Firearm Deer Season Opens Friday in Illinois

Deer hunters in Illinois will be busy this weekend, as firearm hunting season begins this Friday and continues through Sunday, November 23. A second round of firearm deer hunting will be coming in two weeks, from December 4 through 7.

During Firearm Season, hunters can use shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, and centerfire rifles. Vertical, traditional, and crossbows can also be used, but only on private property. Hunters also must adhere to clothing requirements, which call for a solid blaze orange or blaze pink hat and an outer garment that displays at least 400 square inches of orange or blaze pink material. 

“Deer hunting is a way of life in Illinois, including for thousands of outdoor enthusiasts in my district,” stated Rep. Dennis Tipsword (R – Metamora), an avid deer hunter in District 105. “There’s nothing like waking up on opening morning and finding your way to a deer stand just before dawn. Please enjoy this Firearm Deer Season and exercise all safety precautions!”

Hunting hours during this period are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Hunters must also have proper deer permits and a valid hunting license. The bag limit is one deer per hunter, and over a 12-month period that begins on July 1, no hunter may harvest more than two antlered deer. Upon killing a deer, hunters must adhere to reporting/registering guidelines as outlined by the IDNR. Find license and permit information here.

Deer hunters provide a valuable service to the environment, helping control overpopulation. An overabundance of deer can threaten other species and human health and safety. When deer migrate into residential areas and roadways, the risk for vehicle collisions and serious injuries escalates. Please exercise caution and follow all of the rules and regulations as they relate to deer hunting during the upcoming Firearm Season.