Springfield, IL – Hunters across Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 51,409 deer during the first weekend of the state’s firearm deer season, held Nov. 21–23, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
IDNR reported that the opening weekend total was slightly lower than the 54,661 deer taken in 2024 and 53,348 in 2023 during the same period. The agency emphasized that harvest totals typically rise after the second segment of firearm season in December.
Illinois’ seven-day firearm deer season will resume and conclude Dec. 4–7. Youth hunters holding unfilled, valid youth deer permits may hunt during that period—marking the first year that unfilled youth permits are valid for both firearm segments.
The annual deer season remains one of Illinois’ most significant wildlife management efforts, helping balance deer populations while supporting outdoor recreation and local economies. IDNR encourages hunters to report harvest data promptly and to continue following all safety and permit regulations.
For more details on Illinois deer seasons and regulations, visit the IDNR website.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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