Illinois deer hunting laws 2011: Go hunt that whitetail
As in all other states where deer hunting is prevalent, the governing body of the state of Illinois has past laws to protect the number of deers and to prevent injury to hunters and trappers. These Illinois deer hunting permits are required regardless of the fact that you may be bow hunting whitetails or any other game.
According to the legislature, hunters and outfitters must apply to the Illinois Department of Natural Resource (IDNR) for permits, which can be issued though a random drawing process.
According to the IDNR the white tail deer is the most desired by hunters and outfitters. In the 2010 – 2011 hunting season Illinois hunters bow hunted and shoot and capture in other ways a estimated total of 98,700 deers during the seven-day firearm deer season, out of which few were whitetails.
The archery season starts from October 1st to January 15th 2011. Within that period, a three day firearms deer hunting season occurs between Friday before Thanksgiving and ends the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
There is a second firearms season that takes place in the first four days after Thanksgiving, a Thursday to Sunday hunting extravaganza. Many deers including whitetails are caught during this time. All this takes place at the end of the Turkey hunting season which begins from April and ends in October.
The Illinois law enforcement body is serious about enforcing those laws. Chapter 17 of the hunting code expressly prohibits hunting without a permit in any province here hunting is permitted. Windshield permits,according to Section 510.10d should be clearly displayed while in an area under the watch of IDNR. .
Restricted Areas
Areas designated as refuge areas or area where hunting and trapping are disallowed are prohibited. Hunting in refuge areas are allowed, but only with the permission of the IDNR. Waterfowl rest areas are usually restricted, except with permission from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
In addition, it is against Illinois deer hunting rules to hunt in areas where a manned check station located without first proving catch from a previous hunt, if the catch is with the hunter or in his vehicle.
Also, hunting weapons are also regulated. Although, some hunters use bow, shotgun firearms are the main weapons used. “Regardless of who owns the gun, anyone who has a firearm, including muzzle loaders, or firearm ammunition in their possession must have in their possession a valid Firearm Ownersʼ I.D. (F.O.I.D.) Card unless he or she is: a) A licensed out-of-state-sportsman hunting in Illinois, or b) Under the age of 21 and under the immediate control of a parent or guardian”. Hunters whose weapon of choice is not a bow or a firearm, should inform the IDNR about your intent.
Furthermore, the IDNR regulations disallow the use of using dogs to track deer or other game within its jurisdiction. Ground blind hunting, such as Camouflage skins, are disallowed during hunting season. In the event of a Ground blind, it should be a blaze orange cap and upper garment with a minimum of 400 square inches of orange material and it must be visible from every possible angle to ensure that other hunters in the area will recognize it.
Of course, it is unlawful to drink alcohol while hunting. No hunter or outfitter may drink or possess any alcoholic substance while hunting in area governed by the IDNR. Possession can lead to suspension of license
More Illinois Hunting Season Information
Migratory Waterfowl Seasons 2011-12 – 9/30/2011
Youth Firearm Deer Season – 10/8/2011 to 10/9/2011
Fall Shotgun Turkey Season – 10/22/2011 to 10/30/2011
First Firearm Deer Season – 11/18/2011 to 11/20/2011
Second Firearm Deer Season – 12/1/2011 to 12/4/2011
First Muzzleloader Deer Season – 12/1/2011 to 12/4/2011
Second Muzzleloader Deer Season – 12/9/2011 to 12/11/2011
First Special CWD Deer Season – 12/29/2011 to 1/1/2012
First Late-Winter Antlerless Deer Season – 12/29/2011 to 1/1/2012
Archery Deer Season – 10/1/2011 to 1/15/2012
Fall Archery Turkey Season – 10/1/2011 to 1/15/2012
Second Late-Winter Antlerless Deer Season – 1/13/2012 to 1/15/2012
Second Special CWD Deer Season – 1/13/2012 to 1/15/2012
Looking forward to the 2011 – 2012 Illinois hunting season? Interested in catching some really big whitetails? Book Early. Get $200 off from one of Illinois best hunting outfitters
