Illinois Deer Season runs from October 1st, 2022 - January 15th, 2023. Whether you are a seasoned hunter, or this is your first time, it’s always smart to make sure you have a plan and understand the hunting regulations for the year. This blog will provide you with several resources so that you have all the information you need!

Illinois Deer Seasons

Archery Season:

In Cook, DuPage and Lake counties, and that portion of Kane County east of State Rte 47: October 1, 2022, through January 15, 2023

In all other counties and that portion of Kane County west of State Rte 47: October 1, 2022, through January 15, 2023. EXCEPTION: Archery deer hunting is CLOSED during Firearm Seasons Nov. 18–20 & Dec. 1–4, 2022.

Youth Season: October 8th-10th, 2022

First Firearm Deer Season: November 18, 19 & 20, 2022

Second Firearm Deer Season: December 1, 2, 3 & 4, 2022

Muzzleloader-Only Deer Season: December 9, 10 & 11, 2022 - Hunters may also use a muzzleloader permit with a muzzleloading rifle during Second Firearm Season December 1 - 4, 2022

Regulations

License Requirements

• Residents and non-residents will need the following to hunt deer:
  1. Hunting license (unless exempt see Hunting Licenses: Exceptions)
  2. State Habitat Stamp
  3. Deer permit

Archery Equipment

“Can use:

• Vertical compound bow, traditional bow (recurve or longbow)
  • Minimum pull of 30 pounds at some point within a 28-inch draw
  • Arrows must be at least 20 inches long (not including point)
• Crossbows
  • Minimum peak draw weight of 125 pounds
  • Minimum length (from butt of stock to front of limbs) of 24 inches
  • Has a working safety
  • Fletched bolts or arrows must be at least 14 inches long (not including point)
• Points (all bows)
  • Broadheads must have fixed or expandable cutting surfaces and a minimum ⅞ inch in diameter when fully opened
  • Broadheads with fixed cutting surfaces must be metal or flint-, chert- or obsidian-knapped; broadheads with expandable cutting surfaces must be metal”-Hunt Illinois

If you are curious about other specific rules and regulations in Illinois, please visit  Deer Hunting - Hunting (illinois.gov)

After Deer Harvest

• Harvest Reporting: Successful deer hunters must report their harvest by 10 pm on the same calendar day the deer was taken using the toll-free telephone check-in system or accessing the online check-in system as below. Before reporting your harvested deer, please look over the questions listed on the back of your permit and be prepared to answer them.
  • Telephone check-in: 1-866-452-4325
  • Online check-in