White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) have increased exponentially in Illinois since reintroductions occurred during the early 20th century. Trophy hunting for deer in Illinois was unrecognized until the past quarter century. Between 1830-1979 Illinois was unranked in the top 10 states for Boone and Crocket entries, but during 1980-2001 Illinois ranked first with 509 entries and moved to fourth overall (1830-2001) with 552 total entries. Increased trophy potential has also increased outfitter business potential throughout Illinois, especially in the west-central region of the state. Since 2003 the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has required Illinois deer and turkey outfitters to register and provide harvest and acreage information. For my project, I am providing a historical analysis of hunting leases and Illinois deer and turkey outfitters; comparing deer and turkey harvest on outfitter lands versus at the county level; and assessing the amount and composition of the landscape controlled by outfitters. This research will provide wildlife biologists with a comprehensive assessment of outfitter impacts on game populations in the Midwest.
