Union's neighbor to the north, Jackson County, has similar features, scoring in both density and historic entries into the BBRP. And there are plenty of public opportunities here within the Shawnee Forest, as well

Williamson County should not be overlooked, because it has one of the highest whitetail densities in Illinois, and 11 BBRP entries from 2003 to 2006.

Fulton County -- with the Illinois River and Spoon River basins -- has been a longtime producer of big bucks, and this year will be no different. Top rating for densities and historic entries into the BBRP make this county a "ringer" even if there are fewer recent entries. The largest non-typical in Illinois history came from here, and the county has some of the largest typical bucks as well.

Mason, Montgomery and McLean counties are next on the depth chart. All three counties have a high number of recent entries and are included in the top 25 for all-time entries.

Clark County along the Wabash River put up the numbers in 2006 and is included in the all-time entry category. Iroquois County is one hotspot to watch because of its historic and recent entries. The primary focus here is in the Iroquois River basin and its tributaries. Menard County scored in both recent entry categories. Ogle County is another area to focus on because the Rock River and Kyte River corridors are well known for big racks. Winnebago County is turning in good numbers, while Champaign County enjoys one of the lowest densities in the state, but it still found a way to make it into the top 25 for recent entries. Our hottest county in recent years is Richland, and yes, those are white squirrels you see running amok around your stand!

DARK HORSES
Unfortunately, not every county with good potential for trophy bucks makes the grade. One such area is the swath in Illinois' southern tip consisting of Pulaski, Johnson, Pope and Hardin counties. Each was in the top 25 for density, and all have superb access in the Shawnee National Forest. The bragging board in any sport shop will show you that big-racked deer are abundant.

Marion, Jefferson, Franklin, Hamilton and Perry counties all have excellent potential. Deer densities are through the roof and record-book bucks abound.

Fayette County has representation on the all-time list for big bucks, as does Jasper County. Crawford County has a top density ranking and a reputation for big bucks. Clay and Alexander counties scored high for recent entries.

West-central Illinois had a few "sleepers" that didn't make the categorical cut. One of the most prominent areas was Calhoun County, which had the absolute highest deer density per square mile, and it has plenty of public ground, plus it has had a few B&C entries recently.

Greene and Jersey counties have some of the highest densities anywhere and superb public access. Hancock County enjoys a spot on the all-time BBRP entry list. And Logan County had a high ranking with entries in 2006.

In east-central Illinois, Piatt County found a ranking for entries made from 2003 to 2006, and Livingston County had ranking for entries made during 2006. Bucks in this low-density county gravitate to the Mazon River and Vermilion River basins.

In the northeast, Will County has many big bucks amid urban sprawl, but there is limited access. McHenry County has one of the highest rankings on the all-time BBRP books and is ranked fourth nationally as one of the all-time best in the B&C records. But again, suburbia limits access.

In the northwest sector, JoDaviess ranks in the top counties for density, is tied with Adams County for the most recent entries into the B&C records, has plenty of trophy bucks and plenty of public access. Our state's smallest county -- 166 square miles -- is Putnam along the Illinois River, and it had a significant ranking for entries in 2006. Henry County had good representation from 2003 to 2006. And Tazewell and Woodford counties score high in the BBRP and B&C.

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Big bucks thrive in this state, and like Tom Micetich said, anywhere you hunt, you have a good chance to shoot a trophy. All of the discussed counties constitute the absolute best areas Illinois has to offer based on the most recent data, and should be considered by all hunters eager to connect with a rack of trophy proportions.

For more information on the Illinois Big-Buck Recognition Program, call (217) 782-4963, or e-mail Tracy Schafer at tshafer@dnrmail.state.il.us, or online at www.dnr.state.il.us/legislation/bbrp/default.htm. For information about additional hunting areas, visit www.dnr.state.il.us/admin/systems/index.htm. To find a certified antler measurer in Illinois, visit www.dnr.state.il.us/legislation/bbrp/measurers.pdf. For more information about the Boone and Crockett Club or its rack scorers, go to online www.boone-crockett.org/index.asp.

Have a successful and safe hunt this season!