Marion County hunters brought in 85 fewer deer in the first shotgun deer hunting season this year compared to last. The first-weekend harvest was 910 deer.
State Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Rachel Torbert says statewide 47,147 deer were harvested.
“That is compared to 50,173 from last year so we are a little lower but when you look at any number of factors including weather, the number of crops still in the ground, things like that, we are still looking good. Of course, we’ll see what the second firearm season brings,” said Torbert.
In other area counties, 46 fewer deer were harvested in Clay County where 728 deer were shot. Clinton County hunters brought in 21 more deer with a harvest of 474. Fayette County had a harvest of 980 deer, down 24 from last year. Jefferson County’s harvest fell by 171 deer to 1,080. Washington County had 599 deer taken, a drop of 41. Wayne County had 861 deer taken, a drop of 82 deer.
Illinois counties with the largest harvest include Randolph, Jackson, Fulton, Jefferson, and Hancock.
The second shotgun deer hunting season runs from December 3rd through the 6th. There are other deer hunting opportunities in Illinois as well. The archery season lasts until January 17th and muzzleloader-only hunting will be held on December 11th, 12th, and 13th.
