All too often we hear the lament that there is just not any place near Chicago to bow hunt and experience nature. That is bunk. To prove it following is a diary of a bowhunt I took a few years ago while living in the Chicago suburbs. It was about 2 hours travel from home. Following work on a Friday afternoon the drive begins. With all the gear packed on Thursday it is just a matter to load up after work.
The destination is Johnson Sauk Trail State Park near Kewanee, IL. The park is a multi-use state park that offers both hunting and fishing.
One reaches the park from Chicago via Interstate 80 west to Illinois Route 78, the Annawan exit. Once on 78, it is 5.8 miles south to Sauk Trail Road. The entrance to the park is well-marked. It is 137-miles to the gate.
Following the signs you arrive at the check-in station where the site superintendent or other IDNR employee explains the ground rules. Then it is off to the assigned campsite, either primitive or improved, depending upon the type of camping desired. The primitive campground is nestled in spreading pines and is near the fishing area.
There is just time to make camp, eat and then turn in for the night. Continue reading – https://dongasaway.wordpress.com/2015/10/06/weekend-campingbowhunt/