I think Illinois bucks have become decent because they have an F-ed up hunting season. 2 seasons, only 4 days and then 4 days that are split apart by 10 days.

First Firearm Deer Season - 11/18/2016 to 11/20/2016
Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday.

Second Firearm Deer Season - 12/1/2016 to 12/4/2016
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Good for allowing deer to relax for a bit and not hunker down, but everyone wants that first weekend.

Also you have to put in your preferred counties and are in no way guaranteed that you can hunt a particular county. Plus you have to apply for your firearms hunting license in the Spring.

One of the ways it likely helps the deer, but horrible for some guys that can't take a Thursday or Friday off work - deer are skittish by Saturday already. In Indiana, if you have a family obligation on the weekend, you can hunt during the weekdays when less crowded, but in Illinois - no chance!