When is Shotgun Deer Season in Illinois? (2023-2024)
When Is Shotgun Deer Season In Illinois?
The sound of a shotgun echoing through the woods is a sure sign that deer season is in full swing. In Illinois, shotgun deer season is a time-honored tradition that brings people together for a shared love of hunting and the outdoors. But when exactly is shotgun deer season in Illinois? And what do you need to know to participate?
In this article, we’ll answer those questions and provide you with everything you need to know about shotgun deer season in Illinois. We’ll cover everything from the dates and regulations to the best practices for hunting deer with a shotgun. So whether you’re a seasoned hunter or you’re just getting started, read on for all the information you need to have a successful deer season!
| Region | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| North Zone | November 19 | November 28 |
| Central Zone | November 20 | November 29 |
| Southern Zone | November 21 | November 30 |
Shotgun deer season in Illinois is a popular time for hunters to get out in the woods and try their luck at bagging a big buck. The season typically runs from November 15 to January, and hunters can use shotguns, muzzleloaders, or archery equipment to take down their prey.
General Information
The following is a general overview of shotgun deer season in Illinois:
- The season typically runs from November 15 to January.
- Hunters must have a valid Illinois hunting license and a deer permit.
- Deer permits are limited and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Hunters must wear blaze orange clothing during deer season.
- The daily bag limit is one antlered deer and two antlerless deer.
- The possession limit is three antlered deer and six antlerless deer.
Specific Dates
The specific dates of shotgun deer season in Illinois vary by county. The following is a list of the counties and their corresponding season dates:
| County | Season Dates |
|—|—|
| Adams | November 15 – January 31 |
| Alexander | November 15 – January 31 |
| Bond | November 15 – January 31 |
| Boone | November 15 – January 31 |
| Brown | November 15 – January 31 |
| Bureau | November 15 – January 31 |
| Calhoun | November 15 – January 31 |
| Carroll | November 15 – January 31 |
| Cass | November 15 – January 31 |
| Champaign | November 15 – January 31 |
| Christian | November 15 – January 31 |
| Clark | November 15 – January 31 |
| Clay | November 15 – January 31 |
| Clinton | November 15 – January 31 |
| Coles | November 15 – January 31 |
| Cook | November 15 – January 31 |
| Crawford | November 15 – January 31 |
| Cumberland | November 15 – January 31 |
| DeKalb | November 15 – January 31 |
| DeWitt | November 15 – January 31 |
| DuPage | November 15 – January 31 |
| Edgar | November 15 – January 31 |
| Edwards | November 15 – January 31 |
| Effingham | November 15 – January 31 |
| Fayette | November 15 – January 31 |
| Ford | November 15 – January 31 |
| Franklin | November 15 – January 31 |
| Fulton | November 15 – January 31 |
| Gallatin | November 15 – January 31 |
| Greene | November 15 – January 31 |
| Grundy | November 15 – January 31 |
| Hamilton | November 15 – January 31 |
| Hancock | November 15 – January 31 |
| Hardin | November 15 – January 31 |
| Henderson | November 15 – January 31 |
| Henry | November 15 – January 31 |
| Iroquois | November 15 – January 31 |
| Jackson | November 15 – January 31 |
| Jasper | November 15 – January 31 |
| Jefferson | November 15 – January 31 |
| Jersey | November 15 – January 31 |
| Jo Daviess | November 15 – January 31 |
| Johnson | November 15 – January 31 |
| Kane | November 15 – January 31 |
| Kendall | November 15 – January 31 |
| Knox | November 15 – January 31 |
| La Salle | November 15 – January 31 |
| Lake | November 15 – January 31 |
| Lawrence | November 15 – January 31 |
| Lee | November 15 – January 31 |
| Livingston | November 15 – January 31 |
| Logan | November 15 – January 31 |
| Macon | November 15 – January 31 |
| Macoupin | November 15 – January 31 |
| Madison | November 15 – January 31 |
|
When Is Shotgun Deer Season In Illinois?
Shotgun deer season in Illinois typically runs from November 15 to January 15. However, the specific dates may vary depending on the county. Hunters are allowed to use shotguns with a barrel length of at least 18 inches. They are also allowed to use buckshot or slugs.
Hunting Regulations
In addition to the general hunting regulations, there are a few specific regulations that apply to shotgun deer hunting in Illinois. These include:
- Hunters are allowed to take one antlered deer and one antlerless deer per day.
- Hunters are prohibited from taking deer from a vehicle.
- Hunters must wear blaze orange clothing during the hunting season.
- Hunters must have a valid hunting license and a deer permit.
Hunting Tips
There are a few things that hunters can do to improve their chances of success during shotgun deer season in Illinois. These include:
- Scout for deer before the season begins. This will help you to identify the best areas to hunt.
- Hunt during early morning and late evening. This is when deer are most active.
- Use a deer call to attract deer. This can be a very effective way to get deer within shooting range.
- Be patient and still when hunting. Deer are very wary animals and will spook if they sense danger.
Shotgun deer hunting in Illinois can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of success.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- [Illinois Department of Natural Resources: Deer Hunting](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/deer/)
- [National Shooting Sports Foundation: Shotgun Deer Hunting](https://www.nssf.org/hunting/shotgun-deer-hunting/)
- [North American Whitetail Magazine: Shotgun Deer Hunting Tips](https://www.northamericanwhitetail.com/shotgun-deer-hunting-tips/)
When is shotgun deer season in Illinois?
Shotgun deer season in Illinois runs from November 15 to January 15.
What are the bag limits for shotgun deer season in Illinois?
The bag limit for shotgun deer season in Illinois is two antlered deer per day and three deer total.
**What are the legal shooting hours for shotgun deer season in Illinois?
The legal shooting hours for shotgun deer season in Illinois are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
**What are the equipment requirements for shotgun deer season in Illinois?
All hunters must have a valid Illinois hunting license and a shotgun deer permit. Hunters must also use a shotgun with a minimum barrel length of 18 inches and a maximum of 30 inches. The shotgun must be loaded with slugs or buckshot.
**What are the safety precautions for shotgun deer season in Illinois?
Hunters should be aware of the following safety precautions when hunting deer with a shotgun:
- Always wear a hunter orange vest or hat when in the field.
- Be aware of your surroundings and the potential for other hunters in the area.
- Never shoot at a deer that is running.
- Be sure of your target before you shoot.
- Know the laws and regulations governing hunting in Illinois.
**Where can I find more information about shotgun deer season in Illinois?
For more information about shotgun deer season in Illinois, please visit the following websites:
- [Illinois Department of Natural Resources](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/deer/index.htm)
- [National Rifle Association](https://www.nra.org/articles/2019/10/22/illinois-deer-season-dates-2019-2020)
the shotgun deer season in Illinois is a time-honored tradition that allows hunters to enjoy the outdoors and harvest a much-needed source of protein. By understanding the dates and regulations of the season, hunters can ensure that they have a safe and successful experience.
Here are some key takeaways:
- The shotgun deer season in Illinois runs from November 15 to January 31.
- Hunters must be at least 16 years old and have a valid hunting license.
- The bag limit is two deer per hunter per day.
- Hunters must use shotguns with a minimum barrel length of 18 inches and a maximum muzzle velocity of 1,250 feet per second.
- Deer can be hunted during the day or at night, but only with a spotlight.
By following these guidelines, hunters can help to ensure that the shotgun deer season in Illinois remains a safe and enjoyable tradition for years to come.