Young hunters in Illinois set a new youth deer season harvest record with a preliminary total of 4,852 deer taken Oct. 10-12.
The total surpasses the previous record of 4,714 deer harvested in 2025.
The top harvest counties were Randolph with 278 deer; Jefferson, 166; Pike, 150; Fayette, 145; and Marion, 125.
Only 30 deer were taken in Lawrence County. However, that is five more than 2025 and 13 more than in 2024.
Youth hunters with unfilled, valid youth deer permits may use those permits during the upcoming firearm deer seasons Nov. 20-22 and Dec. 3-6. This is the first year youth deer hunting permits were sold as a combination that includes one either-sex permit and one antlerless-only permit.
Environmental Rules Board & IDEM act to lift fuel restrictions, reduce red tape for Indiana fire departments
Low-interest loans available for businesses, residents impacted by June 2026 severe weather
State Road 218 to close in Walton for railroad work
Stay alert and share the road with farm equipment this fall
Ivy Tech sets new record for completions
