Hunting; Illinois; Question regarding turkey hunting?
I moved to Iowa from Oregon in late 2008. I do know where to start asking questions (Illinois DNR), and I have their phone number[s]. But, heck, I thought, someone on Yahoo! answers will probably be able to guide me in the right direction. I have several weapons, a couple of .22 rifles, a 12-guage shotgun, and a Winchester model 1917 30.06 that I’d prefer not to use since it’s from WWI and is a relic, and worth some money and I don’t want to F it up by accidently jamming it or whatever. Plus, I don’t see the need to put that kind of firepower into a turkey. I haven’t been turkey hunting in Illinois since I was a young’n and I don’t remember anything because we went with my uncle and he took care of all the legal stuff. I don’t want to take my bird in Iowa (where I live) because the state requires the prerequisite of a hunter safety course, whilst illinois doesn’t (over a certain age, and I’m 30). So, I’m willing to pay the extra $ for the tag or hunting permit or whatever is required unless I do the math VS. Iowa and my home state turns out to be cheaper. Now. I live in Scott County Iowa and I’d like to take my bird in Rock Island or Mercer county in Illinois. Does anyone have ANY advice, detailed or just a point-in-the-right-direction for how and what I do next. I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve accompanied my friend (who always lives out west and shoots anything he wants, back to his home state of PA for several poaching trips. I’ve made the promise to myself, the Commonwealth of PA, as well as all the other states, and mother nature to never poach again. It is not good for the environment and the monies are not collected for the preservation and restoration of our beloved natural areas. So, where do I go from here? -john in Iowa with no Thanksgiving turkey and no answers. Hmm. I don’t think Yahoo answers allows me to give out my real email or I’d do it. Heck I’d even give my phone number (maybe too trusting, I don’t know)… Some help? All appreciated!
Oh, I can’t use a compound bow to hunt because of I’m dis-abled because of a motorcycle accident (of course, like most, it was not my fault). I don’t have it on paper that I can’t draw a bow, but if it came down to it, I could get it done….. Just incase anyone wondered why I insisted on using a firearm… thx
Killing animals = bad… taking their photos = good
February 27th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Click the link below to read the regulations. You’ll want to click on the non-resident regs.
I suggest you use a 12 or 10 gauge shotgun for turkeys. In fact, in most states, it’s not even legal to use a rifle on them. Here in Oklahoma, it is legal in the flat, open part of the state.
If you shot one with a 30-06, there wouldn’t be any reason to even go pick up the chunks. A .243 would be the absolute biggest round I’d use on one, and would prefer a .22 Hornet, .222, or .223. Maybe a .17 if it were legal.
Just for kicks, search on "guillotine broadhead" and check out the videos. This thing is designed to behead turkeys when using a bow. They even have a video of a guy nearly lopping the head off of an ostrich!
References :
http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/turkey.htm
February 27th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
i live in illinois and my father lives in iowa you will have better luck going to the thousanda of acars in iowa than trying ti come to illinois unless you want to pay to hunt on land most public land has ran turkies away there are many in iowa and it will save you money save the money and stay home if you need help where to go let me know jakedaily25@yahoo.com
References :
February 27th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
il is not a very cheap State to hunt if you don’t have land and they are very antigun…..antihunt as well A non res license will cost a fortune. Take Jake’s advice and hunt Iowa. I know they have turkey there. A shotgun is the usual gun of choice. A 12ga 3.5" supermag is the preferred gun with a super full choke…using #2 or BB,BBB shot.
References :
February 27th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Killing animals = bad… taking their photos = good
References :