I'm not sure how hunting in Illinois is but I have been to Florida for the past four years. I've killed birds in the swamp jungles, pastures, and food plots. In my experience (limited) the birds seem to like to roost over water if possible which makes them tough to hunt off the roost. Contrary to what I've heard I still think they're just turkeys. I've killed them early morning, mid morning and even one in the afternoon. The one difference I think I've noticed is it doesn't seem like they gobble much in the evening going to roost. As for rattlesnakes the hunt starts in late march and the locals I've been around say the majority of them aren't out yet. In four years I've seen one water moccasin total. However do take your thermacell the ticks and Mosquitos have the potential to be annoying. Good luck you will love chasing those Osceolas.