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What you need to know about deer hunting in Iowa and Illinois

Deer hunting season is about to begin and hunters are encouraged to plan ahead.
photo from iowa-deer-hunting.com

Deer hunting season is about to begin and hunters are encouraged to plan ahead.

In Iowa, the first shotgun deer season begins Saturday, December 5, 2015. In Illinois, second firearm deer season goes from Thursday, December 3 through Sunday, December 6.

The Iowa DNR is expecting around 70,000 hunters to participate in the season, yet with less than a week before the start date, only about 30 percent of licenses had been sold.

Iowa hunters can get their licenses online or at various retailers. Click here to see the different license applications on the Iowa DNR’s website.  Click here to find a retailer near you. The DNR is encouraging hunters to get them ahead of time to avoid long lines.

Illinois hunters, click here to see license and permit information. Licenses are available online or through various vendors.

Reminders:

  • In Iowa, deer harvests have to be reported by midnight the day after the deer is recovered. You can report your harvest on the DNR’s website, or by calling 1-800-771-4692.
  • In Illinois, deer harvests have to be reported by 10 p.m. on the day of kill. You can report your harvest either using the automated check-in system, or by calling 1-866-452-4325 (1-866-IL-CHECK).
  • For all deer seasons, hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

2015 DEER HUNTING REGULATIONS – ILLINOIS

2015-16 Iowa Hunting and Trapping Regulations

Related: Share your photos – Deer season opens

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