Fall is in the air, and deer hunters already are anxious about the upcoming whitetail seasons, especially in the Midwest where bucks are big, abundant and hunting for them is an important way of life.

Here’s Part 1 of our 4 part deer-season forecast—the rundown on how Midwestern states look for whitetails, with current data provided by deer biologists with the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA.com).

Illinois is home to over a quarter million hunters, 800,000 deer, and the honor of registering more Boone & Crockett bucks than any other state.  The “Golden Triangle” of west-central Illinois is famous for big deer, and your chances of tagging a B&C buck are likely better today than a decade ago.  Central Illinois stands proud as well and boasts some of the largest bucks in the state.  Archery hunters enjoy one of the highest success rates in the country (41%), and the state’s short firearms (7 days) and muzzleloader (3 days) seasons ensure a constant supply of quality bucks. Contact: www.dnr.state.il.us.