Your son has good taste. I've been fortunate enough to hunt both Ohio and Illinois. Ohio is much more afordable. Lots of public land and the license is around 165.00 versis Illinois hovering at 500. Do some research on line, and call the headquarters to Wayne National Forest and they will send you a packet. Also most wardens will send you info on there county it you contact them. Good luck. Don't be afraid to ask questions.