A long time ago, somebody started an ugly rumor that late-season deer are hard to hunt. Cold temperatures, adverse weather conditions and skittish whitetails are the traditional signature of the ensuing winter solstice. But while it’s true the late season poses a challenge to Illinois hunters, deer during this time can be very predictable. Conditions push deer into specific areas, and for those who know where to hunt, the action just begins to heat up after winter arrives.

If you’re the kind of diehard hunter who just can’t seem to say goodbye to the deer season, then pay close attention. Whether you are a bowhunter, muzzleloader or perhaps even have a leftover tag from a previous season and are interested in the late-season antlerless hunt, there are still plenty of opportunities to kill a deer. We’ve consulted wildlife biologists throughout Illinois to gain their perspective about the deer herd in each region. We’ve also compiled information about some of the more prominent late-season action on our public land. So whether you’re planning on hunting a specific county or tract of land — or you haven’t decided yet where to hunt — we have you covered.

Most hunters agree that to find late-winter deer, you need to find areas other hunters overlook, and when the elements become adverse, find places where heavy cover and food come together. To narrow your search, we’ve located places in each region where winter whitetails concentrate. Some of the following comprise private ground, while others provide public opportunities, but all serve as important wintering quarters. Also, many sites for public hunting discussed herein have site-specific regulations concerning the bowhunting, muzzleloader and late-winter antlerless season. Contact numbers are provided, so be sure to check ahead before you plan your trip.

REGION 1
Known for its impressive numbers and a handful of the top deer-kill counties, northwest Illinois offers late-season hunters one of the best chances for success.

Department of Natural Resources biologist Scott Schaeffer said one of the best areas of the northwest sector is in Ogle and Whiteside counties through the Rock River corridor.

“Castle Rock State Park and Lowden Miller State Forest (815/732-7329) offer excellent opportunities for archery, muzzleloader and late-season antlerless deer,” Schaeffer said. “In between the towns of Morrison and Mount Carroll are the Rock Creek and Spring Creek corridors, which also hold good numbers of deer. And the Plum River valley is heavily forested and likewise houses good numbers of winter whitetails. Although this is private land, many landowners are interested in deer management, and it’s not impossible to find a place to hunt in this area.”

Schaeffer also pointed out that one of the most important wintering areas is in the Driftless Region near Palisades State Park, (815) 273-2731, and Mississippi River Pool No. 13, (815) 273-2732. Palisades offers bowhunting, while Pool 13 offers archery, muzzleloader and late-season antlerless hunts.

“One of the best areas in my district is Spoon River State Forest (309/879-2607) in Fulton County,” said DNR biologist Kevin Oller. “It’s archery only, but it has a good complement of crops, food plots and woody cover, which make it a winter magnet. Banner Marsh FWA (309/647-9184) in Peoria County is another late hotspot for archery. Big River State Forest (309/374-2496) in Henderson County has scores of winter wheat that attract an impressive late-winter herd, but it is archery only. And Argyle Lake State Park (309/776-3422) in McDonough County has a good stand of pines and oaks that draw deer. Archery and muzzleloading are offered there.”