Illinois Deer Hunting Season 2025-2026
Complete deer hunting season calendar for Illinois.
Illinois Deer Season Calendar
Find all deer hunting season dates for Illinois including archery, rifle, muzzleloader, and shotgun seasons for 2025-2026.
All Deer Seasons
4 seasons for Illinois deer hunting
Oct 1, 2025 - Jan 19, 2026
Extended archery in some counties
Nov 21 - Dec 1, 2025
First firearm season
Dec 4-7, 2025
Second firearm season
Dec 12-14, 2025
Muzzleloader only
Got your license ready to show?
Store credentials offline in Hunter Passport
Hunting Method Legend
Important Note for Illinois
Illinois is shotgun/muzzleloader only for deer. No rifles allowed.
Illinois Deer Hunting FAQ
Common questions about deer hunting in Illinois
When is deer season in Illinois?
Deer hunting in Illinois for the 2025-2026 season runs from Oct 1, 2025 through Jan 19, 2026, depending on the hunting method and zone.
When does archery deer season start in Illinois?
Archery deer season in Illinois begins Oct 1, 2025 and runs through Jan 19, 2026. Extended archery in some counties
Does Illinois have a muzzleloader deer season?
Yes, Illinois offers a muzzleloader deer season from Dec 12, 2025 to Dec 14, 2025. Muzzleloader only
Do I need a license to hunt deer in Illinois?
Yes, you need a valid Illinois hunting license and any required deer tags or permits. Check with the Illinois wildlife agency for current license requirements and fees.
Deer Hunting in Other States
Compare deer seasons across states
View All Illinois Hunting Seasons
See complete season calendar for all species in Illinois.