How to Hunt Late Season Illinois Deer
- 1). Apply for a permit. Online applications for a nonresident archery license will be available June 1. You can apply online at the Illinois DNR website or by calling 888-673-7648. Nonresident archery licenses cost a set fee; late-season antlerless tags are unlimited and available over-the-counter throughout the season. Along with purchasing a deer permit, if you are a nonresident, you must purchase a five-day hunting license or an annual hunting license. A habitat stamp is also required.
- 2). Scout before the season. Use Google earth to get an aerial view of the hunting property and determine trails and game funnels. Look for natural pinch-points in the habitat that force deer movements in one location. After the rut, the deer, especially the bucks, will focus on feeding areas to replenish the stores for the upcoming winter. Locate these feeding areas along the game funnels and pinch-points where deer will concentrate during the late season and cold weather. Place trail cameras near the trails as an extra scouting tool to pattern the deer movement.
- 3). Hang tree stands based on wind direction. Place the stands so you have the wind in your face. The wind blowing in your face gives you shooting opportunities at deer upwind. With the wind at your back, deer can potentially smell you and will avoid the area. Focus your tree stand placement on the feeding areas and pinch-points. If possible, hang several tree stands for different wind directions. If the weather forecast is calling for a north wind, plan on sitting in the stand that takes advantage of the north wind. If you don't have the ability to hang multiple stands, be prepared to move stand locations as the wind changes.
- 4). Call every 30 minutes. Deer are very vocal during the late season as they begin to group for the winter. Bucks and does will both respond to doe bleats. Spend one to two minutes making a calling sequence and then get prepared for a shot as a deer may come running to your location.
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