Carbondale Reporter

Deer hunting season in Illinois is set to commence this weekend, beginning Friday and running through Sunday, November 24. A second round will occur from December 5 to 8. Hunters are permitted to use shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, and centerfire rifles during the firearm season. Additionally, vertical, traditional, and crossbows are allowed on private property.

Clothing requirements mandate a solid blaze orange or blaze pink hat and an outer garment with at least 400 square inches of orange or pink material. Legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Tony McCombie in 2018 allows hunters to wear solid pink gear as an alternative to orange.

“Deer hunting is a way of life in Illinois, including for thousands of outdoor enthusiasts in my district,” said Rep. Dennis Tipsword (R – Metamora), a deer hunter from District 105. “There’s nothing like waking up on opening morning and finding your way to a deer stand just before dawn. Please enjoy this Firearm Deer Season and exercise all safety precautions!”

Hunting hours are set from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset. Hunters must have the appropriate 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 any hunter. Reporting guidelines require immediate adherence upon harvesting a deer.

In counties under 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 of deer and elk but is not transmissible to humans; however, consumption of CWD-positive meat is discouraged by the CDC.

Between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, IDNR identified 369 CWD-positive cases in northern Illinois counties through its wildlife disease program's testing efforts.

Leader Tony McCombie has engaged with IDNR representatives and residents regarding CWD concerns: “The CWD program has been considered to affect the deer population of northwest Illinois... I want to hear from those impacted on their ideas as to how we can move forward,” she stated.

Deer hunters contribute significantly to environmental management by controlling overpopulation that poses risks such as vehicle collisions when deer enter residential areas or roadways.

For further details on regulations related to this hunting season visit [the provided link].