Illinois Monster Bucks

Illinois is known for trophy bucks, as this rub can attest. But the secrets behind that reputation are many. Hunter shown wearing Mathews Lost Camo.

Deer Nutrition

Scientists have shown that protein and phosphorus are important components in antler development. States with high levels of rainfall or acidic soils tend to have lower phosphorus levels. High rainfall will leech the phosphorus from the soil. Rainfall will also greatly affect the quality of forage eaten by deer.

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.

Agricultural methods in Illinois result in phosphorus being added to the soil. States with higher phosphorous levels often have bigger bucks.

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.

Other Factors

Climate plays a role in deer herd dynamics. Our winters are not so severe that deer herds suffer large winterkills. Weather conditions affect harvest totals and success ratios. Wet fields may keep farmers from harvesting crops. Deer are notorious for living in the middle of corn fields, which can make them difficult to hunt in the early season. Severe weather that falls on short gun seasons may impact the number of deer hunters in the field.

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 cougar to be found in Illinois, sighting of a wild one is highly unlikely," said Acting IDNR Director Sam Flood. "Wild cougars have been found in neighboring states but again, very, very rarely." Flood also addressed rumors sometimes mentioned in these hoax emails that the IDNR is releasing these animals into the Illinois ecosystem. "It is absolutely not true that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is releasing cougars anywhere in the state for any reason," Flood said.

Mushrooms are an important food for deer and a good source of phosphorous.

"Actual cougar sightings in Illinois are few and far between. The last cougar found in Illinois was in December of 2004 in Mercer County. It was found already dead, apparently shot with an arrow. Another cougar was found dead after it was hit by a train in Randolph County in July of 2000. Prior to 2000, the last verified record of a cougar in Illinois was from Alexander County in 1862."

Closing

The secret behind Illinois big bucks is complex. There is no simple formula to growing trophy bucks, but Illinois is one state that seems to have found the right combination of ingredients.