Illinois offers accessible and well-managed hunting grounds that attract locals and out-of-state hunters each season. (Shutterstock)
October 12, 2024
By Barb Melloni
This whitetail hunting forecast for the state of Illinois is part of Game & Fish’s “Great States" project identifying the best deer-hunting states in the country. Read more: America's Top Whitetail States Illinois Hunters Should Be Happy This Season Illinois' deer hunting outlook is strong this fall and is expected to be high after last year's successful season. While the state has experienced some drought conditions leading up to opening day, the impact on herd population and overall health is thought to be minimal. Despite this, hunters are advised to report sick deer they may see or harvest during their hunts. Corn and soybean harvests should conclude before the rut in mid-November, potentially leading to a spike in firearm hunting success.
Last season, hunters who hunted with firearms accounted for 48 percent of the overall harvest, bringing home more than 76,000 deer. Illinois has a substantial population of bow hunters with those partaking in archery season accounting for 44 percent of the overall harvest for a total of more than 71,000 deer. Youth hunts, late-winter/Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) efforts, and muzzleloaders each carved out their own smaller niches, making up the remainder. These numbers are a testament to the diversity and dedication of the hunting community within the state.
DID YOU KNOW?
BUY IN BULK An estimated 300,000 hunters will purchase tags this year in Illinois
Temperatures with a high around the mid-60s can be expected during October, while January is forecasted to have daily highs topping out at a crisp 32 degrees. This cooling trend is mirrored in the season's low daily temperatures, which start in the mid-40s and dive down to the mid-teens as winter digs in its icy claws. The bulk of the season's precipitation is expected to fall during October and November with an average of 3 inches and tapering off by January. For anyone braving the elements, expect a wet fall and a cool yet dry winter as you attempt to figure out the perfect number of layers to keep you warm without breaking a sweat on your hike into your stand.
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Last year's gun season was plentiful, with Randolph County coming in on top with 2,183 deer harvested. Adams and Jackson counties were neck and neck, passing the 2,000 mark. Jefferson and Fulton counties weren't too far behind, contributing solid numbers to round out the top five. These results highlight the region's hearty deer populations and successful season by those who hunted within its borders.
Another bumper crop of whitetails is expected this fall, giving hunters plenty of venison in the freezer. (Shutterstock) During the gun season last year in Illinois, bucks made up 62 percent of the total deer harvested, while does make up the remaining 38 percent. With the state being the country's second-largest producer of corn, it is important to note that approximately 95 percent of the state's corn crops were harvested going into the first week of the season, undoubtedly impacting harvest numbers.
Illinois' top public lands for those planning their next deer hunt include locations from Shawnee National Forest in Harrisburg to Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA near Chandlerville. These sites are known for their diverse habitats supporting healthy deer populations, providing hunters with plenty of opportunities to pursue Illinois's prized whitetails. With areas like Crab Orchard NWR and Rend Lake SFWA, the state offers accessible and well-managed hunting grounds that attract locals and out-of-state hunters each season. Illinois's public lands play a crucial role in preserving wildlife and maintaining sustainable deer populations, allowing hunters to pass down their skills, experience and prized traditions to future generations.
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Data collected on deer herd health to date shows that the prevalence of CWD has seen an 18 percent rise over previous years with an estimated 11,135 square mile region now being affected. Counties with the highest detection rates include Boone, Grundy, Kendall, LaSalle, McHenry and Stephenson. With CWD prevalence up 4.5 times since 2019, this map emphasizes the urgent need for alternative management strategies to slow further spread across herd populations state-wide and beyond.
THAT’S A FACT
BY THE NUMBERS Despite having only 467,000 acres of public hunting land, Illinois hunters averaged a harvest of 134,000 whitetails over the last five years.
For Illinois residents and out-of-state hunters suiting up for their next hunt, there's plenty of promise in the forecast, but it is also a reminder of the challenges that can be expected. With steady deer populations, favorable weather conditions leading into the fall and vast public lands ready for action, there are solid opportunities across the state to tag that big whitetail. However, the continued spread of CWD in the northern part of the state highlights the importance of responsible hunting practices and being informed on disease management efforts. Hunters play a vital role in conservation and keeping the state's deer herds healthy depends on the cooperation of all involved, from hunters to game wardens and everyone in between. So, as you gear up and hit the woods, remember to hunt smart, stay safe and make this season one for the books.