Hunting Report: More Deer Harvested in 2018 During Illinois’ Initial Firearm Deer Season

Hunters who hit the woods during Illinois’ initial Firearm Deer Season had an abundance of success this year, harvesting a preliminary total of 58,836 deer.

This year, the state’s deer hunting season has been divided to run during two separate weekends: November 16-18 & November 29-December 2.

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, hunters who participated in the first leg of the hunt harvested 58,836 deer – a 14 percent increase over the first weekend of the 2017 season, which amounted to 51,450.

Illinois’ seven-day Firearm Deer Season will officially conclude November 29 through December 2.

Illinois deer hunters will have another shot to ground a buck during the weekend of December 7-9, when Muzzleloader-Only Season opens.

The Archery Season will continue through January 20, 2019. Archery hunting is temporarily closed November 29 – December 2 in counties open for Firearm Season.

To view the full list of deer harvest totals by county, click here.

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