Illinois deer harvest up for first weekend of firearm season

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reported an increase in deer harvested during the November firearm season as compared to 2023.

According to IDNR, the preliminary total for the first weekend of the firearm deer season between Nov. 22-24 was 54,661. Comparatively, hunters took 53,348 and 52,354 deer during the first firearm weekends in 2023 and 2022.

Here are harvest results for southern Illinois counties, listed for 2022, 2023, and 2024:

Alexander  239  199  225

Gallatin   305  306  301

Hardin     548   467  366

Jackson    1484  1371  1355

Johnson    874   749   759

Massac     268   247   235

Pope       1068  994   895

Pulaski    222   208   206

Saline     628   611   605

Union      812   813   798

Williamson  1287  1163  1165


Illinois' seven-day firearm deer season ends December 5-8. Muzzleloader-only season runs Dec. 13-15.

Archery season continues through Jan. 19; however, it is closed Dec. 5-8 in counties open for firearm deer season.