More chances to harvest deer in Illinois

Dear James,

I thought you or someone you know might be interested in some of the recent changes in Illinois' deer hunting laws.

These changes are intended to lengthen the deer hunting season for sportsmen. They are more hunter-friendly and will provide an opportunity for more deer to be harvested.

The fall deer season began on October 1, with archery hunters taking the first crack at the herd.

The seasons are:

* Archery - October 1 - January 17

* Youth - October 10 - 11

* Firearm season - November 20-22 and December 3-6

* Muzzleloader only - December 11-13

* Late Winter - December 31 - January 3 and January 15-17

Deer permits that remain after the daily drawing period will be available for over-the-counter sales on October 20. Hunters will be able to purchase these licenses through the Department of Natural Resources and approved retailers.

As you know, hunting can be a dangerous sport. It is important that all young and new hunters go through a safety education course. I hope our Central Illinois hunters will have a safe and bountiful season.

A link to deer season information and hunters' safety education materials can be found on my website: http://www.DanRutherford.com

Sincerely,
Dan Rutherford
State Senator
http://www.DanRutherford.com

That's great that they are extending the hunting season. There are WAY too many deer around and hunting is one way of keeping up good deer management. Hopefully they will stick to this and not switch back to the "old" hunting season dates next year! I don't know if you hunt or not, Ridge, but if you do, and keep us posted!~!