Shotgun deer hunters across the state and South Central Illinois were more successful this year than last.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has released the totals for the two shotgun deer hunting seasons. They show statewide 76,854 deer were taken during the seven-day season compared to 70,411 last year.
In Marion County, 1,653 deer were harvested this year, including 467 in the second shotgun hunting season. That’s up from 1,399 last year.
In Clay County, 1,229 deer were harvested this year compared to 1,113 last year, Clinton County hunters bagged 803 deer, up from 666 last year. In Fayette County, 1,713 deer were harvested up from 1,569 last year. Jefferson County hunters bagged 1,821 deer, up just three from last year. Washington County hunters bagged 1,063 deer, up from 924 last year. Wayne County harvested 1,513 deer, up from 1,370 last year.
Overall, State Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Chief Mike Wefer says the season seemed to be successful.
“It’s not about the harvest it’s about the experience. Being close to nature and being outdoors and spending time with friends and family ranks very high in hunter’s satisfaction.”
There are still opportunities for deer hunting, including the ongoing archery season as well as late winter and C-W-D seasons from December 29th through January 1st and January 13th through the 15th.
