Anybody in Nebraska or Illinois? A question on squirrel hunting

[echochap]

If you've seen my writing or YouTube/social media you might know I'm a squirrel hunting fanatic. In the past I've done what I call the squirrel hunters grand slam: a fox, gray Aberts, and black color phase squirrel in one season. This year I want to squirrel hunt in as many states as possible.







The seasons in Nebraska and Illinois both open early... in August... which will let me get an early start. I don't know these areas, and wanted to ask any of my FB friends if you can recommend a good public hunting area (state or national forest, etc).







I live in Minnesota, so the further north and east is the better for me, but I will travel to where I need to go. My idea is to drive in and set up a camp (so should have a camping area), spend arrival afternoon scouting,, hunt for 2 days, then out. If you can give me any ideas on where to go I'd appreciate it!



Thanks,



Jim

 

[cea1960]

Jim,

Unfortunately Illinois has some crazy rules about hunting with airguns. The rules are site specific. Most state parks are shotgun only. Your closet would be Lowden Miller near Oregon, but you can only hunt squirrel Sept 1st thru the 30th. Two of my favorite places are outside Bloomington. Mackinaw River and Clinton Lake. During the week I have never encountered another hunter at Mackinaw. I have a buddy with access to private land outside Ottawa we hunt until Oct when the owner deer hunts. I'll pm you my cell number and see if we can set something up if you're interested.

Carl

 

[mobilemail]

Here is a list of public hunting grounds in Illinois that tells whether or not you can use an airgun. The list is published by the state of Illinois. I have hunted a few of these in west-central IL.

https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/017/017006900000300R.html

 

[cea1960]

Jim, I pm"d you.

 

[echochap]

Hi;

Got it and responded. I was looking at the regs ad it stated an early season opening the first week of August. Will go back and double check. Thanks for all the information!

 

[cea1960]

August 1st is the opener at most state sites, but not all. Only certain sites allow airguns. Clinton Lake is a great spot and also has camping. The area I like to hunt has many ravines, giving you a nice vantage point when sitting along the top. The underbrush is minimum compared to other places. 

 

[mobilemail]

Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois is another go-to spot for squirrel hunting. In fact, the rimfire central forum has a meetup and hunt there every September.

 

[echochap]

Thanks for the info!