A couple of friends and I are looking at hunting public land in IL next year. Do you have to draw a tag, as in a limited number of tags are available or do you just have to apply for a tag, and everyone who applies, gets one? I see that you have to apply, but I don't know if it's a limited number or not.

Have not had to draw in many years. Been purchasing over the counter for the last fifteen years at least. Buck and doe combination will run you just short of $500.

Thanks for the reply. If I read it correctly, the license is $405

Just got back from my annual bow hunting trip to Illinois. NR archery tags can be bought over the counter. I wasn’t hunting public land but I buy mine every year either at Wal Mart or Rural King when I cross the state line. I think with the license, tags and habitat stamp it’s about $475. That’s a combo tag which gets you a buck and a doe or two does.

Thanks

There are a few public properties that are draw, but license can be gotten over the counter for bow.

Fur I went to Illinois Nov 2-11 I had a blast. We stayed in a cabin and hunted public land. The license and tags cost right at $485 I believe. I didn’t shoot a buck but I saw 3 good bucks while hunting none of them would come in range. At night driving back to the cabin we saw some giants. What part of Illinois are y’all planning to go to?

PM to ya MC21

just got back from a 10 day trip. We don’t hunt public anymore but that’s a recent development. Onx is your friend. I personally preferred state parks. During the rut I would rather hunt my spots on public land than the best black belt property I know of in Alabama

Wouldn’t over look Indiana for some great bow hunting opportunities. A lot cheaper than Illinois and produces some really big deer every year.

I’ve hunted in Illinois for awhile but haven’t been able to go for a few years because kids and non-stop sports! Hoping my son and I get back up to the Midwest next year

Ant67 and demp17…

Would y’all shoot me a PM and share some details on the public land hunting that you do? I got a few friends that want to do something like that next year but I’d like to talk with someone with some experience. Thanks if you are willing guys.

I don’t wanna know all your spots, just how y’all go about it. What area y’all stay and how much it usually coasts you and all that.