The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding hunters that archery deer season opens tomorrow (October 1st) statewide and runs through January 18, 2026, with specific season breaks in counties that also allow firearm hunting.
Hunters in Champaign, Douglas, Macon, and Piatt (except Allerton Park) counties should note a rule change: from October 1st through the 31st only antlered deer may be harvested to help improve local deer populations.
Statewide regulations limit hunters to one deer per archery permit and no more than two antlered deer per year across all seasons combined, unless exceptions apply during the chronic wasting disease (CWD) season.
IDNR also urges hunters to review site-specific rules for public lands, as local regulations may be stricter.
Safety remains a top priority. Tree stands are the leading cause of hunting accidents in Illinois, and IDNR encourages hunters to review tree stand safety guidelines before heading out.
For complete regulations, hunters can access the 2025–2026 Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations and annual deer harvest reports on the IDNR website.
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