Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois hunters took more than 81,000 deer during the firearm season.

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the total kill of 81,225 is fewer than last year’s 82,496. This year, Jefferson was the top county, with 2,185, two more than Randolph County’s 2,183. Adams, Fayette, and Jackson Counties were the only other ones with more than 2,000 deer harvested this year.

Sangamon County hunters bagged 605 deer, compared to 544 in 2024.

The firearm season runs the weekend before and the weekend after Thanksgiving weekend.

Late-winter antlerless and chronic wasting disease deer hunting are available in some counties in January.

Archery season continues through Jan. 18.