Illinois Deer Harvest Slips Slightly in 2025 Firearm Season

Illinois hunters killed a preliminary complete of 81,225 deer through the seven-day 2025 firearm deer season that concluded Dec. 7, in line with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The entire got here in slightly below final yr’s preliminary firearm harvest of 82,496 deer, persevering with a comparatively secure development in statewide harvest numbers.

The firearm season was cut up into two segments, with the vast majority of deer killed through the opening weekend. Hunters harvested 51,409 deer statewide between Nov. 21 and Nov. 23. The second weekend, held Dec. 4 by Dec. 7, produced a preliminary complete of 29,816 deer, a rise of almost 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 strong late-season looking exercise. Wildlife officers observe that cooler climate later within the season usually improves deer motion, which may enhance hunters’ success within the area.

County-by-county outcomes diverse throughout Illinois. Adams County led the state with a preliminary complete of two,094 deer harvested through 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 complete 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 complete.

Though the firearm season has closed, extra deer looking alternatives stay out there. Archery season continues statewide by Jan. 18, 2026, aside from transient closures throughout firearm segments in relevant counties. Late-winter antlerless-only and persistent losing illness seasons can be held in designated counties Jan. 1 by Jan. 4 and once more Jan. 16 by Jan. 18, 2026.

The Illinois Division of Pure Sources is anticipated to launch finalized harvest totals and detailed county breakdowns following full verification of preliminary knowledge.

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 Impartial 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 Out of doors 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 e-mail: keithlusherjr@gmail.com