Illinois youth deer hunters set a new record during the 2025 youth deer season, harvesting a preliminary total of 4,714 deer statewide from October 11-13. This total surpasses last year’s figure of 4,097 and the 2023 mark of 4,576.
Top harvest counties for 2025 include Randolph (259), Pike (164), Adams (155), Jefferson (155), and Marion (135). Several southern Illinois counties also posted strong numbers:
Jefferson County: 155 deer (up from 139 in 2024, 152 in 2023)
Marion County: 135 deer (up from 119 in 2024, 133 in 2023)
Wayne County: 92 deer (up from 80 in 2024, 89 in 2023)
White County: 47 deer (up from 43 in 2024, 41 in 2023)
Edwards County: 18 deer (up from 10 in 2024, 7 in 2023)
Clay County: 92 deer (up from 73 in 2024, 88 in 2023)
Richland County: 38 deer (up from 36 in 2024, 22 in 2023)
Hamilton County: 54 deer (slightly down from 56 in 2024, 61 in 2023)
Saline County: 46 deer (down from 51 in 2024, 56 in 2023)
Gallatin County: 20 deer (up from 17 in 2024, 24 in 2023)
This year, youth hunters with an unfilled, valid youth deer permit can continue to hunt with that permit during both segments of the upcoming firearm deer seasons, scheduled for November 21-23 and December 4-7. This new regulation offers more opportunities for youth hunters and helps with deer population management.
Below is a summary of preliminary harvest totals for 2025, 2024, and 2023:
County 2025 2024 2023
Jefferson 155 139 152
Marion 135 119 133
Wayne 92 80 89
White 47 43 41
Edwards 18 10 7
Clay 92 73 88
Richland 38 36 22
Hamilton 54 56 61
Saline 46 51 56
Gallatin 20 17 24
Statewide, youth hunters are encouraged to use their unfilled permits during the firearm seasons. For more details on youth deer season regulations and complete harvest results, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
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