Metro East Sun

Deer hunters in Illinois are gearing up for the start of the firearm hunting season, which begins this Friday and runs through Sunday, November 24. A second round of hunting is scheduled from December 5 to 8. During this period, hunters can use shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, and centerfire rifles. Bow types such as vertical, traditional, and crossbows are permitted only on private property.

Hunters must wear solid blaze orange or blaze pink hats and garments with at least 400 square inches of these colors. In 2018, legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Tony McCombie allowed hunters to wear solid pink gear in addition to orange.

“For me and my family, and thousands of others in my district and across Illinois, deer hunting is a way of life,” said Rep. Kevin Schmidt (R-Cahokia Heights). “My favorite time of year is hutning season. There’s nothing like it! Please enjoy this year and stay safe this Firearm Deer Season! May all of us be successful!”

Hunting hours extend from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Hunters need proper deer permits and a valid hunting license. The bag limit is one deer per hunter with a maximum of two antlered deer per year starting July 1. Reporting guidelines must be followed upon harvesting a deer.

In counties with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance, harvests must be reported by 10 p.m. on the same day via phone or online portal. CWD affects the central nervous system in deer and elk but is not transmissible to humans according to the CDC.

Between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, IDNR identified 369 CWD-positive deer across northern Illinois counties through their wildlife disease program's targeted surveillance efforts.

Leader Tony McCombie has discussed CWD policies with IDNR representatives and residents in her district who have expressed concerns about its impact on local deer populations.

“The CWD program has been considered to affect the deer population of northwest Illinois," McCombie stated. "As I continue to engage with hunters and the DNR to find a solution, I want to hear from those impacted on their ideas as to how we can move forward.”

Deer hunters play a role in controlling overpopulation which can threaten other species' health when they migrate into residential areas increasing vehicle collision risks.