Illinois Deer Harvest Slips Slightl...

Illinois hunters killed a preliminary whole of 81,225 deer in the course of the seven-day 2025 firearm deer season that concluded Dec. 7, based on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The whole got here in just under final yr’s preliminary firearm harvest of 82,496 deer, persevering with a comparatively steady development in statewide harvest numbers.

The firearm season was break up into two segments, with nearly all of deer killed in the course of the opening weekend. Hunters harvested 51,409 deer statewide between Nov. 21 and Nov. 23. The second weekend, held Dec. 4 by way of Dec. 7, produced a preliminary whole of 29,816 deer, a rise of practically 2,000 in comparison with the identical interval in 2024.

Whereas general harvest numbers dipped barely yr over yr, the stronger second weekend helped shut the hole and instructed stable late-season looking exercise. Wildlife officers be aware that cooler climate later within the season typically improves deer motion, which may enhance hunters’ success within the discipline.

County-by-county outcomes assorted throughout Illinois. Adams County led the state with a preliminary whole of two,094 deer harvested in the course of the firearm season.

In central Illinois, Peoria County recorded 901 deer, ending 50 increased than final yr.

Woodford County adopted with 833 deer, a lower of 19 from 2024.

Different counties reported modest declines. Fulton County posted a preliminary whole of 1,930 deer, down 60 from final season, whereas McLean County recorded 636, a drop of 34 deer yr over yr.

Tazewell County hunters harvested 553 deer, ending 17 under final yr’s whole.

Though the firearm season has closed, further deer looking alternatives stay out there. Archery season continues statewide by way of Jan. 18, 2026, except transient closures throughout firearm segments in relevant counties. Late-winter antlerless-only and continual losing illness seasons will likely be held in designated counties Jan. 1 by way of Jan. 4 and once more Jan. 16 by way of Jan. 18, 2026.

The Illinois Division of Pure Assets is predicted to launch finalized harvest totals and detailed county breakdowns following full verification of preliminary information.

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award-winning out of doors journalist who resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly out of doors column for the Slidell Unbiased Newspaper. He additionally writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Fee’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He’s the previous host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Present and is on the board of the Louisiana Outside Writers Affiliation. Keith contributes to quite a few publications each on-line and in print and prides himself on selling South Louisiana’s distinctive fishery. To contact Keith electronic mail: keithlusherjr@gmail.com