Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Bowhunting tough decision

So i have 3 choices this fall.
5 day Missouri bowhunt. Semi guided. Cost of the hunt is 1200+ tags and travel. Lodging included.
Choice 2 is tagging along with some guys to Illinois. Theyve been out before and have killed some good bucks. Hang your stands and cameras when you get there. Tresspass fee is 1000 + tags travel lodging meals..
These two options will both end up being around 2000 total..
Option 3 is 100% DIY ohio public land and knocking on doors for permission.
we would be able to hunt once in spring turkey twice in archery and if needed late muzzleloader. And probably still cost less that the MO IL hunts.

I live in north western PA. And havent hunted deer anywhere but NY. Never been on a paid hunt of any kind and just not sure which option to pick. In the end its all about the hunt and enjoying nature. I want a good experience first if the antlers happen its a bonus.

Im leaning toward Missouri with ohio running a strong second..

Thoughts?

Checkout Bill Pyle

http://www.bowoutfitters.com/

Non of em.
I'd go Illinois archery.....knock on some doors....always had good luck doing that there and have seen some giants there...also don't overlook public land there it is really really good.
2nd I'd do the Ohio thing too...same same knock on doors or fall back on public land.

Where in Missouri? Deer hunting can vary quite a bit in the state.

In my opinion, your choice comes down to gambling and playing the odds. How much time will you have to scout and hunt? If you've only got a few days, it can be tough to hang stands, set cameras and figure out decent hunting plans.

Given what I know so far, I'd lean toward Missouri as well (again, depending on which part of the state you're going). The cost is pretty similar and you'll have the advantage of local input to guide your hunt.

Northwest corner..oufitter has properties harrison, sullivan, grundy and davies counties...

That's "big deer, lots of deer" country. Big row crop farms, plenty of groceries up there.

I don't believe you could pay me enough to hunt Illinois.

That's where I'd be headed this Fall, if I were you.

Ditto

dito

Near the Iowa border in MO is where you want to be. Witnessed 180+" and 270+ pound deer shot up there. It's a fun place to hunt, knowing that there is a potential Booner behind any bush or corn row.

We've found a different property to hunt. Guy out there has a couple hundred acres we can get on. As much as I'd like to take the bow it looks like we'll be there for the first 5 days of rifle season. Same location, actually right next to a 1400 acre archery only property run by Tombstone creek. So the potential is still there.
Still heavily considering taking the bow along also.