The final days of deer season are at hand. Firearm deer season runs 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset January 18-20. According to a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, hunters are limited to taking no more than two antlered deer in all seasons. Once they get two bucks, they can only take does, assuming permits are still available for the counties or seasons in which they want to hunt.
In addition to a deer permit, hunters must have a valid Illinois Hunting, Sportsman’s or Apprentice License to hunt.
Successful hunters must register their harvest by 10:00 p.m. on the same calendar day the deer was
taken by calling the toll-free telephone check-in system at 1-866-ILCHECK or by accessing the online
check-in system the DNR website.
2012 - 2013 Late-Winter Deer and CWD Hunting Permit Information
Mild Weather and Hunting
Weather can impact hunting, but a relatively mild January weekend shouldn’t be an issue for deer or hunters. High winds could hamper hunting. The IDNR urges caution for hunters in tree stands.
History of Deer Hunting in Illinois
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois’ modern firearm deer season began in 1957, after being closed for more than 50 years, and white-tail herd growth and hunting opportunities have expanded ever since.
