The Firearm Deer Season began this morning. Hunters are being reminded of a new procedure this year during the season. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced earlier this week that all Deer Check Stations during the firearm deer hunting seasons, slated for November 20-22 and December 3-6 are closed due to COVID-19 concerns.
Director of IDNR Colleen Callahan said in a press release that safety was the primary concern for the closure. Spokesperson for IDNR Rachel Torbert says that hunters still need to report any deer harvested during the season: “Hunters still need to report any deer harvested, and they can do that through our online service or by calling our telephone check-in system. You’ll be asked a few questions about the deer that you harvested, sex, where it was harvested, things like that. You still have to do that by 10PM on the day you harvest the animal.”
Instead of bringing deer to check stations, successful firearm hunters can call toll-free to the check-in system at 866-452-4325 or by accessing the online check-in system here.