Hey guys first off just want to say thank you for the great content that you continue to put out every year. I’m sure it’s time consuming and hard work but there’s fans like myself that look forward to your videos and content. So thank you. I have a question about hunting the terrain in Northern IL as it is new to me. I’m from northern WI and this will be my 3rd year hunting in Jo Daviees CO and I’m struggling to know where and how to set up for hunting during the rut. I understand how thermals work and how important wind is however as I’m sure you know the terrain is very complex compared to the flat terrain I’m used to. Should I set up high, mid or down low? Do bucks cruise benches? Should I set up on a field edge? I know this is probably a complex answer but just looking for the basics I guess as far as set up high mid or down low. I sometimes hunt public land in apple river canyon state park if that can be used as a reference. I stay near Stockton every year and I’ve heard Todd has hunted in this area! Any advice that saves me time lugging around my pack and stand in the woods is much appreciated. Served in two combat tours and I have some injuries that make hiking that terrain a challenge! Especially when I don’t know what I’m doing haha. If you guys are too busy I get that also so no worries. Good luck this fall and have safe hunts. I look forward to your videos and if I hear back with advice it would just be a bonus. Thanks guys. Casey.
I have a question about hunting the terrain in Northern IL as it is new to me. I’m from northern WI and this will be my 3rd year hunting in Jo Daviees CO and I’m struggling to know where and how to set up for hunting during the rut. I understand how thermals work and how important wind is however as I’m sure you know the terrain is very complex compared to the flat terrain I’m used to. Should I set up high, mid or down low? Do bucks cruise benches? Should I set up on a field edge? I know this is probably a complex answer but just looking for the basics I guess as far as set up high mid or down low. I sometimes hunt public land in apple river canyon state park if that can be used as a reference. I stay near Stockton every year and I’ve heard Todd has hunted in this area!
Name: Casey Rossiter
Email: [email protected]
Entry ID : 95772
Hey Casey - welcome to IL! Everyone has preferences but I've learned through the years that hunting down low is risky most of the time. In the type of terrain you're describing the wind is very inconsistent down low, which makes it nearly impossible to hunt effectively. Personally, I stick to hunting higher elevations where the wind is easier to predict and hunt. I tend to focus on field edges, funnels, inside corners, and saddles on ridges. If you want to get off the very top, I tend to focus on the upper third of the elevation, unless there is a very well defined feature that necessitates hunting lower. Just be careful! I've had spots where the wind is due South up top, then I get down to where I want to hunt and it's blowing from the North.