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Hanover Bluff could be hidden honey hole

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APPLE RIVER, Ill. — Nestled in the northwest corner of Illinois in JoDaviess County are six public hunting areas, but the smallest one of them in particular may be a sleeper.

Acquired in 2003, the Hanover Bluff Fish and Wildlife Area is only 247 acres in size, which doesn't sound like much. But due to its relative newness, many sportsmen may not yet realize that this place is now state owned, says site official Terry Beyer (815-745-3302).

Breakdown

The breakdown of the 247-acre parcel is perfect for hunting.

There is a 16-acre lake on the property, 4.5 acres of cropland (which was in corn this year, but has since been harvested), 30 acres of open grasslands and 196.5 acres of timber. This is a lot of timber for a property of this size.

It means that even though the site as a whole may not be huge, hunters wishing to be successful really need to scout it out to up their odds.

Stats

The property keeps track of hunter outings per season, and in 2004 there were thirty hunter outings during the entire archery season, and 47 hunter outings during all of the firearms seasons.

Keep in mind these numbers reflect hunter outings, not numbers of hunters.

Also during the 2004 season, one deer was harvested during the archery season and two were harvested during the firearms seasons, according to Beyer.

The inaugural 2003 season showed a total of 48 hunter outings during the archery seasons, with no deer being taken, and a total of 30 hunter outings during the firearms seasons, with one deer being taken, notes Beyer.

The low number of deer harvested, and the relatively low number of hunter outings, suggests that this piece of real estate could very well be a great little honey hole for the hunter who takes the time and makes the effort to realize its potential.

Another reason for the relatively low numbers of hunters and successes could be due to the fact that this site is made up of very steep terrain, meaning if you don't want to get physical, you probably won't score here.

Many hunters shy away from such terrain, opting for easier hunting ground. Serious deer hunters know this, and can take advantage of the situation and get a place to themselves by simply being willing to put in the work.

Seasons ahead

There will be a three-day muzzleloader season running from Dec. 9 to 11, but bow hunters will still be able to partake of their favorite sport here during this time.

The muzzleloader hunt is limited to only six hunters who were previously drawn through a lottery system.

Other than during these three days, bow hunters will have the place to themselves. There is no drawing or quota for archery hunters who want to hunt this property. All you have to do is show up and hunt.

Bow hunters have until Jan. 12 to pursue deer in Illinois.

Take advantage of the time you have left and hunt this little-known site. There's likely a big buck in there somewhere.


Material from Fishing & Hunting News
published 24 times a year.

Visit them at www.fishingandhuntingnews.com.

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