Illinois archery deer harvest tops 30,000

Illinois archery deer hunters enjoyed good weather conditions and plenty of success as the archery deer harvest preliminary total reached 30,956.

“Hunting conditions remained excellent during the past week, with cool weather and light winds throughout the period,” said Paul Shelton, Illinois Department of Natural Resources forest wildlife program manger,in an e-mailed update.

“Small amounts of rain fell during the early morning hours on Saturday in parts of the state, but harvest remained strong,” he said. “Harvest was up significantly this week, and the proportion of males in the harvest continued to climb.”

The preliminary total of 30,956 deer compares with 28,198 during the same time period last year and a five year average of 29,381.

Harvest sex ratios to date consist of 56 percent does and 44 percent males (17,475 female; 13,481 males). 

Males made up about 59 percent of the past week’s total. 

The top five counties to date are Pike (1,309), Fulton (998), Jefferson (685), Peoria (671), and Adams (656). 

County-by-county totals are below: