Bowhunt after Illinois Gun Opener
11-03-2003, 12:55 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Roanoke VA
Posts: 118
Bowhunt after Illinois Gun Opener
I am going on bowhunt in Newton IL on Nov.24-28th. It is after the gun opening weekend. I heard it can be tough after the guns start shooting. I have been assured by the landowner there is no gun hunting on his land. Hopefully this will draw the deer being pushed onto his land. Anyone had any good luck with the bow after the gun opener? They still coming to the horns then?
11-03-2003, 02:32 PM
#4
Fork Horn
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Cary, IL
Posts: 356
RE: Bowhunt after Illinois Gun Opener
You just might be able to catch the VERY tail end of the rut this year. And if the landowner is serious about no gun hunting you' re probably onto something very good. I know all the deer in my area retreat into their little " sanctuaries" during slug season and don' t venture out much for the remainder of the year. Best bet is to find the thickest cover furthest away from the nearest gun hunted areas and set up there for the week. You just might catch a big one sneaking through trying to avoid more flying lead, and instead catching some flying aluminum (or carbon). 
11-03-2003, 04:07 PM
#5
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 612
RE: Bowhunt after Illinois Gun Opener
The week between the 2 gun seasons is a excellent week to take. I have taken some nice bucks the weekend after Thanksgiving and if your land doesnt get alot of gun pressure thats a added bonus. Cross your fingers that the weather will be cold and have a great hunt.
11-04-2003, 07:27 AM
#6
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Chatsworth IL USA
Posts: 5,012
RE: Bowhunt after Illinois Gun Opener
Picture isn' t the best, I couldn' t get my imagestation to work this morning.
But this buck came by nose down and never slowed down or even looked for anything as he came by. I hadn' t seen any does that morning, but he was heading right for a scrape line.
But this buck came by nose down and never slowed down or even looked for anything as he came by. I hadn' t seen any does that morning, but he was heading right for a scrape line.
11-04-2003, 09:20 AM
#7
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location:
Posts: 78
RE: Bowhunt after Illinois Gun Opener
I agree with IL-bow-man. I' ve seen strong rutting activity following the first shotgun season in IL. I think you should have good luck, especially if the property is not gun-hunted. This early Nov hot weather seems to be pushing the rut back a bit as well.
11-11-2003, 09:41 PM
#10
Spike
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: 20 ft up in my Summit Goliath
Posts: 62
RE: Bowhunt after Illinois Gun Opener
I' ve had some fantastic bowhunting between the gun seasons in Illinois over the years. I find that it can be pretty good in January also. There should be plenty of bigguns left for you........go for it and good luck !!!
