Illinois Youth Deer Hunters Break Harvest Record in 2025
Illinois youth deer hunters have set a new harvest record this season, with a preliminary total of 4,714 white-tailed deer taken from October 11 to 13, according to a recent news release.
Leading counties for deer harvest included Randolph with 259 deer, Pike with 164, Adams and Jefferson tied at 155, and Marion with 135.
Comparative Harvest Data and Expanded Permit Usage
This year’s youth deer harvest surpasses the 4,097 deer taken during the same period in 2024, reflecting continued strong hunter participation and deer population management.
Significantly, 2025 marks the first year that youth hunters holding unfilled valid youth deer permits may continue hunting during the upcoming firearm deer seasons from November 21-23 and December 4-7, potentially increasing total harvest numbers.
Preliminary Firearm Deer Harvest by County
The following table shows preliminary totals by county for the 2025 youth deer season, alongside comparable data from 2024 and 2023:
- Adams: 155 (2025), 147 (2024), 153 (2023)
- Alexander: 17, 8, 16
- Bond: 35, 42, 36
- Boone: 76, 74, —
- … [continues with full data as provided]
- Total statewide deer harvest: 4,714 (2025), 4,097 (2024), 4,576 (2023)
Wildlife Expert Commentary
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations in Illinois have remained robust due to effective wildlife management and balanced hunting regulations.
The increase in youth harvest reflects not only strong deer populations but also enhanced youth engagement in outdoor activities, supported by expanded hunting opportunities this season.
Extending unfilled youth permits into additional firearm season windows allows for greater flexibility and contributes to sustainable population control, crucial for minimizing human-deer conflicts and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Given that white-tailed deer have high reproductive rates and adaptable behaviors, careful seasonal and regional harvest monitoring remains essential for population stability and long-term ecological balance.
Additional reporting and sources from: Illinois youth deer hunters set record harvest | OurQuadCities
