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Illinois Deer Seasons and Deadlines, 2026 to 2027

Illinois deer season dates, permit deadlines, and CWD zones for 2026 to 2027. Being checked against Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

FDR Research Desk · Agency check pending
Nov 20Firearm, 1st portion opens

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.
Youth FirearmOct 10, 2026 to Oct 12, 2026
Next opener40days
Firearm, 1st portionFri, Nov 20 to Sun, Nov 22, 2026
Next deadlineNo dated deadlineFirearm/muzzleloader permit lotteries: check IDNR for current-year roundsCheck with IDNR

Season dates, in date order

MethodPortionOpensCloses
ArcheryOpen nowGeneral (firearm counties)
Closed during firearm portions.
Oct 1, 2026Jan 17, 2027
Youth FirearmOpen nowYouthOct 10, 2026Oct 12, 2026
FirearmNext1st portionNov 20, 2026Nov 22, 2026
Firearm2nd portionDec 3, 2026Dec 6, 2026
MuzzleloaderMuzzleloader-onlyDec 11, 2026Dec 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.
Official Illinois Department of Natural Resources dates

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.

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