"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."

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 management areas with antler restrictions which some believe improves your chances of harvesting bigger bucks.

Mark 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, Mark’s formula for converting these properties into big buck havens will also work for you.

According to geologists for IDNR, "Phosphorus minerals occur in almost every igneous rock in the world. Even though the quantity is small, it may still be enough for animals. Dark-colored soils maintain adequate levels of phosphorus, while lighter-colored soils have lower levels. Even our lower level soils have higher levels than some other states, Georgia’s red clay, for example. There is even a correlation between Illinois glacial history. The northeastern third and southeaster third of Illinois were glaciated. These areas have lower phosphorus levels."

Availability of natural forage is another factor that affects buck antler development. Grasses, weeds, browse, fruits and mushrooms are all important foods for deer. They eat grasses during late winter and early spring to take advantage of tender new shoots. During other times of year grasses are too high in fiber to digest well. The exceptions would include several cereal grains, such as wheat or oats.

Weeds are often overlooked food sources for deer. Weeds do provide high levels of protein and phosphorus. Mushrooms are another good phosphorus source. Agricultural methods in Illinois also result in phosphorus being added to the soil.

During colder climates, deer seek higher carbohydrate foods such as corn and acorns. Illinois is covered in corn fields and has an abundant supply of oak trees.

Lack of large predators is another factor affecting the deer herd. Recent rumors of cougars in Illinois were dispelled by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) "While it is not completely impossible for a