IDNR Announces Changes to 14-15 Deer Hunting Seasons

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has made changes to the 2014-15 deer hunting seasons, including removal of 20 additional counties from the late winter season and a reduction in the number of firearm permits available in some counties.

IDNR biologists made recommendations for the coming season following a review of deer hunting harvest numbers, deer-vehicle accident data, a survey of Illinois deer hunters, hemorrhagic disease reports and other factors.

The Late Winter Antlerless Only Deer Hunting Season will be closed in Cumberland and Fayette counties among the 20 new counties, which also include Adams, Bond, Bureau, Calhoun, Clinton, Hancock, Jefferson, Jersey, Logan, Menard, Perry, Randolph, Richland, Sangamon, Scott, St. Clair, Whiteside and Woodford. 32 counties are already closed to the late winter season. 35 counties remain open for the late winter season, while an additional 12 counties are open for the special chronic wasting disease season. Three counties in northeast Illinois are not open for firearm hunting.

Meanwhile, the number of firearm permits has been reduced in some counties. Statewide, the number of either-sex permits is being reduced by 4,925. Antlerless-only permits are being reduced by 6,375. The 11,300 permits amount to a reduction of about 4.1%. Last year, 277,285 firearm permits were available, compared to 266,285 for the upcoming season. Quota recommendations begin immediately and will affect the second firearm lottery.