West/Central Illinois...

[Bowhunter4life]

We moved again last summer...  3 moves in 3 years...  Military family...  Anyway, I did a fair bit of scouting/looking for a hunting grounds and now that the season is upon us they are not panning out...  Been out a few times and have seen 11 different "hunters" and 0 deer...  These are not odds that I like at all...  I was suspicious of this problem while I was looking myself, but now I know these areas are over hunted and have basically ran the deer off them...

We live in O'Fallon (basically a suburb of St. Louis), and if any one is from around here or knows the area and could point me in the right direction I would be most appreciative!  I can travel if need be, but something local would be awesome.

Thanks in advance!

[Brianlocal3]

I'm about 10 min from you. I live in Collinsville

PM being sent

[Brianlocal3]

Oh and come on up to Town Hall in Belleville. I've done some threads about the place. Every morning there is s group of Trad shooters, and starting in Jan we will have out Friday night fun night. Last Friday of the month there's indoor 3d tourny, free food and great people.

[Bowhunter4life]

PMSent Brian...

[JARHEAD1371]

One more bump for Town Hall. The trad guys are great to shoot with and a riot to talk with. Monte, Roger, and the guys working there are on the same level too. That place is one of the few things we miss about IL. While you are out, look up Big Momma's BBQ, they have the best pork steaks you will ever have.

And now on to hunting. Good luck finding a good spot to go, especially on private in your area. You will have better odds finding some private the further away from the Ofallon area. My best advice I can give is look south, down near Vienna. The Shawnee Nat'l Forrest is your best bet for something on public. Just be sure and do your research on google earth before you go and stay away from any roads for the best areas. Good luck.

[jonsimoneau]

Unfortunately almost all the land in that area is locked up by either outfitters or private leases. It may take a few years but your best bet is to hopefully meet some people and then get in on a lease. As far as public land goes I would head south. The Shawnee is huge and it is easy to stay away from people. I hunted that area for four years while in college and I really miss it these days. Good luck!

[Tater]

No Deer in the Shawnee....I would stay north....  

[John Krause]

I live in Troy, Il but own and hunt land in MO. Used to make Town Hall a lot a few yrs ago and went to a lot of 3d's with the guys from Town Hall but not for a few yrs. For sure get down there. There are some state parks east that might work, just gotta look around . Sat mornings at Town Hall is the deal. If it was closer I'd get there more often but it's a 50 mile rd trip.

[Huntschool]

Bowhunter:

I may be able to help you out with some land.... some public and some not. Do you have a 4 wheeler or a SxS ?

John mentioned Vienna and I live just north of there. Its about 2 hrs from St Clair Sq to my area so not an evening hunt kind of thing.  

I assume you are stationed at Scott ?

PM me, or just email me at Huntschool@aol.com

[Fastltz]

I'm in godfrey right across from stl. Lotta good land in grafton athe pere Marquette park. Pm me if you wanna know more

[Fastltz]

I'm in godfrey right across from stl. Lotta good land in grafton athe pere Marquette park. Pm me if you wanna know more

[ChuckC]

Its a good drive north of you but I used to hunt Bear Creek which I believe is owned by the corps of Engineers.  It is right on the Mississippi R, just above Quincy.  I did OK there.
ChuckC