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Secrets Behind Illinois Big Bucks

Secrets Behind Illinois Big Bucks

Plenty of states can put together the combination of age, genetics, nutrition and deer management, but what additional secrets does Illinois have? Most deer hunters understand why these factors play a role in developing record class bucks. Yet there are other, less discussed components that aught to be considered too. These secrets may hold the key to helping you kill your next trophy buck.

River Corridor Connection

Few people have a better grasp on the nation’s whitetail population that Gordon Whittington, executive editor of North American Whitetail magazine. He has hunted in several states, including Illinois. There won’t be many issues of his magazine that don’t include a story about an Illinois monster buck.

"Illinois is an epicenter of big buck potential," Whittington says. "There is a corridor from St. Louis to southeast Minnesota, along the Mississippi River drainage that is famous for big-buck potential. Illinois has more of that drainage than any other state."

"If you plot on a map the historical cases of big bucks that have been harvested, it will surprise you how many are associated with river corridors," Whittington says. "If you look for future potential, you must first look to the past. From The St. Louis Non-typical to The Illinois Roadkill, you will see a connection to the major river drainages. Major river drainages seem to overlay pockets of big-buck production."

"Since Illinois has two major river drainages, with the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, it is no coincidence that big bucks have been showing up in the record books from Illinois. River bottom is typically more fertile. The silt deposits result in better soils. Farmers try to clear as much ground as possible, but there is still a great deal of rough ground along river drainages."

"Arid climates (such as Texas) are hard on whitetails. They need water and moisture to thrive. Rivers also provide a means of control in overall herd migration. Deer typically travel river corridors, and this ensures a good genetic mixing. It keeps genetic vitality in the deer herd."

Look at the state’s record book and compare the number of deer killed with firearms from counties that border major river drainages. You will probably find that these counties account for more than half of the total deer killed by gun hunters in the state.

Deer Management Advantages

States with long range gun seasons that cover the entire rut typically do not produce top record book bucks. In Illinois there are limited gun seasons that do not allow rifle hunting. As a result the bucks have a better chance of surviving longer. Many Illinois bucks older than 2 years are more likely to carry trophy racks.

When a buck is young most of his nutritional intake goes toward building strong bones and a healthy body, just like in humans. When a buck gets past 2 years of age, some of his nutrition can be directed toward antler development.

What sets Illinois apart is that the deer herd is managed on a county by county basis. Quotas are set by county for either-sex and antler-less deer. Several other states have more restrictions on antler-less deer and less on antlered deer. Illinois tries to place more emphasis on antler-less harvests. ‘Take a doe so the heard won’t grow’ was once a popular slogan. A number of public state sites also have quality deer management areas with antler restrictions which some believe improves your chances of harvesting trophy bucks.

With the majority of Illinois’ hunting property in private ownership, landowners who practice quality deer management do have a big impact on the deer population. The impact of leasing and hunting outfitters who focus more on older age class bucks has affected the dynamics of the herd as well.

Government Programs

A land consultant who specializes in converting poor quality agricultural land into the ultimate recreational paradise for hunters has some advice. This land consultant is a unique real estate agent with experience in creating trophy buck sanctuaries that routinely produce Midwestern wall hangers.

This real estate agent specializes in purchasing marginally producing properties, incorporating several key steps to bring the land to its fullest potential as a whitetail retreat, and then selling the property to buyers interested in hunting big mature bucks. Whether you own or lease 100 or 1000 acres, his formula for converting these properties into big buck havens will also work for you.

• Researching government programs can be frustrating, but financially beneficial. This land consultant started working with government programs several years ago. "The Mississippi Valley is one area that has benefited from government programs over the past several years. The basis of government assistance is to prevent erosion into the river systems. There were several farms purchased in the early 1900’s that should never have been cleared. These programs are trying to correct those early actions."
• Consult the experts when researching your options. This land consultant advises landowners to consult with your local agencies, such as the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office, or Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), for more information on programs that can provide you with financial and planning assistance. He emphasizes, "There are several different types of plantings you may want to incorporate into your site. That will dictate some of the practices you can implement. The SWCD has some say over that, for instance you may have a highly erodible riparian buffer that requires trees be planted in that area."
• Tackle the acronym jungle by educating yourself on government programs that may be available to help you implement your plan. The alphabet soup can be intimidating at first, but below are some suggestions on where to start.
• Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs are run by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Their programs serve to reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damages caused by floods and other natural disasters.
• Conservation Reserve Programs (CRP) are commonly hailed as the best way to supplement land conservation practices. CRP provides technical and financial assistant to those eligible landowners to address soil, water and other natural resource concerns. Several state and federal guidelines must be met. Benefits from the program include reduced soil erosion, sedimentation in waterways, established wildlife habitat and enhancement of forests and wetlands. Landowners are encouraged to convert highly erodible cropland or other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as tame or native grasses, wildlife plantings, trees, filter-strips, or riparian buffers.

• CREP is an off-shoot of CRP with the same focus. The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a voluntary land retirement program that helps agricultural producers protect environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlife habitat, and safeguard ground and surface water. CREP addresses high-priority conservation issues of both local and national significance, such as impacts to water supplies, loss of critical habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife species, soil erosion, and reduced habitat for fish populations.

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