Sports
Illinois Deer Hunting Record Shattered: 4,852 Harvested This Week
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois youth hunters have made history this October, setting a new statewide deer harvest record after taking 4,852 deer during the three day youth hunting season, according to fig
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-10-15T12:54:00.981Z
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois youth hunters have made history this October, setting a new statewide deer harvest record after taking 4,852 deer during the three day youth hunting season, according to figures released Wednesday, October 14.
The record comes just weeks before Illinois' regular firearm deer hunting seasons begin in November and December.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources IDNR , the preliminary harvest total covers October 10 12 and surpasses the previous youth season record of 4,714 deer established in 2025.
The latest figures represent an increase of 138 deer, or approximately 2.9%, compared with last year's record.
Several Illinois Counties Report High Harvests
Randolph County led the state with 278 deer harvested during the youth season.
Other counties reporting high totals included Jefferson County with 166 deer, Pike County with 150, Fayette County with 145 and Marion County with 125.
The results highlight participation across multiple regions of Illinois, with southern and western counties accounting for several of the highest reported totals.
What Hunters Need to Know Before November
IDNR also confirmed an important reminder for youth hunters who still have valid, unfilled permits.
Those permits may be used during the upcoming firearm deer seasons scheduled for November 20 22 and December 3 6.
This year also marks a change in how Illinois youth deer hunting permits were sold.
For the first time, permits were offered as a combination package containing one either sex permit and one antlerless only permit.
The new record reflects the preliminary harvest reported by state officials, meaning the final total could be adjusted as additional information is processed.
Hunters and families can review county by county harvest totals and additional hunting information through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at dnr.illinois.gov.