How Many Antlered Deer Can You Harvest In Illinois?

How many deer can you legally harvest in Illinois? The number of deer you can shoot in Illinois depends on the specific hunting season and the type of weapon you use. Here’s a breakdown of the deer hunting seasons and their respective limits:

1. Muzzleloader Season (Only): This season runs from December 8th to December 10th, 2023. During this period, hunters with a muzzleloader permit are allowed to harvest one deer.

2. Special CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) Season: The Special CWD season takes place from December 28th to December 31st, 2023, and again from January 12th to January 14th, 2024. Hunters with a valid permit are allowed to take one deer during this season.

3. Late-Winter Antlerless-Only Season (Shotgun, Muzzleloader, Handgun): This season also occurs from December 28th to December 31st, 2023, and from January 12th to January 14th, 2024. Hunters with permits for this season can harvest one antlerless deer.

4. Youth Firearm Season: The Youth Firearm season runs from October 7th to October 9th, 2023, and allows young hunters to take one deer.

These regulations help ensure sustainable deer populations in Illinois while offering various hunting opportunities throughout the year. Remember to check for any updates or changes to hunting regulations before heading out into the field.

“In Illinois, it’s essential to use precise language when discussing deer hunting regulations. The state permits hunters to legally harvest a maximum of two antlered deer during the hunting season. However, you have the opportunity to harvest an unlimited number of bucks as long as no more than two of them have antlers. It’s worth noting that exceptions can occur, as there have been instances where hunters have harvested antlered does in the past. As of January 2, 2009, these regulations were in place to manage the deer population effectively.”

To engage in deer hunting in Illinois, it’s crucial to adhere to the state’s specific regulations. Firstly, hunters must possess a valid hunting license, along with the appropriate permit for the current season. Additionally, individuals aged 18 or older must secure a State Habitat Stamp. The permitted hunting hours extend from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, ensuring safe and ethical hunting practices. When it comes to bag limits, hunters are allowed to harvest one deer per legally authorized permit. It’s worth noting that these regulations were in effect as of October 1, 2021, and may be subject to updates, so it’s advisable to check for any changes before embarking on your hunting adventure.