SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- New data from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources shows a record number of deer were harvested in the state during the youth firearm deer season.

Youth deer hunters are described as hunters who have not turned 18 years old yet. They can, however, participate in hunting under the supervision of a licensed adult.

Youth deer season lasted three days -- Oct. 11, 12 and 13. Across the state, youth hunters harvested a record 4,714 deer, the IDNR said. That's over 600 more deer than last year, when 4,097 deer were harvested.

A table of preliminary Illinois firearm deer harvest totals by county for the 2025 youth deer season, and comparable totals for the 2024 and 2023 seasons, is below:

Youth hunters with an unfilled, valid youth deer permit can still hunt

See Full Page