Newbie from Illinois

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nialltom

New Member
Feb 17, 2016
7
0
Hey Everyone, just started getting interested in hunting. Am in the process of researching hunting rifles, and am hoping to do my first western elk hunt within the next year or so. Trying to learn all I can about it beforehand. Have no idea what to expect, but I think it is something I should experience at least once. If I like it, I'll continue on that path to doing it more.

Am 33 years old and have recently started getting into fishing (mostly saltwater) and have really enjoyed that and the experience of eating what you catch, so am hoping that translates into hunting as well. Looking forward ot the learning process, and the experiences it will bring!
 
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MN_Bucshot

New Member
Feb 18, 2016
24
0
Northern Minnesota
Welcome to the forum! I just joined myself. Do you have a spot you can hunt whitetail there in Illinois? That would be good practice, especially with the monsters that have come out of that state. Even a doe would break the ice.
 
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nialltom

New Member
Feb 17, 2016
7
0
MN_Bucshot said:
Welcome to the forum! I just joined myself. Do you have a spot you can hunt whitetail there in Illinois? That would be good practice, especially with the monsters that have come out of that state. Even a doe would break the ice.
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Thanks! I believe Illinois is an archery and shotgun-only state right now. I'm hoping to eventually perhaps get into archery, but as a beginner, feel that rifle would be a good method to learn first. However, there are other states, like WI and IN that are good possibilities, and something I'll probably look into.
 
Zim

Zim

Very Active Member
Feb 28, 2011
738
67
LaPorte, IN
Newbie, if you want to start elk hunting I'd strongly suggest you do it with a bow. The reason being almost all ruts take place in the archery seasons. And especially going solo it's by far easier to find the Bulls when they are bugling. This levels the playing field for newbies as you learn the ropes.

Best places to apply from the ground floor is New Mexico where the deadline is approaching March 20 or something. Then Montana or Colorado OTC. I've elk hunted about all the western states and I live in Chicago burbs. Taken 4 big Bulls, 3 with a bow.
 
kesand72

kesand72

Active Member
May 5, 2013
373
8
Joliet, Il
Welcome! Where at in Illinois? Im in Joliet.
You would do well to test the waters with our homegrown Illinois whitetails before diving into a western elk hunt with no real hunting experience.
Pull a deer tag or 2, have a blast chasing deer for a couple seasons while building elk points, then give it a shot.
Just my opinion.....
 
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nialltom

New Member
Feb 17, 2016
7
0
I'm actually in Plainfield not too far from you! Sorry for the delay in responding I must have missed the notification. Would like to hunt deer here in our local area, but want to start out hunting rifle. Not possible yet here! Although Indiana and wisconsin are options. I just like the spot and stalk hunting method, and the archery for deer here in IL seems more tree stand/sit and wait method. I think I'd like archery as well, just have to pick one and go with it for a while.
 
Matthoek21

Matthoek21

Veteran member
Mar 18, 2011
1,904
0
Peachtree City, GA.
nialltom said:
I'm actually in Plainfield not too far from you! Sorry for the delay in responding I must have missed the notification. Would like to hunt deer here in our local area, but want to start out hunting rifle. Not possible yet here! Although Indiana and wisconsin are options. I just like the spot and stalk hunting method, and the archery for deer here in IL seems more tree stand/sit and wait method. I think I'd like archery as well, just have to pick one and go with it for a while.
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I used to live in Plainfield myself. Grande Park neighborhood. Good luck learning the ropes. Bow hunting is my preferred method, and not far from you are some good options for bow hunting. Draw hunts on the Arsenal property south of Joliet on 55. Where the refineries are at. Go ride around down there and look at some of those big boys.
 
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