Illinois hunters harvested more than 158,000 deer last year

A mature white-tailed deer buck stands alertly in a suburban neighborhood in Moreland Hills, Ohio on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011. The Ohio Department of Public Safety…

A mature white-tailed deer buck stands alertly in a suburban neighborhood in Moreland Hills, Ohio on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011. The Ohio Department of Public Safety is warning drivers to remain cautious of deer on roadways as the mating season for the animal runs through January. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

by: John Clark

Posted: Feb 22, 2023 / 02:18 PM CST

Updated: Feb 22, 2023 / 02:28 PM CST

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, hunters harvested 158,010 deer during the 2022-2023 archery and firearms season.

The season ended on January 15th.

The prior year, deer hunters took a total of 146,438 deer.

Sixteen northern Illinois counties took part in a special late-winter season meant to slow the spread of chronic wasting disease in the deer heard.

Illinois allows specific seasons for deer hunting for archery hunters, youth hunters, traditional firearms, muzzleloaders, and late winter/antlerless seasons.