When is Shotgun Season for Deer in Illinois?
When Is Shotgun Season for Deer in Illinois?
The sound of a shotgun blast echoing through the woods is a sure sign that deer hunting season is in full swing. In Illinois, shotgun season for deer runs from November 15 to January 31. However, the specific dates and regulations vary depending on the county you’re hunting in.
This article will provide you with a brief overview of shotgun season for deer in Illinois, including the dates, regulations, and tips for success. So whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a first-timer, read on for everything you need to know about hunting deer with a shotgun in Illinois.
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| Date | Time | Region |
|---|---|---|
| November 15 | 6:00 AM | Northern Zone |
| November 22 | 6:00 AM | Southern Zone |
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Shotgun season for deer 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 runs from November through January, and there are a variety of different regulations that apply depending on the county you are hunting in.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about shotgun season for deer in Illinois, including the dates, bag limits, and antler restrictions. We will also provide a map of the state that shows the different shotgun season dates for each county.
General Shotgun Season Dates
The general shotgun season for deer in Illinois opens on November 15 and closes on January 31. However, there are a few exceptions to these dates. In some counties, the season opens earlier or closes later. Additionally, there are some counties that have special antler restrictions in place.
When does shotgun season for deer open in Illinois?
The general shotgun season for deer in Illinois opens on November 15. However, there are a few exceptions to this date. In the following counties, the season opens on November 1:
- Adams
- Brown
- Bureau
- Calhoun
- Carroll
- Cass
- Clinton
- DeKalb
- Douglas
- Edgar
- Edwards
- Fayette
- Fulton
- Grundy
- Hancock
- Henderson
- Henry
- Iroquois
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Jo Daviess
- Johnson
- Kane
- Kendall
- Knox
- LaSalle
- Lee
- Livingston
- Logan
- Macon
- Marshall
- Mason
- McDonough
- McHenry
- Mercer
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Morgan
- Moultrie
- Ogle
- Peoria
- Piatt
- Pike
- Putnam
- Rock Island
- Sangamon
- Schuyler
- Scott
- Shelby
- Stark
- Stephenson
- Tazewell
- Vermilion
- Warren
- Whiteside
- Will
- Winnebago
When does shotgun season for deer close in Illinois?
The general shotgun season for deer in Illinois closes on January 31. However, there are a few exceptions to this date. In the following counties, the season closes on January 30:
- Adams
- Brown
- Bureau
- Calhoun
- Carroll
- Cass
- Clinton
- DeKalb
- Douglas
- Edgar
- Edwards
- Fayette
- Fulton
- Grundy
- Hancock
- Henderson
- Henry
- Iroquois
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Jo Daviess
- Johnson
- Kane
- Kendall
- Knox
- LaSalle
- Lee
- Livingston
- Logan
- Macon
- Marshall
- Mason
- McDonough
- McHenry
- Mercer
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Morgan
- Moultrie
- Ogle
- Peoria
- Piatt
- Pike
- Putnam
- Rock Island
- Sangamon
- Schuyler
- Scott
- Shelby
- Stark
- Stephenson
- Tazewell
- Vermilion
- Warren
- Whiteside
- Will
- Winnebago
What are the daily bag limits for deer during shotgun season in Illinois?
The daily bag limit for deer during shotgun season in Illinois is one antlered deer and two antlerless deer. However, there are a few exceptions to this limit. In the following counties, the daily bag limit is two antlered deer and two antlerless deer:
- Adams
- Brown
- Bureau
- Calhoun
- Carroll
- Cass
- Clinton
- DeKalb
- Douglas
- Edgar
- Edwards
- Fayette
- Fulton
- Grundy
- Hancock
- Henderson
- Henry
- Iroquois
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Jo Daviess
- Johnson
- Kane
- Kendall
- Knox
- LaSalle
- Lee
- Livingston
- Logan
- Macon
- Marshall
- Mason
- McDonough
- McHenry
- Mercer
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Morgan
- Moultrie
- Ogle
- Peoria
- Piatt
- Pike
- Putnam
- Rock Island
- Sangamon
- Schuyler
- Scott
- Shelby
- Stark
- Stephenson
- Tazewell
- Vermilion
- Warren
- Whiteside
- Will
- Winnebago
What are the antler restrictions for deer during shotgun season in Illinois?
In Illinois, there are no antler restrictions for deer during shotgun season. This means that you can legally shoot any deer, regardless of the size or number of antler
When Is Shotgun Season For Deer In Illinois?
Shotgun season for deer in Illinois runs from November 15 to January 15. The season is divided into two periods: the early season, which runs from November 15 to December 10, and the late season, which runs from December 11 to January 15.
Early Season
The early season is open to all hunters, regardless of residency. Hunters are allowed to use shotguns, muzzleloaders, and archery equipment. The bag limit is two deer per day, with a possession limit of six deer.
Late Season
The late season is open to residents only. Hunters are allowed to use shotguns and muzzleloaders. The bag limit is one deer per day, with a possession limit of three deer.
Other Regulations for Shotgun Season
In addition to the general regulations for hunting deer in Illinois, there are a few additional regulations that apply during shotgun season. These include:
- Hunters must wear blaze orange clothing during the early season.
- Hunters must use a shotgun with a barrel length of at least 18 inches.
- Hunters must use non-toxic shot.
- Hunters must check their deer in at a designated check station.
Penalties for Violating the Regulations
Hunters who violate the regulations for shotgun season for deer in Illinois may be subject to fines, suspension of their hunting privileges, or even imprisonment.
Resources for More Information
For more information about shotgun season for deer 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/2019/10/23/illinois-deer-hunting-regulations-for-2019-20)
- [United States Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/midwest/deer/il.html)
Other Regulations for Shotgun Season
In addition to the general regulations for hunting deer in Illinois, there are a few other regulations that apply during shotgun season. These include:
- Hunters must wear blaze orange clothing during the early season. This is to help other hunters identify you and avoid shooting you by mistake.
- Hunters must use a shotgun with a barrel length of at least 18 inches. This is to ensure that the shot spreads out enough to hit the deer.
- Hunters must use non-toxic shot. This is to protect the environment from lead poisoning.
- Hunters must check their deer in at a designated check station. This is to ensure that the deer is properly tagged and that the hunter has a valid hunting license.
Penalties for Violating the Regulations
Hunters who violate the regulations for shotgun season for deer in Illinois may be subject to fines, suspension of their hunting privileges, or even imprisonment.
Resources for More Information
For more information about the regulations for shotgun season for deer 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/2019/10/23/illinois-deer-hunting-regulations-for-2019-20)
- [United States Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/midwest/deer/il.html)
Shotgun season for deer in Illinois is a popular time for hunters to get out in the woods and try their luck at bagging a big buck. By following the regulations, hunters can help to ensure that the season is safe and enjoyable for everyone.
When is shotgun season for deer in Illinois?
Shotgun season for deer in Illinois runs from November 15 to January 31.
What are the bag limits for deer in Illinois?
The bag limit for deer in Illinois is two antlered deer and one antlerless deer.
What are the legal hunting hours for deer in Illinois?
Legal hunting hours for deer in Illinois are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
What are the recommended deer hunting strategies for Illinois?
There are a variety of deer hunting strategies that can be used in Illinois, depending on the terrain and the time of year. Some popular strategies include:
- Spot-and-stalk hunting: This is a good strategy for hunting deer in open areas, such as fields and clearcuts. Hunters use their eyes and ears to locate deer, then stalk them carefully until they are within shooting range.
- Deer drives: This is a good strategy for hunting deer in dense cover, such as forests and thickets. Hunters line up in a line and walk through the cover, making noise to drive deer out of hiding.
- Tree stands: This is a good strategy for hunting deer in areas where there are few trees, such as prairies and agricultural fields. Hunters set up tree stands in areas where deer are likely to travel, then wait for deer to come within shooting range.
What are the safety precautions that should be taken when hunting deer in Illinois?
When hunting deer in Illinois, it is important to take the following safety precautions:
- Wear bright orange clothing so that other hunters can see you.
- Be aware of your surroundings and the location of other hunters.
- Never shoot at a deer that is running.
- Be sure of your target before you shoot.
- Handle firearms safely and responsibly.
Where can I find more information about deer hunting in Illinois?
For more information about deer hunting in Illinois, you can visit the following websites:
- [Illinois Department of Natural Resources](https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/Pages/Deer.aspx)
- [National Rifle Association](https://www.nra.org/articles/deer-hunting-in-illinois)
- [Safari Club International](https://www.safariclub.org/hunting/deer-hunting/illinois)
shotgun season for deer in Illinois is a time-honored tradition that provides hunters with an opportunity to harvest a variety of deer species. However, it is important to be aware of the regulations and safety guidelines in order to have a successful and safe hunting experience. By following these tips, you can enjoy all that shotgun season has to offer.