Also checking in with over 300 birds each were Jefferson with 363, Brown with 348, Greene with 343, Randolph with 337, Madison with 314, Union with 306 and Jersey with 304.

Whichever county you choose to hunt in, keep in mind that it only takes one bird to make your hunt a success.

In addition to a shotgun or archery fall turkey hunting permit, all hunters must have a valid Illinois hunting license, a State Habitat Stamp and, if born after Jan. 1, 1980, proof they have successfully completed the DNR Hunter Education Course, or a previous year's hunting license. Illinois residents must also be in possession of a valid Firearms Owner ID (FOID) card.

New this year is an apprentice hunter program, under which a new hunter may obtain a license without fulfilling the hunter education requirement. The apprentice hunter, if younger than 18 years of age, must hunt with a parent, guardian or immediate family member who does have a valid license. New hunters over 18 years of age must hunt with a validly licensed adult. Apprentice hunters will also be required to obtain any special stamps or permits that may apply. The apprentice license is good for the first year only, and any subsequent license purchase will then require completion of the Hunter Education Course.

In order to better manage the wild turkey population, it is important for DNR biologists to know how many birds were harvested each season from each county. To help in this research, it is mandatory for successful hunters to report by phone their kills. By simply calling toll-free 1-866-ILCHECK, hunters can supply the needed information in just a few minutes. Turkey kills must be phoned in before 10 p.m. on the night of the hunt.

Turkey hunting gear can be as complicated or as simple as you choose to make it. First of all, you need to be camouflaged from head to toe, including your face and hands. A moderately priced camo jumpsuit, with a hat to match, will do the trick, as long as it mimics the foliage around you. A gauze mask or camo face paint is a must, and lightweight camo gloves will also help. Get a call that will make the kee-kee run call and practice with it until you can perform on it easily.

Any 12-gauge shotgun with a full choke is fine, and if you want to invest in an extra-tight turkey choke, that's better yet, but isn't critical. I like Federal Premium 2-ounce, 3-inch turkey loads, with either No. 5 or No. 6 copper-plated pellets. Select the 5s if you are going to be shooting in the woods where longer shots are not likely, and go with the 6s for denser patterns at slightly farther ranges in open fields.

Most experts advise not taking shots longer than 40 yards, and that surely is a killing range. For what it is worth, I have dropped big toms in their tracks at as much as 60 yards, but I must admit I was shocked when, after pacing it off, I realized how far the bird was from me. My best advice is let them come in as far as possible, but if there comes a time when you figure it is now or never, well, let your conscience be your guide.

Hunting turkeys in late October is going to play with your mind. You will be hunkered under a tree while ducks and geese fly unmolested above. Deer will wander maddeningly near while you helplessly gawk. All the while, one nagging thought will return repeatedly: What am I doing here? However, when that big dark shape you thought was a stump slowly steps into the clearing 20 yards away and the bead on your shotgun slides halfway up the bird's skinny neck while your finger tightens on the trigger, you will know what you are doing there.