IDNR reminds deer hunters to visit check stations in chronic wasting disease surveillance counties

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reminds firearm deer hunters that mandatory check stations will be open this year in counties where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected.

The 2025 Illinois firearm deer season dates are Nov. 21-23 and Dec. 4-7.

The detection of CWD in Bureau, Ford and Lee counties has prompted IDNR to open new check stations in 2025. Mandatory CWD surveillance counties now include Boone, Bureau, Carroll, DeKalb, Ford, Grundy, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Will and Winnebago.

A list of CWD testing locations can be found online. Mandatory check stations are operated 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Successful firearm hunters in CWD counties should not attempt to report their deer online or by phone.

Voluntary check stations will be open for successful hunters in Adams County at Twin Oaks Club, 2702 Bonansinga Drive in Quincy, and at the Jubilee College State Park office on West Fussner Road in Brimfield. Voluntary check stations are operated 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Successful firearm deer hunters in Adams and Peoria counties are required to check their deer online at ExploreMoreIL.com or over the phone at 866-452-2325 (866-IL-CHECK).

Successful deer hunters can visit taxidermists, meat processors and head drop-off locations throughout the state to have their deer tested for CWD. View the interactive map of sampling locations and learn more about CWD sampling online.