Bob-

I lost permission on my normal "ace in the hole" hunting property this year and am looking at some of this public ground close to the house (Waterloo). Just a couple of questions for you.

I read on previous threads that you were familiar with Peabody River King. Can you hunt in the east subunit? Also, have you ever tried slipping in by boat to hunt? Is that worth the effort? I was thinking about going out there and taking a look sometime. Any information you could provide would be appreciated.

Also, is the Kaskaskia River FWA worth hunting? I have been down there a couple times by boat, have seen great sign, but no deer. I figure that area down there has to have some whopper bucks as thick as it is. Have you ever hunted in the Randolph County portion? I have only been in the areas north of New Athens. What's your opinion?

P.S.- I like the new website format.

Thanks a bunch,

Joe Halbleib "Cuz"

Mornin Cuz, Glad you like the new site.

As to Peabody, you can hunt the East sub-unit until Nov. 1, then it becomes a waterfowl refuge and you have to stick to the west side. And of course all the crops are in the East unit. There are places to boat into decent hunting areas out there, and plenty you can walk to as well. My only suggestion to you is, "think outside the box" there is a LOT of open ground, and the deer are there. The few areas that are classic deer woods get hunted. (especially on the weekend.)

The river has over 20,000 acres along it's banks from Fayetteville to Baldwin. I know most from about 3 miles above New Athens to a bit below Becks Landing. There are tons of deer, and most of the ground is only accessable via boat, long hike, or knowing adjacent landowner. The whoppers are out there like you mentioned. I picked up a matched set of sheds last year, a 14 pointer. I've seen plenty of decent average deer as well. Taken a few;) . The key here is scouting, and learning that much land. Aerial photos can really help you learn about those backwater swamps and sloughs before you ever get a boot wet. It is worth it, but it'll take some boot leather to pick a great stand location. I bet however, you can locate a decent looking area on maps, and walk in with a stand and get set up with good results as well. You can see deer setting up right along the river, as deer travel the banks like a highway.

If you need any more info you can use the PM feature, and I may be able to tell you more.