November is deer season. At least, that’s how I look at the month. During the whitetail rut, it’s hard for any other hunting or fishing activity to compare to the craze of this highly anticipated annual phenomenon. When big bucks let down their defenses in search of does, deer hunting becomes a priority. But what happens if you punch your tag early, as I did this year? Or if you’re an outdoors enthusiast who doesn’t deer hunt? 

For those who’d rather let the big game be, then upland hunting, waterfowl hunting, and all sorts of small game seasons are open this month. Fishing doesn’t take a back seat, either. Across the Midwestern Region anglers are doing everything from catching giant catfish out of big rivers, trout from small streams, and bass from everywhere they swim. Early ice fishing beings in the northern most reaches of the region. For sportsmen, it’s fitting November is the month we give thanks. Here are a few suggestions for a late fall hunting or fishing road trip. 

Kansas: Quail – The rush of the flush speeds up a hunter’s heartbeat like few other outdoor experiences. Bobwhite quail numbers are far from what they used to be across much of the Midwest, but that doesn’t mean good hunting is gone. Kansas still offers excellent quail hunting in areas with healthy populations and plenty of land open to public access. Especially in the southwest part of the state. A good bird dog helps locate coveys, but simply walking field edges where brush and grass meet can produce excellent wing-shooting for the upland hunter without a canine companion. Quail season opens November 9 and runs through January. Hunters may harvest 8 birds per day.

Kentucky: Land Between the Lakes Squirrels – The Land Between the Lakes is a peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. It’s 170,000 acres of forests and open lands. The LBL has 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline, 200 miles of paved roads, 500 miles of trails, and it is teeming with squirrels. This is squirrel hunting country, and squirrel dogs are popular. Visiting the LBL with an RV or tent is a great way to enjoy a squirrel camp. The area provides excellent fishing. So, bring a boat to enjoy a cast and blast. It is open to hunting, but some special regulations apply. If you’d rather rent a cabin or room closer to amenities, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park is a nice place to stay, though it’s just outside of the LBL. 

Wisconsin: Pheasant – Pheasant hunting is a Wisconsin tradition still being enjoyed today.  Populations may not be what they once were, but plenty of birds remain for a fun and exciting hunt. Especially in areas where the Wisconsin DNR stocks birds. This year, they plan to stock approximately 75,000 pheasants on over 80 properties. Pheasant hunters should consider researching the DNR website for more information about those locations. Properties in the west-central and southeastern regions of the state are considered top hunting destinations, like the famed Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area. Pheasant hunting is open for all of November. Hunters may harvest two birds per day.  

Minnesota: Mississippi River Largemouth Bass 

The back bays and sloughs along the Mississippi River throughout the entire stretch from just outside the Twin Cities to the Iowa border are dynamite largemouth bass fishing holes. Largemouth are overlooked in Minnesota because of the many other fishing opportunities. Water temperatures have cooled by November, so the bass aren’t as active as there were just a few weeks ago. Slow rolling a spinner bait along weedlines, and running top water baits, like a Zara Spook at sunrise can entice aggressive bites. Fishing the Minnesota side of the river in the LaCrosse, Wisconsin area puts you in largemouth bass country.

Indiana: Greene-Sullivan State Forest Bluegills – One of the most appealing aspects of the Greene-Sullivan State Forest is the quiet, serene atmosphere. There are no motorboats on these small waters. It’s peaceful, especially in November when you rarely run into another angler. The bluegill fishing remains excellent on the 120 lakes scattered throughout the 9,000-acre state forest. Wampler, Corky, and Graveyard are just of a few to consider. Bluegills are found around deep cover in the late fall. A jig tipped with a waxworm dropped around brush is a proven technique. 

Illinois: Illinois River White Bass – White bass fishing on the Illinois River can be good from boat or shore. The average size of a white bass is about 12-inches long and weighs around a pound. Big ones can be closer to three pounds. In Illinois, there is no daily limit on white bass under 17 inches long. Only three longer than 17 inches may be kept. When cleaned and cooked properly, white bass to taste as good as any panfish. Starved Rock and Marseilles dams are top spots to locate schools of white bass. Buffalo Rock State Park in Ottawa offers public access from shore. Curly tail jigs, inline spinners, spoons, and small Rat-L-Traps all catch white bass. 

See you down the trail…
Brandon Butler
bbutler@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Pic: Pheasant hunting is an opportunity in many Midwest states.

For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast HERE or anywhere podcasts are streamed.