Kankakee, IL – Hunters from Kankakee and Will Counties have significantly contributed to the preliminary tally of 53,348 deer harvested during Illinois’ first firearm deer season weekend. This figure slightly surpasses the 52,354 deer taken during the same period in 2022.
In Kankakee County, hunters registered a notable harvest of 138 deer, while their counterparts in nearby Will County reported 167 deer, both counties showing an increase from the previous year.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) highlighted that the seven-day firearm season is a critical component of the state’s deer management strategy, providing economic benefits through outdoor recreation while maintaining ecological balance.
The season will conclude on December 3, with additional hunting segments scheduled, including a muzzleloader-only season and late-winter sessions targeting antlerless deer and areas affected by chronic wasting disease.
Detailed information on hunting opportunities and county-specific data are accessible on the IDNR’s official website.
