretty good. The standing corn didn't help. I quit counting after 23 deer opening morning by about 10:30 A.M.. When it was time to get serious I took 3 deer from one stand in about a 90 min period. I did notice deer come by less than 10 min after a shot.
FYI respose to below; I bought the $300 non-res buck tag. I had 4 non-res doe tags at $15 each. After that I chipped in to the buddy $500(he leases the property) over the year for any deer season,coyotes, & turkey hunting. I also bought the non-res regular hunting license & habitat stamp. There is a place to stay, so no hotel fees. The taxidermy costs are usually higher with hunting in IL. I've been doing this a few years, due to possible changes with the property it may not go on forever. I have 'up North' land I go to also, but I've somewhat voted with my wallet on the U.P. of MI deer hunting. They'd rather feed the wolves. I'll be back in IL for the M-L hunt, 2 anterless tags.
