Carbondale Reporter

Deer hunting season in Illinois begins this Friday, continuing through Sunday, November 24. A second round will occur from December 5 to December 8. Hunters are permitted to use shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, and centerfire rifles. Crossbows and other bows are allowed on private property only. Clothing requirements include a solid blaze orange or pink hat and an outer garment with at least 400 square inches of these colors.

In 2018, legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Tony McCombie allowed the use of solid pink gear for deer hunters. Rep. Dennis Tipsword (R – Metamora) commented on the tradition: “Deer hunting is a way of life in Illinois, including for thousands of outdoor enthusiasts in my district.”

Hunting hours are from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Hunters need proper permits and licenses, with a bag limit of one deer per hunter. Over a year starting July 1, no more than two antlered deer may be harvested by each hunter.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal disease affecting deer and elk's central nervous system, requires special attention during this season. Deer harvests in counties under CWD surveillance must be reported by 10 p.m. on the day of the kill via phone or online portal.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) identified 369 CWD-positive deer between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. Although not transmissible to humans, the CDC advises against consuming meat from CWD-positive deer.

Leader Tony McCombie has discussed CWD concerns with IDNR representatives and residents in her northwest Illinois district: “The CWD program has been considered to affect the deer population of northwest Illinois," she stated.

Deer hunters play a crucial role in managing overpopulation that can threaten other species and human safety due to increased risks like vehicle collisions when deer enter residential areas.