Carbondale Reporter

State Representative Paul Jacobs recently addressed the start of firearm hunting season in a Facebook post dated November 20. He said, "A second round of firearm deer hunting will be coming in two weeks, from December 5 through 8."

"Deer hunters in Illinois will be busy this weekend, as firearm hunting season begins this Friday and continues through Sunday, November 24," said Jacobs, according to Facebook. "A second round of firearm deer hunting will be coming in two weeks, from December 5 through 8."

According to Jacobs, he shared a link to a news release from The Caucus Blog, which announced the beginning of the firearm deer season. The release provided details on the start and end dates for both rounds of the season and outlined clothing requirements for hunters. Hunters are required to wear either blaze orange or blaze pink attire, with the latter option introduced in 2018 following legislation co-sponsored by Representative Tony McCombie.

Screenshot of State Representative Paul Jacobs' Nov. 20 Facebook post | State Representative Paul Jacobs' Facebook page

The news release also informed hunters in counties affected by chronic wasting disease (CWD) that they must report their hunt by 10 p.m. on the day they harvest a deer. This can be done via phone at 866-452-4325 (866-IL-CHECK) or online through a designated portal.

Chronic wasting disease was first identified in Illinois in 2002, prompting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to initiate a targeted surveillance program. Hunters who harvest deer in CWD-positive counties are required to visit mandatory physical check stations for sample collection. In other areas, samples can be submitted at drop-off barrels or through sampling vendors.

CWD is described as a fatal neurological disease affecting deer and elk. Symptoms may include emaciation, uncoordination, excessive salivation, listlessness, and drooping ears; however, some animals may not exhibit any signs at all.

The IDNR has conducted three lottery drawings for firearm or muzzleloader permits between March and August 2024. The third muzzleloader deer hunting season is scheduled for December 13-15. During this period, hunters may use a muzzleloader permit with a muzzleloading rifle during the second Firearm Deer Season.

Jacobs was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2020. Prior to his legislative career, he worked as an optometrist and owned Von Jakob Vineyard in Alto Pass. His background includes service in the US Navy from 1965 to 1971. Jacobs' official biography notes that he and his wife have four grown children and ten grandchildren.