Deer Hunting 101: Your Complete Guide to Illinois Deer Hunting

From the Bench: Essential information for new hunters in the Prairie State

By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company

Updated July 1, 2025

Hunting can be an intimidating and overwhelming activity for those new to the sport. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to improve your skills, this comprehensive guide will help you get started with deer hunting in Illinois.

We'll cover everything from regulations and equipment to shooting techniques and finding the perfect hunting spot.

Getting Started: Why Deer Hunting Matters

Deer hunting isn't just a recreational activity – it's an essential wildlife management tool that helps maintain healthy deer populations while providing sustainable, organic protein for families. Illinois harvested over 82,000 deer during the 2024 firearm season alone, demonstrating the importance of hunters in wildlife conservation.

At Blue Coat Arms Company, we've helped countless new hunters get started safely and successfully. Remember: "No matter your era, we got your six!"

2024-2025 Illinois Deer Hunting Regulations

Required Licenses and Permits

To legally hunt deer in Illinois, you need:

1. Valid Illinois hunting license (resident or non-resident)

2. Illinois Habitat Stamp

3. At least one deer permit (specific to hunting method and season)

4. Valid Illinois FOID card (for residents)

Important: All hunters must complete Hunter Safety Education before purchasing their first hunting license.

2024-2025 Season Dates

Archery Season: October 1, 2024 - January 19, 2025 (closed during firearm seasons in counties open to firearm hunting)

First Firearm Season: November 21, 22 & 23, 2025

Second Firearm Season: December 4, 5, 6 & 7, 2025

Muzzleloader Season: December 13-15, 2025

Late Winter Season: December 26-29, 2024, and January 17-19, 2025

Special CWD Season: December 26-29, 2024, and January 17-19, 2025 (in designated counties)

Bag Limits and Restrictions

• One deer per legally authorized permit

• Maximum of 2 antlered deer per hunter per year (across all seasons)

• Each permit allows harvest of one deer only

Major Regulation Changes

Single-Shot Rifle Law: Effective January 1, 2023, hunters may use centerfire, single-shot rifles in certain calibers for deer hunting. This represents a significant change from Illinois' traditional shotgun-only firearm hunting.

Approved calibers include:

• .243 Winchester and larger

• Single-shot action only

• Must meet specific ballistic requirements

For complete regulations, visit the IDNR website or consult the Illinois Hunting and Trapping Digest.

Essential Equipment for Deer Hunting

Firearms and Ammunition

For Shotgun Hunters (traditional Illinois method):

• 12 or 20-gauge shotgun

• Rifled slugs or sabot slugs

• Quality scope for improved accuracy

For Single-Shot Rifle Hunters (new option):

• Centerfire, single-shot rifle in approved caliber

• Quality optics appropriate for hunting distances

• Premium hunting ammunition

Important Note: Approximately 70% of hunting in Illinois is done using shotguns, making slug guns the most popular choice among Illinois hunters.

Additional Essential Gear

• Hunter orange clothing (required by law)

• Quality hunting boots for various terrain

• Binoculars for scouting and identification

• Field dressing kit for processing your harvest

• Hunting backpack for carrying gear

• Tree stand or ground blind (depending on hunting style)

Shooting Tips and Techniques for Deer Hunting

Success in deer hunting starts with marksmanship. Here are proven techniques:

1. Master Your Equipment

• Practice regularly with your hunting rifle or shotgun

• Know your ballistics: Understand bullet drop and trajectory at various distances

• Zero your scope at appropriate hunting distances (typically 100 yards for rifles, 50-75 yards for slug guns)

2. Develop Quick, Smooth Shooting

• Practice mounting your firearm quickly and smoothly

• Train for various shooting positions: standing, sitting, kneeling

• Use shooting sticks or bipods for field stability

3. Shot Placement is Critical

• Aim for the heart/lung area behind the shoulder

• Avoid shoulder shots that can damage meat and create tracking issues

• Wait for broadside or quartering-away shots for best penetration

4. Know Your Limitations

• Practice at realistic hunting distances (most shots are under 100 yards)

• Don't attempt shots beyond your skill level

• Consider environmental factors: wind, lighting, terrain

5. Use Quality Practice Methods

• Dry fire practice (safely) to improve trigger control

• Use a scoped .22 rifle that approximates your hunting rifle's weight and feel

• Practice from hunting positions, not just bench rest

Finding Great Hunting Spots in Illinois

Improve Your Own Land

If you own hunting property, consider these improvements:

• Create food plots with deer-preferred crops (corn, soybeans, clover)

• Establish water sources in dry areas

• Build access trails that minimize disturbance

• Plant native browse to attract and hold deer

Public Hunting Opportunities

Illinois offers excellent public hunting through:

Illinois DNR Hunt Planner Tool: Use this online resource to find and scout public land near you.

Popular Public Areas:

• Dixon Springs State Park (southern Illinois)

• Sand Ridge State Forest (central Illinois)

• Shawnee National Forest (extensive southern Illinois opportunities)

Public Land Strategy:

• Scout thoroughly before season

• Hunt weekdays when possible for less pressure

• Focus on overlooked areas away from parking lots and easy access

Private Land Access

• Ask permission from local landowners

• Offer to help with farm work or land management

• Join hunting lease groups for guaranteed access

• Network with other hunters for referrals

Scouting Techniques

Look for Key Features:

• Funnels and pinch points where deer travel is concentrated

• Food sources: agricultural fields, oak groves, food plots

• Water sources: creeks, ponds, springs

• Bedding areas: thick cover on south-facing slopes

• Travel corridors: connecting food, water, and bedding areas

Use Technology:

• Aerial maps and satellite imagery

• Topographic maps to identify terrain features

• Trail cameras for monitoring deer movement patterns

Safety First: Essential Hunting Safety

Firearm Safety

• Always treat every firearm as loaded

• Never point the muzzle at anything you don't intend to destroy

• Be sure of your target and what's beyond it

• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot

Tree Stand Safety

• Always use a safety harness when climbing or hunting

• Inspect stands annually for wear and damage

• Use three points of contact when climbing

• Never hunt alone without telling someone your location

Field Safety

• Wear required hunter orange for visibility

• Carry emergency communication (cell phone, whistle)

• Know first aid basics for hunting injuries

• Hunt with a buddy when possible

Getting Connected: Hunting Education and Community

Illinois Learn to Hunt Program

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources offers excellent programs for new hunters:

• Mentored hunting opportunities with experienced hunters

• Equipment loan programs to try before you buy

• Field days combining education with hands-on experience

Local Resources

Blue Coat Arms Company Services:

• FFL transfers for firearm purchases

• Gunsmithing services for hunting rifle setup and maintenance

• Expert advice on equipment selection

• Custom work for specialized hunting needs

Hunting Organizations:

• Local sportsman's clubs for networking and education

• Illinois State Rifle Association for training and advocacy

• Quality Deer Management Association for land management education

Processing Your Harvest

Field Dressing

• Cool the carcass quickly to preserve meat quality

• Remove internal organs promptly and properly

• Keep the meat clean and free from contamination

Processing Options

• Learn to process your own for maximum control and savings

• Use local processors for convenience

• Consider specialty cuts like jerky and sausage

The Bigger Picture: Conservation Through Hunting

Deer hunting in Illinois serves crucial conservation purposes:

Population Management: Hunting helps maintain deer populations at sustainable levels that reduce crop damage and vehicle collisions.

Habitat Funding: License and permit sales fund wildlife habitat conservation and management programs.

Economic Impact: Hunting generates millions in economic activity supporting rural Illinois communities.

Tradition and Heritage: Hunting connects us to our outdoor heritage and provides valuable family bonding opportunities.

From the Gunsmith's Bench

At Blue Coat Arms Company, we see new hunters every season who are eager to learn but sometimes overwhelmed by the complexity of getting started. My advice: start simple, practice often, and never stop learning.

Whether you need help selecting the right firearm, getting your rifle properly zeroed, or understanding Illinois hunting regulations, we're here to help. Our experience with everything from Civil War reproduction firearms to modern hunting rifles gives us unique insight into what makes a successful hunting setup.

Remember: The most important shot is the one you don't take if you're not completely confident. Patience and preparation lead to success and safety in the field.

No matter your era, we got your six – whether you're using a traditional shotgun or one of the new single-shot rifles now legal in Illinois.

Need help with hunting rifle setup, scope mounting, or gunsmithing services? Contact Blue Coat Arms Company at 217-416-5962 or BlueCoatArms@gmail.com. We're located at 10001 Curran Road, Chatham, IL 62629, and we specialize in helping hunters get the most from their firearms.