Illinois Late Winter Anterless Deer Hunting Season Information
Illinois has several deer hunting seasons, with each having specific guidelines. The earliest season is limited to archery and the latest is the Late Winter Antlerless Season. The winter hunt takes place in extremely cold conditions, and hunters must be prepared for a safe hunt. The late season hunt is limited in area and provides hunters with the opportunity to fight cabin fever and fill the freezer with meat.
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Dates
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The Illinois late winter antlerless deer season is actually split into two seasons. The first season begins on Dec. 30 and ends on Jan. 2. The second round begins on Jan.14 and ends on Jan. 16. The seasons are subject to change each year, and hunters should check with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources each year.
Locations
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The late season hunt is limited in area. The western counties have the majority of the unlimited permits, but many of the counties do allow each hunter to purchase a single permit. Counties with unlimited permits include Hamilton, Pike, Adams, Brown, Cass, Menard, Schuyler, Hancock, Henderson, Fulton and Putnam. All other counties have either a single permit system or they do not have a late season hunt.
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Considerations
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The late season deer hunt is limited to handguns, shotguns and muzzleloaders. Any other method of hunting is illegal. Hunters can kill only whitetail deer and only one deer for each permit. The cost of each permit is $17.50, and hunters can purchase the permits through license agents.
Significance
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The late season hunt is a method of population control in areas with an abundance of deer. Hunters can use public land or obtain permission to hunt on private land. The hunt is primarily an opportunity to obtain meat, and the season is short. It is not difficult to locate the deer in the winter, but white camouflage and stealth are required.
Expert Insight
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Focus on hunting in counties with unlimited permits and obtain permission from farms to hunt on private properties. Many farmers are willing to allow the hunt as a method of crop protection for the spring and summer months. It is also important to view the deer closely before pulling the trigger, because the deer must be completely antlerless.
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References
- Photo Credit hunting image by glgec from Fotolia.com
