← Reg Watch
ILLINOIS · 2026–2027
IllinoisDeer Season & CWD Watch
Pending verification. These dates are compiled from public summaries and have not yet been confirmed against the official Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) calendar. Always confirm with the agency before you hunt.
Season dates
| Method | Portion | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | General (firearm counties)Closed during firearm portions. | Oct 1, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 |
| 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 |
| Youth Firearm | Youth | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 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.
Official Illinois Department of Natural Resources dates →
Regulations change annually 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 hunting. FDR is not affiliated with any state natural-resources agency.