Hunting The Illinois Whitetail Rut
April 10, 2019 – Illinois Whitetail Rut Hunting Report –
The Illinois rut was met with some cold temperatures and even a little snow accumulation. Several great bucks made it through the season, and we’re excited to find their sheds and catch up with them during the summer on trail cameras. The 2019 whitetail rut should be one to remember here in Illinois!
Bow or gun hunting during the whitetail rut can be one of the most exciting times to be in the deer woods. This is traditionally the best time to be in the deer stand. As the leaves begin to fall and the weather starts to drop, mature deer start to become more and more visible during daylight hours searching for estrous does. The Illinois deer rut falls during the month of November. Hunting the Illinois deer rut can be divided up into three different hunting times: the end of the pre-rut, the rut, and the start of the post-rut.
This week can be one of the most exciting weeks to be in the Illinois deer woods! Many does are beginning to enter their estrus cycle and the big bucks are out looking for them. It’s a transition week from the pre-rut into the peak rut. Whitetail bucks are very responsive to calling during this period. Rattling, using buck decoys, doe in estrus bleats, and chasing/tending grunts can all produce great results. The weather is typically ideal for whitetail deer hunting. Cooler temperatures in the mornings can get the bucks out trolling, looking for does.
Illinois’ first gun season normally falls at the end of this period. Having a short firearm season during the deer rut allows many bucks to make it though the Illinois gun season. For those who enjoy gun hunting, this can be a very exciting three days!
Watch this video of Ron Way’s 192″ Monster Whitetail!!
This week is the end of the peak rut and the start of the post-rut. Like the pre-rut, it can be very productive, particularly with those bigger bucks looking for the remaining does to come into estrous. Some years, this week has more deer rut activity than any other period in November, especially if unusually warm weather is present earlier in the month.
Transition areas – Find transition areas and funnels between doe bedding areas and feeding areas. Bucks will be scent checking these areas at all hours of the day.
Time in the woods – The more time you spend in the woods the better. So if you are able to, pack a sack lunch and sit in the woods all day, as that trophy whitetail buck could come by in the middle of the day just as easily as he could in the morning or evening.
Stop the buck before you take a shot at him – Bucks can be unpredictable while chasing does and moving animals will most likely result in poor shot placement. Do whatever it takes to stop him before you release your arrow.
Be prepared – The month of November experiences drastic weather variations. Temperatures can vary from 80 degrees down to the teens, and rain and snow are also both a possibility. Hunters must come prepared to endure a variety of conditions to be able to remain in the woods.
Enjoy bow hunting an elusive gobbler while in your stand. You can have the option of hunting turkeys and whitetail during your fall deer hunt.
It’s nice to be sitting in the stand and if a flock of turkeys come in, you have the option of shooting one with your bow. Your fall archery turkey permit is an either sex tag, so you could shoot a hen or a gobbler.
| 2019 Archery Dates Available: | |
|---|---|
| More on our Archery Hunts>> *SPECIAL hunt prices below are valid for a limited time. | |
| October 1st–5th (Opening Week - 5 Days of Hunting) | $2,650 |
| October 7th-10th (4 1/2 Days of Hunting) | $2,580 |
| October 14th-17th (4 1/2 Days of Hunting) 2 SPOTS LEFT! | $2,580 |
| October 21st–25th, (5 Days of Hunting) | $3,650 |
| October 21st-26th, (6 Days of Hunting) | $4,380 |
| October 27th–November 1st (6 Days of Hunting) SOLD OUT | $5,000 |
| October 30th-November 1st (3 Day Hunt) SOLD OUT | $2,650 |
| November 3rd-8th (6 Days of Hunting) SOLD OUT | $5,000 |
| November 10th-14th (5 Days of Hunting) SOLD OUT | $4,250 |
| November 16th–20th (5 Days of Hunting) | $4,250 |
| November 29th- December 3rd (5 Days of Hunting) | $2,150 |
| Six night, five day Dec & Jan | $2,150 |
| Four night, three day Dec & Jan | $1,650 |
| Four night, three day Dec & Jan Doe Reduction | $950 |
| Fall Turkey Hunt Option (More Info Here) | $250 |
| 2019 Firearm Dates Available: | |
|---|---|
| More on our Firearm Hunts>> *SPECIAL hunt prices below are valid for a limited time. | |
| Youth Season October 12th,13th,14th (Shotgun or Muzzleloader) (Doe only - 2 Days $750) | 2 Days $1,000 3 Days $1,500 |
| November 22nd-24th (Shotgun or Muzzleloader) PEAK RUT!! | $4,700 |
| Dec 5th–Dec 8th (Shotgun or Muzzleloader) 4 days of hunting! | $3,750 |
| December 13th-15th (Muzzleloader Only) | $2,650 |
| Seven night, six day December Archery/Muzzleloader combo | $3,150 |
| **includes guides, meals, accommodations & game cleaning | |
All bookings are double occupancy in regular room at the Original Lodge, unless other arrangements are made. Private rooms can be arranged if available. All rooms have private baths. As part of the care and maintenance inside our lodge, we ask that you bring slippers or wear socks. Boots and shoes are removed in the mud room. The Original Lodge is for hunters only October – December 25th. Prairie Ridge Lodge is for hunters only the entire month of November.
- Non-hunting guests are welcome. The rate is $100 ($125 in the fall) for each night for a regular room. Call for pricing on other rooms.
- Private rooms are available upon request.
- $100 for a private regular room (Jan-September) each night at The Original Lodge.
- $125 for a private regular room (Oct-Dec) each night at The Original Lodge.
- $150 for the Angler room (Queen Bed) each night at The Original Lodge.
- $175 for the Whitetail suite (King Bed & Jacuzzi) each night at The Original Lodge
- $225 for the Luxury suite (King Bed, Jacuzzi, & Fireplace) each night at Prairie Ridge Lodge
Enjoy one of our Luxury Suites during your stay. For only $112.50 per hunter (per night – based on double occupancy) you can stay in one of these incredible rooms. Each spacious room has two king size beds, Jacuzzi, fireplace, gun holders, private decks and entrance. Prices are valid only when purchasing a hunt package above, otherwise our regular room rates apply.