Illinois hunters harvested more deer this year during the firearm season.
Preliminary figures from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources indicate that 76,854 deer were harvested this year, during the seven-day firearm season. That compares to 70,411 taken in 2021.
In Knox County, hunters took in 340 deer during the final four-day firearm weekend to bring the 2022 preliminary totals to 1,077. An improvement from 1,064 harvested in 2021.
Hunters in Warren County also saw better numbers this year than last. In 2021, hunters in that county took in 431 deer compared to 460 this year.
Improvements in the deer harvest totals were also seen in all surrounding counties as well.
There are still opportunities for deer hunting, including the ongoing archery season as well as late winter and C-W-D seasons December 29th through January first and then January 13th through the 15th.
Overall, the seven-day firearm season seemed to be successful says DNR Wildlife Chief Mike Wefer. “Deer hunting is not just about the harvest, it’s about the experience. Being close to nature, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family ranks very high in hunter satisfaction.”
There are still opportunities for deer hunting, including the ongoing archery season as well as late winter and CWD seasons from December 29 through January 1 and then January 13 through the 15.
