When is Illinois Deer Season?
Illinois deer season is a time for hunters from across the state to bring out their gear, head into nature, and practice patience and skills to achieve one goal: bringing home a prized deer to their families.
If you’re a hunting veteran or are interested in getting into the sport, there’s a lot you need to know before you can dive in headfirst. We’re covering the basics, such as dates, tags, regulations, and licenses, plus sharing helpful tips to keep you safe and ensure a successful day on the hunt.
Illinois Deer Season Basics: Dates, Tags, and Regulations
Illinois deer season is actually more than just one window. Multiple hunting opportunities exist across different methods, like archery, firearm, and muzzleloader. The overall season runs from October 1 to January 18th, but the hunting method-specific dates vary.
The firearm seasons run from November 21-23 and December 4-7, with a youth firearm season between October 12 and 14.
A muzzleloader-only season occurs between December 12 and 14; archery seasons vary by county.
The state of Illinois requires hunters to obtain permits through a lottery system. They must also have a hunting license and get a habitat stamp. Each hunter can shoot a maximum of two antlered deer per license year, regardless of their permit type.
There are three lottery application windows: March 4 through April 30, May 12 through June 30, and July 11 through August 15. The first lottery only opens to Illinois residents and includes group hunt applications. The second lottery is for Illinois residents who did not apply or were unsuccessful during the first drawing. It’s also available to nonresidents and group hunt applications. Lottery three is available to Illinois residents and nonresidents, and there is no limit to firearm or muzzleloader applications.
Beginning October 21, state department-designated agents may sell any permits that remain after the three lotteries over the counter. They are sold on a first-come, first-served basis until quotas are met.
Here are some other specific requirements to note:
You may not have a deer hunting permit issued to another person in your possession while in the field.
You may not use any form of bait.
Legal disposal of unfit deer (diseased or spoiled due to previous injury) is the hunter’s responsibility.
You must have a valid Illinois hunting, youth, sportsman, or apprentice license and your deer permit unless you can show proof of disability or are an Illinois resident on active duty from the U.S. military.
You must obtain a State Habitat Stamp before you pursue a deer if you are older than 18.
Legal hunting devices include shotguns (loaded only with slugs and no larger than 20 nor smaller than 10 gauge and incapable of firing more than three consecutive slugs); single- or double-barreled muzzleloading rifles at least .45 caliber with a barrel at least 16 inches long that shoots a single projectile; centerfire revolvers, single-shot hand guns, and single-shot rifles. Handgun barrels must be at least 4 inches.
Archery equipment is permitted with a firearm permit if hunting on private land.
If you were born after January 1, 1980, you must take a certified deer hunting education course before you can purchase a license.
Zone-Specific Dates and License Requirements
Knowing when you can hunt and where is essential to properly get into hunting.
While the Illinois white-tail deer hunting zones are statewide, there are county-specific variations. Counties with firearm season west of Route 47 in Kane, Illinois, can hunt between October 1 and November 20, November 24 and December 3, and December 8 and January 18.
Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Kane counties east of Route 47 have a more open season, from October 1 to January 18.
Illinois Deer Season Planning and Safety Guidelines
Before you hunt, research your county’s specific regulations and zone boundaries. Apply for lottery permits, remembering that they take place well before the actual hunting season.
Pack appropriately for the day of the hunt. That means bringing essential gear like warm layers, water, extra socks and gloves, a field dressing kit, first aid supplies, a GPS or map, firestarter, your hunting license and permit, and binoculars.
Many hunters also find bringing a power station like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus beneficial for keeping their devices charged and staying safe and comfortable.
You’ll also need a cooler. Yes, hunting takes place during the cooler seasons, but this is for the deer meat! We recommend the EcoFlow GLACIER Portable Refrigerator Freezer to keep your meat fresh the whole way home.
Assess Weather, Daylight Hours, and Deer Activity for Prime Dates
Within deer hunting season guidelines, you can assess things like weather, daylight hours, and typical deer activity to choose the best day to go out. For example, early October offers warm weather but pressured deer, while November seasons can coincide with peak rut (breeding) activity.
If you hunt later in the season, you must prepare for cold weather! That means wearing extra layers, bringing hand warmers, and drinking hot beverages.
The daylight hours decrease significantly between October and January. Since hunting is only legal while the sun is up (technically, one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset), you lose daily hunting time as the season progresses.
You can use weather apps and internet access for real-time conditions, so always pack the EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (25,000mAh). Not only will this keep your phone charged for updates, but it’s also crucial for emergency communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the New Law for Deer Hunting Rifles in Illinois?
As of January 1, 2023, single-shot centerfire rifles are allowed in Illinois for deer hunting. Legal ammunition must be a bottleneck centerfire cartridge of at least .30 caliber with a case no longer than 1.4 inches. Straight-walled centerfire cartridges of at least .30 are also permitted.
Is 30/30 Legal for Deer in Illinois?
30/30 lever-action rifles are not legal for Illinois deer hunting because they exceed the case length limit of 1.4 inches. Other prohibited calibers include .30-.06, .308, and .243 Winchester. Only single-shot rifles in approved calibers are permitted.
How Much Is a Non-Resident Deer Tag in Illinois?
A non-resident deer hunting license in Illinois costs $57.75 for the whole season or $35.75 for a 5-day permit. The non-resident deer firearm permit costs about $325, and the non-resident archery permit is $410.
Illinois Deer Season Involves Planning, Permits, and Preparation
Illinois’ expansive deer hunting opportunities across multiple seasons provide options depending on your hunting preference or weather conditions. A successful hunting day requires advance planning by applying for the permit lottery, understanding zone-specific regulations, and proper preparation. Adding gear like the EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (25,000mAh) can make your experience more enjoyable and safe.