Marc’s 2010 Deer Prediction

The verdict is in: It’s going to be a banner year for whitetails!

That’s my prediction. Of course, now that I’ve said it, I’ll get skunked. That’s OK if I do because my prediction is for all hunters in Illinois. I’ll tell you why I think we’re going to have a great year. With last year’s standing corn issues, we most likely won’t have that problem this year as the weather is cooperating and the crops should be out in decent time. Even if you don’t think deer live in the standing corn, they most certainly will run and hide in it when spooked! With several million square miles of corn standing last year, they had plenty of places to stay put. When they have so much cover, it’s inevitable that they’ll live and grow a bit more.

Here in central IL. I’ve noticed an increase in deer for the first time in almost a decade. Places that I monitor for activity are jumping with 2.5 year old deer. In areas that won’t hold deer past gun season, that’s a major improvement. In an area where hunters don’t use any management whatsoever, that’s an even greater sign. Places that held 3.5 and older deer are now holding record class deer. Add the fact that many hunters were complaining of not seeing many deer last year, that’s an incredible thing! There is only one reason for this: Last year’s corn!

Maybe this is Mother Nature’s way of increasing the herd when state management won’t? The same happens in reverse when too many deer run wild: Mother Nature sends EHD, Blue Tongue and other diseases to take over. We either manage these animals or nature will do it for us! Heed this warning Chicago land! Let the bow hunters control the deer heard in these urban areas!

All indicators are pointing for some real giants to be harvested this year, so get out and see what’s in your neck of the woods. I for one, am excited just to be able to shoot does this year! I’ve been backing off does here in central IL. for years just to let the herd grow a bit (only to watch the bordering properties massacre what’s left). Since I’ll be adding west central IL. to my list of places this year, I’ll happily shoot the does over there since not too many hunters will. I absolutely love to shoot does and the food will not go to waste!

OK, my predictions are in. I haven’t seen such a difference in 8 of the counties I’ve been scouting in the past 9 years as I have this year, so here’s to a great year!