SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KFVS) - Hunters in Illinois had a bit of a slower start to the firearm deer season this year.

According to the Ill. Department of Natural Resources, hunters harvested a preliminary total of 51,409 deer during the first weekend of the Illinois firearm deer season between November 21-23.

In 2024 and 2023, respectively, hunters took 54,661 and 53,348 deer during the first firearm weekends.

Here’s the breakdown by county in the Heartland region: County 2025 Alexander 220 Franklin 761 Gallatin 241 Hamilton 763 Hardin 347 Jackson 1,266 Jefferson 1,356 Johnson 750 Massac 185 Perry 926 Pope 808 Pulaski 172 Saline 577 Union 755 Williamson 1,060

The state’s firearm deer season will end December 4-7.

According to the IDNR, youth hunters with an unfilled, valid youth deer permi

See Full Page