cflhunter Posted December 10, 2008 Report Share Posted December 10, 2008 I'm headed to Southern Illinois once again on the 26th in hopes of filling my archery tag. I was unsuccessful in the beginning of November so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. We're going to be visiting family during this time as well so I will not be able to dedicate all of my time in the woods. I was hoping to get any of your suggestions as to what time of day you would focus on? Which are generally more effective this time of year, morning or afternoon hunts? I will be focusing primarily on a food source that connects to the property I will be hunting. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks everyone... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly Posted December 10, 2008 Report Share Posted December 10, 2008 After mid-December I concentrate my efforts on evening hunts. Monday night I saw 4 does come from their bedding area to the harvested bean field about 15 minutes before dark. Unfortunately no bucks were following. The rut is over now and food sources are your best bet. If you want a buck stay in the timber or thick cover at least 20 yards near a corner or other entry area. The bucks will not likely enter the fields until dark, but they might skirt the edges just before. Remember not to get too close to the bedding areas. Another 20 yards and I would have bumped those 4 does last Monday. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOYTnMUZZYboy Posted December 10, 2008 Report Share Posted December 10, 2008 Late season is a good time to harvest a buck. The odds maybe stacked against us in the late season but that makes the rewards that much more rewarding. Like flyerla said stick to the food sources, and in the timber for the bucks. Best of luck to you in your quest for a late season Illinois whitetail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntermq32 Posted December 10, 2008 Report Share Posted December 10, 2008 Thats what I do. These big bucks are well edgucated from all the gun seasons.They will eventualy starte showing up before dark but you have to back off and let them relax.If that is not possible then try and intersept them between the food and beds. good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
backwoods07 Posted December 10, 2008 Report Share Posted December 10, 2008 Flyerla said it right. I'd just like to stress the importance of evening hunts. We usually see way more activity as the sun sets. Besides, it's not as cold!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cflhunter Posted December 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 11, 2008 Thanks for the replies. Just the information I was hoping for! I'll stick to the evenings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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