Gov. Quinn signs crossbow bill

On Tuesday, Gov. Pat Quinn signed HB 4819 allowing the use of crossbows during the second half of archery deer hunting season.

Crossbow use has been restricted to older hunters and those with disabilities.

The law would allow a crossbow to used following the second Monday after Thanksgiving (Dec. 3) through the end of the archery season in mid-January.

Crossbows still are legal during the full archery season for those 62 and over and those with disabilities.

Archery deer and turkey season opens Oct. 1 and closes Jan. 20.

Archery hunting goes on hiatus during the traditional firearm deer season Nov. 16 – 18 and Nov. 29 – Dec. 2.

Illinois deer season dates:

Archery: Oct. 1 - Jan. 20.

Youth firearm: Oct. 6 - 7.

Firearm: Nov. 16 - 18 and Nov. 29 - Dec. 2.

Muzzleloader: Dec. 7 - 9.

Late-winter and CWD seasons: Dec. 27 - 30 and Jan. 18 - 20.