First Weekend of Shotgun Deer Hunting Season w/Lower Take Than 2015

The first weekend of shotgun deer hunting season in Illinois was busy, but not as busy as in 2015.

More than 54,000 deer were taken during the first weekend, about 4,000 deer behind last year.

Tim Schweizer of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says the weather may be to blame for the downward trend in numbers. It was a very blustery Friday and Saturday, although Sunday was a beautiful day.

Illinois' seven-day firearm deer season will conclude December 1-4.

Here are the numbers in area counties, compared to 2015: 

Clay County--784 this year, up from 761.

Cumberland County--494, up from 483

Effingham County--589, down from 624

Fayette County--1,050, down from 1,157

Jasper County--675, up from 670

Shelby County--782, down from 834