Firearm deer hunting season opens Friday.
Dan Skinner with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says the cold weather could help deer hunters this weekend.
“When you look at cold temperatures and deer hunting, they can help to get deer moving probably more so than any other weather factor out there. I think with the combination of the crop being out and cold temperatures coming in, with steady winds and pretty dry conditions, I think things are shaping up to be a pretty good hunt for the firearm hunters who go out this weekend.”
Skinner says safety is critical out in the woods. Handle firearms with care and wear blaze orange when out hunting and that includes adding blaze orange to any ground blind.
Meanwhile, State Conservation Police Officer Zach Williams is reminding hunters that a new law allowing hunters to use centerfire, single-shot rifles does not take effect until next year.
“I do expect some confusion. As an agency, I am aware we have it pushed out numerous times, and every hunter education class I’ve taught in the last few months this law does not take effect until January 1st.”
Hunters need to report their harvest either on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website or by calling: 1-866-IL-CHECK. The first deer hunting weekend continues through Sunday.
The second weekend for firearm deer hunting is December 1st through the fourth.
