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Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois.

Deer Management

White-tailed deer, along with all other wildlife, belong to the people of Illinois. While the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is legislatively mandated to steward Illinois’ natural and cultural resources, and meet the outdoor recreation needs of a large and diverse population, an assortment of interest groups—everyone from the private landowner to sportsman, outfitter, photographer, shed antler hunter and more—have a stake in deer management.

Deer Vehicle Collision Data

Deer Vehicle Collision Rates

Annual Deer Harvest Reports

Annual Firearm Deer Permit Quotas

Deer Harvest Summaries by County

For more information, visit our new White-tailed Deer Illinois website.

Chronic Wasting Disease Program

Find information on how Illinois is managing Chronic Wasting Disease in deer.

Description and identification of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Find interesting facts about white-tailed deer in Illinois.

Deer Hunting Information

Find permit, season, applications, and other related information to deer hunting.

Find Your Own Harvest

Find your previous deer or turkey harvest reports.

Hunter Fact Sheets

Find summaries for each state-owned property that describes the types of hunting that are

offered, as well as any special regulations and restrictions that may be in effect.

Illinois Wildlife Action Plan

Find out how we maintain and enhance the composition of Illinois' existing forested habitats

and to increase distribution of those habitats in identified priority areas and statewide with

many conservation partners.

Joint Task Force on Deer Population Control

FAQ's on how deer in Illinois are managed