Hunting is an experience that matches no other. Whether you’re a first-timer or have been hunting before, there’s an excitement that comes with the thrill of exploring the great outdoors. For beginners, your first hunt can be exhilarating. However, for seasoned hunters, it’s about the connection with nature that keeps them coming back.
If you’re planning a hunting trip to the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois anytime soon, you’re in for a rewarding treat. Learn why the Shawnee National Forest is the perfect hunting spot and how to plan your first hunting adventure in this diverse wilderness.
Why go hunting in the Shawnee National Forest?
Shawnee National Forest is the best-kept secret for hunters. The place offers pristine wilderness with dense woodlands, rugged hills, and scenic vistas. Its varied landscape makes it the ideal spot for hunters of all skill levels. Whether you are into stalking whitetail deer through thick woods, listening for wild turkey calls in open fields, or chasing rabbits and squirrels, the Shawnee National Forest provides a rich and diverse hunting environment.
Beyond the diverse wildlife, it’s a great place to connect with nature. The forest’s rugged terrain and secluded nature attract visitors who want to get off the beaten path. Here, you can soak in the serenity of the outdoors with the excitement of hunting in the most beautiful parts of Illinois.
What can you hunt in the Shawnee National Forest?
Shawnee National Forest is a home to diverse range of animal species where you can hunt:
- Whitetail Deer: The forest has a healthy deer population. With its dense cover and diverse habitat, the region is an ideal spot for deer. Whether you are into bow hunting or firearms, you can bag a whitetail here. Deer hunting is a highlight for many, particularly during the rut and rifle seasons.
- Wild Turkey: The forest is an excellent spot for turkey hunters. Both Eastern and Merriam’s turkeys roam the forest. Spring is the peak season for turkey hunting, and hunters rely on calling techniques to lure turkeys into shooting range.
- Small Game: The Shawnee National Forest has plenty of small games to offer. Squirrel and rabbit hunting are the most popular in the forest’s woods and fields. These smaller species let hunters practice their skills while enjoying the nature around them.
- Waterfowl: Hunters can find many wetland areas in the forest that attract migratory waterfowl. If you’re a waterfowl hunter, certain parts of the area offer opportunities for duck and goose hunting during the winter and fall months.
Hunting Tips for Beginners
If this is your first hunting trip, the experience will be enriching. Here are a few tips to help make your hunting trip to the Shawnee National Forest a great one-
- Get the right gear for your hunt. Wear appropriate clothing as per the weather, and pack a firearm with all necessary accessories.
- Lookout the area before you go hunting to know the terrain. Spy for wildlife activities like tracks or droppings, and find ideal hunting spots.
- Hunt with a mentor, even if it’s just for part of the trip. The experts can make your first experience much more educational and enjoyable.
How rewarding is the experience?
Hunting in the Shawnee National Forest is about the full experience. The beauty of the landscape, outsmarting your prey, and the surrounding nature makes hunting so rewarding.
For first-time hunters, bagging a deer can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, leaving you with a powerful sense of achievement. Even if you don’t bring home a harvest, just being there in the forest and learning the ins and outs of hunting will give you lifelong memories.
For seasoned hunters, the satisfaction of navigating the hills, valleys, and woodlands adds a level of complexity to your hunt. With each hunt, you refine your skills, tackle new challenges, and push limits as a hunter.
The bottom line
The Shawnee National Forest is a fantastic place to learn the ropes of hunting. Furthermore, the outdoor challenges in the rugged and diverse terrain keep things exciting and enjoyable every year. Regardless of the experience level, your first hunting trip here will undoubtedly be one you won’t soon forget. For more insights about the Shawnee National Forest, read our blogs here.
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