Illinois Population and Management Archive - Illinois Page
View the archive by scrolling through the window below or Load the Archive Document. Historic deer hunt data is below the Archive window on the left column with links to sources. A list of all articles in the Archive is below the window.
Annual Reported Deer Hunt
1957 1,955
1958 2,813
1959 2,727
1960 2,553
1961 4,481
1962 6,457
1963 6,960
1964 7,457
1965 7,845
1966 7,530
1967 6,929
1968 8,581
1969 8,695
1970 9,694
1971 10,947
1972 11,000
1973 14,686
1974 14,278
1975 17,222
1976 16,908
1977 19,041
1978 20,381
1979 21,132
1980 22,288
1981 22,566
1982 24,862
1983 28,666
1984 32,235
1985 35,515
1986 40,413
1987 49,578
1988 55,606
1989 66,143
1990 81,296
1991 100,285
1992 103,203
1993 115,491
1994 123,330
1995 142,233
1996 132,737
1997 133,274
1998 135,336
1999 136,534
2000 149,660
2001 153,066
2002 159,858
2003 168,762
2004 190,456
2005 201,209
2006 196,241
2007 199,610
2008 188,901
2009 189,634
2010 182,270
2011 181,451
2012 180,811
2013 148,614
2014 145,720
2015 155,229
2016 144,303
2017 147,695
2018: 151,709
2019: 153,174
2020: 162,575
2021: 146,148
2022* 158,010
*Preliminary
2021
Deer Hunting Seasons Conclude with Hunters in Illinois Taking Preliminary Total of 162,575
2020
Concerning numbers arise for IDNR surrounding deer season September 25, 2020, Illinois
Figures announced for opening of deer hunting season December 24, 2020 Illinois
The County's first hunting license November 29, 2020 Illinois
2019
Deer not always a common sight in Illinois January 7, 2020
Illinois 2018-19 Deer Hunting Seasons Result in Preliminary Harvest of 151,577 Deer January 29, 2019
Illinois Deer Population, A century ago in January December 30, 2019
2018
IDNR Prohibiting Archery Harvest of Antlerless Deer Oct. 1-15 in Five East-Central Illinois Counties September 21, 2018 Illinois
2017
Deer herd healthy; average harvest expected October 26, 2017 Illinois
Effects of human state park visitation rates on escape behavior of white-tailed deer NM Sutton, EJ Heske - Human–Wildlife Interactions, 2017, Illinois
Hunters in Illinois Harvested a Preliminary Total of 144,150 Deer During 2016-17 Seasons
New studies attempt to predict deer activity October 25, 2017 Illinois
Reproductive characteristics of female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the Midwestern USA ML Green, AC Kelly, D Satterthwaite-Phillips… - Theriogenology, 2017
Some History December 3, 2017 Illinois
Stage set for big firearm deer hunt October 23, 2017 Illinois
2016
4 new laws expand hunting, fishing opportunities in Illinois August 22, 2016 Illinois,
Deer harvest down, as expected: Illinois firearm deer season November 23, 2016
Deer harvest promising November 18, 2016 Illinois
Deer season to look similar August 4, 2016 Illinois
Hunters kill fewer deer in Illinois December 19, 2016
Illinois Deer Hunters Harvest Preliminary Total of 155131 Deer January 20, 2016
Illinois gets 'B' as deer hunting state September 8, 2016
Localized removal affects white‐tailed deer space use and contacts MI Tosa, EM Schauber, CK Nielsen
Social and Environmental Influences on Female White-Tailed Deer Dispersal Behavior, Illinois, CM Nixon, PC Mankin - Great Plains Research, 2016
Southern Illinois deer herd stable September 8, 2016
2015
2015 Trophy Deer Forecast: Illinois October 21, 2015
A Piece of Our History: Illinois may have an open deer season May 1, 2015
Archery deer hunt kicks off Thursday September 27, 2015 Illinois
Are Illinois hunters ready for rifles in the deer woods? March 10, 2015
Deer herds on the decline January 31, 2015 Illinois
Deer hunting numbers strong in McHenry County despite Illinois kill drop January 23, 2015 Illinois
Deer hunting rules changes in works June 3, 2015 Illinois
Firearm deer season will send numbers higher November 18, 2015 Illinois,
Hunting brings in big money for region October 6, 2015 Illinois,
Hunting rules updated October 29, 2015 Illinois
Illinois Beach, First deer hunt coming to Illinois Beach State Park October 8, 2015 Illinois,
Illinois Deer Forecast for 2015 September 3, 2015
Illinois deer harvest is down again January 22, 2015
Illinois hunters harvest 86,711 deer during firearm season December 10, 2015
Illinois scientist documents 50 years of deer behavior September 21, 2015
Illinois Youth Deer Season Harvest Up from Last Year - But Not in Will County October 20, 2015
New director, new deer herd? May 30, 2015 Illinois
States banning use of drones for hunting, fishing January 31, 2015 Illinois
Stop bill to allow deer 'hunting' on preserves February 5, 2015 Illinois
The kind of deer study Illinois hunters would endorse May 11, 2015 Illinois,
Will things change for Illinois deer? February 17, 2015
2014
Archery deer harvest up October 10, 2014 Illinois
Big game dispute, sling bow arrow July 7, 2014 Illinois
Biologist expects slightly higher deer harvest November 20, 2014 Illinois
Bobcat hunting may return to Illinois after 40-year hiatus December 22, 2014 Illinois
Changes may be coming in deer management March 5, 2014 Illinois
Declining deer harvest a big issue in Illinois December 27, 2014 Illinois,
Deer harvest back on the upswing November 7, 2014 Illinois
Deer harvest down in Illinois, Kane County February 25, 2014 Illinois
Deer harvest should rebound this season October 17, 2014 Illinois
Deer hunt down 18% February 14, 2014 Illinois
Deer hunting changes this winter July 23, 2014 Illinois
Deer hunting practices need to change December 26, 2014 Illinois
Deer numbers down, and hunters aren't happy about it January 10, 2014 Illinois
Deer numbers top outdoors story of 2013 January 2, 2014 Illinoi
Deer permits may drop this year February 14, 2014 Illinois
Deer population concerning to Illinois lawmakers March 22, 2014 Illinois
Expect changes in deer seasons as DNR tries to improve herd March 21, 2014 Illiinois
Fences can kill deer; Hunter trying to raise awareness September 8, 2014 Illinois
Few wolves in Illinois but 'coywolves' on the rise January 29, 2014 Illinois
Firearm deer hunt is under way November 23, 2014 Illinois
First, it was goose management … now it's deer February 7, 2014 Illinois
Group hopes to manage deer population March 15, 2014 Illinois
Hunters: 'we know the score' December 25, 2014 Illinois
IDNR announces changes for 2014-15 deer hunting seasons October 6, 2014 Illinois
IDNR Announces Changes for 2014-2015 Deer Hunting Seasons July 22, 2014 Illinois
IDNR announces changes in deer hunting seasons July 31, 2014 Illinois
IDNR cutting deer permits July 26, 2014 Illiinois
IDNR makes changes to upcoming deer-hunting season July 22, 2014 Illinois
IDNR tweaked deer-hunting regulations for the good of the herd August 16, 2014 Illiinois
Illinois deer hunters expecting to see rise in harvest numbers November 19, 2014
Illinois deer hunters get chance to weigh in on potential regulation changes February 19, 2014
Illinois deer hunting: Update from the IDNR April 29, 2014
Illinois Drop In Archery Deer Harvest October 27, 2014
Illinois firearms deer harvest continues to decline November 28, 2014
Illinois hunting: Rut signs & deer harvest up November 10, 2014
Illinois receives $22 million for wildlife restoration April 9, 2014
Illinois Whitetail Alliance addresses concerns on low deer population February 24, 2014
Illinois Whitetail Alliance finally gets deer meeting with IDNR February 21, 2014
Kane County forest commissioners might expand deer hunting April 25, 2014 Illinois
Kane County, State officials want to shoot up to 130 deer in Kane County forest preserves October 31, 2014 Illinois
Odd info from the 2012 agriculture census, deer farms May 11, 2014 Illinois
Scientist documents 50 years of deer behavior January 23, 2014 Illinois
Second firearms deer season harvest makes up some ground December 10, 2014 Illinois
Several area counties close to late-season deer hunt December 13, 2014 Illinois
State wants bigger deer population in Bureau, Putnam counties February 14, 2014 Illinois
State wants to boost deer numbers, but not here February 24, 2014 Illinois
Strong deer advocacy group formed & meet Miller February 22, 2014 Illinois
Summary of 2013-14 Illinois Deer Seasons June 26, 2014
The Crossbow Effect September 19, 2014 Illinois
Trouble ahead for deer population January 18, 2014 Illinois
U.S. Deer Herds in Trouble September 17, 2014 Illinois
Weather again plays factor in deer harvest December 18, 2014 Illinois
Where have all the deer gone? December 1, 2014 Illinois
White-tailed deer: A reason to stay home from school September 25, 2014 Illinois
Will County, Where have the deer gone? January 13, 2014 Illinois
2013
An update on the deer archery season from the DNR January 7, 2013 Illinois
Deer Baiting on the Radar of Local Conservation Officers October 25, 2013, Illinois
Deer harvest continued slide in 2012-2013 November 13, 2013 Illinois
Deer harvest declines, but Pike is king December 3, 2013 Illinois
Deer harvest declines, but Pike is king December 3, 2013 Illinois
Deer harvest numbers down from last year December 16, 2013 Illinois
Deer harvest tumbles December 18, 2013 Illinois
Deer Numbers Down Across Illinois December 23, 2013
Deer season’s greetings in Illinois, Herd Status November 16, 2013 Chicago
DNR creative with spending cuts and deer reduction March 24, 2013 Illinois
Effects of coyotes on deer getting new look October 8, 2013 Illinois, HuntNetwork
Far fewer deer killed this year December 28, 2013 Illinois
Firearm deer season opens November 21, 2013 Illinois
G&F Forecast: Best Places for Illinois Deer Hunting in 2013 October, 2013
Habitat key to the future of upland game October 31, 2013 Illinois
Historic drop in harvest in firearm deer seasons indicates need for change December 14, 2013 Illiinois
Hunters asked to forgo lead use September 13, 2013 Illinois
Hunters can buy secret baits for deer but can't use them October 2, 2013 Illinois
Hunters Harvest 55,708 Deer During Illinois Firearm First Season November 27, 2013
IDNR deer herd meeting uneventful June 5, 2013 Illinois
IL Deer Harvest Largely Unaffected by Drought January 28, 2013 Illinois
Illinois deer harvest totals 180,669 February 5, 2013
Illinois deer hunters see significant decline in harvest totals November 30, 2013
Illinois Deer Season 2013: Hunting Forecast October 4, 2013
Illinois Herd History, 5 Things to Know About Hunting November 21, 2013
Illinois hunting: Firearm harvest down dramatically December 12, 2013
Illinois protects all-white whitetails July 13, 2013 Peoria
Nature Conservancy land will be offered for deer hunting February 17, 2013 Illinois
New Illinois Law Requires Using All the Deer August 8, 2013
New Wildlife Website Launched, Living with Wildlife April 8, 2013 Illinois
No plans to research coyote-deer correlation September 25, 2013 Illinois
Public Meetiings Just Public Relations? Miller's Time for the Illinois deer herd March 12, 2013
Springbrook Prairie, Deer population program begins November 5, 2013 Illinois
The Illinois whitetail disaster December 31, 2013
White deer is not protected July 16, 2013 Illinois
Wintering Deer seek Conifer cover December 16, 2013 Illinois
2012
Clinton man gets probation in deer killing March 7, 2012 Illinois
Controversial arrow pointed at crossbow November 16, 2012 Illinois
Controversy surrounds deer breeding June 17, 2012 Illinois
Cougars, They're b-a-a-a-c-k November 8, 2012 Illinois
Deer herd appears to hit stable point in Illinois August 9, 2012
Deer season dates, info released June 15, 2012 Illinois
Department of Natural Resources reaping what it has sown March 6, 2012 Illinois
DNR looking at deer herd numbers April 10, 2012 Illinois
Don't bait deer with cocaine November 16, 2012 Illinois
How big is the estimated deer herd in Illinois? September 29, 2012, Chicago
Hunters harvesting more deer this year than last November 21, 2012 Illinois
Illinois Deer Harvest Totals 181411 During 2011-12 Seasons January 19, 2012
Illinois deer hunting: Firearm season up, slightly December 5, 2012
Illinois deer hunting: Firearm season up, slightly December 5, 2012
Illinois Firearm Deer Season Opens This Weekend November 16, 2012
Illinois' proposal for entry fees at state parks is seen as a sign of the times March 28, 2012
Kane County, Forest Preserve District of Kane County 2012 Deer Management Program. Controlled Archery Component. General Information. Program Rationale September 30, 2012 Illinois
Man Pleads Guilty Of Acquiring Whitetail Deer Sperm July 12, 2012 Illinois
Move to expand Ind. fenced deer hunting shelved February 3, 2012 Illinois
Nibbled plants grow back stronger January 4, 2012 Illinois
Not-so-white winter hinders annual Kane deer count March 26, 2012 Illinois
Star Bucks November 8, 2012 Illinois
State announces deer harvest totals January 28, 2012 Illinois
Trophy buck shot in Midwest fathering fawns in La. May 12, 2012 Illinois
Warm Temperatures to Blame for Poor Hunting Weekend December 3, 2012 Illinois
Wildlife in the spotlight [census] March 30, 2012 Illinois
Will County, Forest preserve deer culling program on hold for now October 3, 2012 Illinois
2004 Deer Population Estimate
2011
'Tis the season for deer hunting numbers December 10, 2011 Illinois
Aledo hunter gone wild August 5, 2011 Illinois
Chris Young: As deer hunting drops, turkey hunting rises March 24, 2011 Illinois
Deer hunt bill worth pursuit April 2, 2011 Illinois
Deer hunters warned of strict new rules September 29, 2011 Illinois
Deer numbers down slightly January 22, 2011 Illinois
Deer population getting back to equal October 14, 2011 Illinois
Deer tally worrying to hunters December 17, 2011 Illinois
Firearm Deer Season Closes with a harvest of over 97,000 December 14, 2011 Illinois
Firearm deer season enters final phase December 31, 2011 Illinois
IDNR Busts Five Alleged Deer Poachers on 41 Wildlife Violations November 10, 2011 Illinois
Illinois deer herd is estimated to be between 750000 and 800000 May 30, 2011
Illinois Firearm Deer Season Closes with Preliminary Harvest of 97,760 December 7, 2011
Illinois hunters bag nearly 182000 deer January 20, 2011
Iowa, Illinois deer herds have rebounded from 'nothing' December 28, 2011 Illinois
It's important for bucks, does to be harvested equally December 9, 2011 Illinois
Northern Ill.'s deer population concerns readers December 19, 2011 Illinois
Oh, deer: Open season for complaints (cultural carrying capacity) May 26, 2011 Illinois
Region's deer population shrinks, everyone is asking, why? November 29, 2011 Illinois
Sharpshooters to cull deer in Springbrook Prairie preserve December 9, 2011 Illinois
Will County taking to the skies to count Homer Township deer December 8, 2011 Illinois
Illinois Deer Populations 1940 to 1968A list of articles in the Archive. Alphabetical Order by Year.