Illinois Deer Season and CWD Watch
Being checked against IDNR. Compiled from public summaries; confirm with the agency before you hunt.Official IDNR dates
Open now
Archery, General (firearm counties)Oct 1, 2026 to Jan 17, 2027Closed during firearm portions.
Next opener2days
Youth FirearmSat, Oct 10 to Mon, Oct 12, 2026
Next deadlineNo dated deadlineFirearm/muzzleloader permit lotteries: check IDNR for current-year roundsCheck with IDNR
Season dates, in date order
| Method | Portion | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ArcheryOpen now | General (firearm counties) Closed during firearm portions. | Oct 1, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 |
| Youth FirearmNext | Youth | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 |
| Firearm | 1st portion | Nov 20, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 |
| Firearm | 2nd portion | Dec 3, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 |
| Muzzleloader | Muzzleloader-only | Dec 11, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 |
Deadlines
- Firearm/muzzleloader permit lotteries: check IDNR for current-year rounds
Chronic wasting disease
Detected in 28 counties (2026), prevalence ~9.2%, spreading south. Mandatory harvest reporting in CWD-testing counties.
Notable rule changes
- CWD harvest-reporting insert published for CWD-testing counties.
Regulations change every year and can change mid-season. This page is informational only. Confirm every date, permit and CWD rule with Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) before you hunt. FDR is not affiliated with any state natural-resources agency.