Greene County rounded out the top producers for this region. Last year, it produced 2,656 deer, which is roughly 4.9 whitetails killed per square mile. Hunter success was high at 57 percent.

REGION 5
The region with the highest overall harvest density goes to Region 5. In aggregate, 54,340 deer were taken in the archery and two shotgun seasons last year. This translates into just over five deer killed per square mile.

Top-ranking Jefferson County had a hunter success rate of 58.7 percent, and harvest densities indicated 7.2 deer per square mile. Mt. Vernon Game Propagation Center, (618) 242-0830, Rend Lake WMA, (618) 279-3110, and Rend Lake FL, (618) 724-2493, offer opportunities for archers, shotgunners and muzzleloaders.

Marion County hunters brought in 3,263 deer last season, translating to 5.6 deer per square mile. Hunter success was 58.4 percent. However, if you want to hunt here, most of the ground is private. Stephen A. Forbes State Park, (618) 547-3381, offers bowhunting.

Jackson County hunters took 3,071 whitetails in 2005. The kill rate was 5.1 deer per square mile, and 39 percent of all permit holders filled a tag last season. Public ground includes the Shawnee National Forest, (618) 253-7114, Kinkaid Lake, (618) 684-2867, Giant City State Park, (618) 457-4836, and Oakwood Bottoms, (618) 687-1731. You can use your weapon of choice at these sites.

Fayette County tallied 3,024 deer for a density of 4.2 per square mile. Half of all permit holders had success in 2005. Carlyle Lake WMA, (618) 425-3533, offers gun and bowhunting, and Ramsey Lake State Park, (618) 423-2215, is a good destination for archers.

Pope County added 2,932 deer to its credit, which was good for a density of 7.7 deer per square mile. Hunter success was just under 39 percent. Aside from the Shawnee National Forest, public access is available at Dixon Springs State Park, (618) 949-3394, for bowhunters, and there is a special youth firearms hunt there. Dog Island WMA allows shotguns, muzzleloaders and bows.

Wayne County hunters dropped 2,921 deer for a density of four per square mile. Most impressive was that 62 percent of all permit holders last year were successful. Private land reigns here, but you can hunt at Sam Dale Lake CA, (618) 835-2229.

Williamson and Union counties came next. They totaled 2,781 and 2,614, respectively. This breaks down to over six deer killed per square mile in both counties. Hunter success stands roughly at 45 percent. The Shawnee National Forest makes access easy, and there's a surplus of public areas, including Crab Orchard Refuge FL, (618) 997-3344, which offers the gamut of hunting preference and a firearms program for disabled hunters. Bluff Lakes FL, (618) 833-8572, LaRue Swamp FL, (618) 833-8576, Trail Of Tears State Forest, (618) 833-4910, and Union County CA, (618) 833-5175, likewise allow all weapons.

It doesn't really matter where you hunt in Illinois, because deer abound everywhere. But if you want to improve your chances for success, head for one of our hottest counties!

Find more about Illinois fishing and hunting at: IllinoisGameandFish.com