Prairie State whitetails are known throughout the country for their trophy qualities, such as excellent antler spread and mass. Such measurements result in high scores for bucks that are measured by official scorers for possible inclusion in the record books. Finding those trophy bucks takes study, effort and plenty of luck.

The record books are full of fine deer taken from Illinois. A browsing of the Boone and Crocket (B&C) record book finds that in the non-typical class, the top three entries are from Illinois. In the Pope and Young (P&Y) records, the No. 1 typical deer is Mel Johnson's 1965 buck, which was shot in a bean field near Peoria.

The record book from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is called the Big Buck Recognition Program. In 2007, there were 224 entries. The top three zones and the number of entries were: Zone 5 (52), Zone 4 (42) and Zone 6 (36).

To qualify for entry in the Illinois Big Bucks Recognition Program (BBRP), a rack must dry for 60 days before scoring under B&C's scoring system by a certified measurer. Deer taken by firearms must have a minimum score of 140 for a typical rack and 160 for a non-typical rack. For archery and crossbow harvested animals, the minimum score is 115 for typicals and 130 for non-typicals.

Figures for entries from the 2008 season were still incomplete at press time. Some antidotal and newspaper reports from the 2008 season indicate that big deer were taken. Some of that information is included in this report.

BBRP entries must score certain minimums of mass as measured under the B&C system. For information on scoring and a list of official scorers, go to www.dnr.state.il.us/events; or call (217) 785-5091.

There is no sure way to know just how many trophy bucks taken each year actually are reported to record-keeping organizations. But such reports are a tool to identify sections of the state that produce numbers of large deer. If numbers of trophy animals have been produced in the region, then the genetics are there for similar animals be there in the future.

John Shelton, manager of the Illinois Wildlife Program, points out that conditions remain favorable for exceptional hunting. He is quick to say that deer numbers are not the only factor. Inclement weather and unharvested crops can influence hunting conditions. The wet spring of 2009 caused farmers to plant crops late and may mean more unharvested corn and soybeans than would usually be the case. Archery hunters may be the most affected with their early season.

Hunters who are willing to do their homework and spend time in the field may have a greater chance at a true trophy buck. Here are some tips that may help you this year.

Begin by a study of records to identify that portion of the state you desire to hunt. Then do a study of the area to see where feed and cover habitat is located. Follow up with familiarization trips to the area. Seek permission to hunt given areas. Ads placed in local papers seeking hunting permission or leases often result in contact with landowners.