Get Ready for Deer Hunting Season in Illinois: What You Need to Know for 2025
As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, deer hunting enthusiasts in Illinois are gearing up for the upcoming firearm deer hunting season. Mark your calendars—it’s just over a month away! Meanwhile, the archery season runs through November 20.
Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for a successful hunt in 2025:
Firearm and Muzzleloader Hunting Dates
The first firearm season kicks off from November 21 to 23, followed closely by the second firearm season from December 4 to 7. If you prefer muzzleloader hunting, you’ll have the opportunity from December 12 to 14. Notably, during the second firearm season, you can also utilize a muzzleloader permit with a muzzleloading rifle.
Archery Hunting Dates
For archery enthusiasts, the season is still open until November 20. Additionally, there are extended hunting opportunities from November 24 to December 3 and again from December 8 to January 18, 2026.
Permit Costs
Planning to grab your permits? Here’s the cost breakdown:
– Firearm/Muzzleloader permits: $25 for either-sex deer and $17.50 for antlerless-only.
– Archery permits: Range from $15 to $25.
Remember, a valid hunting license is required to apply for any permits, which you can easily obtain online at exploremoreil.com. Make sure your permit is signed and with you while you hunt.
Understanding Deer Types
It’s important to know the difference between deer types:
– Antlered deer: Defined as having at least one antler measuring three inches or longer.
– Antlerless deer: These are deer without antlers or those with antlers shorter than three inches.
Harvest Limits
Keep in mind the restrictions on deer harvest:
– Each hunter can take a maximum of two antlered deer in a season, across youth, archery, firearm, and muzzleloader categories.
– You can only harvest one deer per permit during any hunting season.
Hunting Regulations
Curious about hunting regulations? Here are a couple of key points:
– Drone Usage: The use of drones or any unmanned aircraft for hunting or wildlife recovery is strictly prohibited in Illinois. Violating this rule could lead to equipment seizure and other enforcement actions.
– Suppressors: Unfortunately, suppressors or silencers of any kind are not allowed while hunting.
Last Season’s Harvest
Reflecting on the previous season, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources reported a total harvest of 171,322 deer during the 2024-25 season. This included 83,074 deer taken by firearm and 73,605 by archery, with the remainder harvested during youth, muzzleloader, and late-winter seasons.
Giving Back: Donating Venison
If you’re looking to give back this hunting season, consider donating venison to local food pantries and organizations such as:
– Hunters Feeding Illinois
– Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry
– Two Rivers Resource and Conservation Development Area – Access Food
Hunting Locations Near Central Illinois
For those wondering where to hunt, here are some prime public hunting sites around Springfield:
– Sangchris Lake State Park
– Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
– Oakford State Habitat Area in Menard County
– Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in Montgomery County
– Edward R. Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area in Logan County
– Beaver Dam State Park
– Goode’s Woods Nature Preserve in Macoupin County
– Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area, spanning Cass, Mason, and Schuyler counties.
Gear up, stay informed, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt!
Source: State Journal-Register
