What to Expect for the 2025 Deer Hunting Season in Illinois
The upcoming firearm deer hunting season in Illinois is scheduled to begin in just over a month, with archery season currently ongoing through November 20.
Firearm and Muzzleloader Hunting Dates
- The first firearm season is set for November 21-23, followed by a second session from December 4-7.
- Muzzleloader-only season runs from December 12-14, with allowances to use muzzleloader permits during the second firearm season.
These dates align with the biology of white-tailed deer, which typically experience peak movement and rutting activity in late November and early December, offering optimal hunting opportunities.
Archery Season Timeline
Archers have access through November 20, with additional archery-only dates from November 24 to December 3, and then December 8 through January 18, 2026. This extended period supports hunters who prefer quieter methods during the colder months when deer activity adjusts to harsher weather.
Permit Costs and Requirements
- Firearm and muzzleloader permits cost $25 for either-sex deer and $17.50 for antlerless-only deer.
- Archery permits range between $15 and $25, depending on the type.
Hunters must have a valid signed permit and a hunting license to participate, with applications processed online via exploremoreil.com.
Defining Antlered and Antlerless Deer
The state classifies an antlered deer as one with at least one antler measuring three inches or longer, while antlerless deer have either no antlers or antlers shorter than three inches. This distinction is critical for managing populations and maintaining balanced sex ratios, ensuring healthier herd dynamics over time.
Harvest Limits and Legal Restrictions
- No hunter may take more than two antlered deer annually, covering all seasons including youth, archery, firearm, and muzzleloader.
- Harvest is limited to one deer per permit in any given season.
- The use of drones for hunting or wildlife recovery is prohibited and may result in legal penalties.
- Suppressors or silencers are not permitted under Illinois law.
These regulations support ethical hunting practices and prevent overharvesting, which is essential for sustaining Illinois’ robust white-tailed deer populations.
2024-25 Deer Harvest Summary
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, hunters harvested a total of 171,322 deer last season. Firearm hunters accounted for 83,074 of these, while archery hunters took 73,605. Additional deer were harvested during the youth, muzzleloader, and late-winter antlerless/chronic wasting disease management seasons.
The volume of harvest reflects both population management efforts and the species’ adaptability to varied Illinois habitats.
Venison Donation Programs
Hunters interested in donating venison have multiple options including local food pantries, Hunters Feeding Illinois, Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, and Two Rivers Resource and Conservation Development Area – Access Food. These programs play a vital role in supporting food security while promoting sustainable wildlife use.
Additional reporting and sources from: Deer hunting in Illinois: Here’s what to know for the 2025 season
