Illinois Deer Season 2026-27
Opens in 4 daysIllinois's deer season opens 2026-10-01 and closes 2027-01-17.
Last verified September 25, 2026Illinois wildlife agency
Zones & dates
- Opens in 4 days
Counties with firearm season
Archery (segment 1)
- Opens
- October 1, 2026
- Closes
- November 19, 2026
- Bag limit
- Closed during firearm seasons; Cook/DuPage/Lake/east Kane open continuously Oct 1-Jan 17
- Opens in 54 days
Statewide
Firearm (first season)
- Opens
- November 20, 2026
- Closes
- November 22, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 57 days
Counties with firearm season
Archery (segment 2)
- Opens
- November 23, 2026
- Closes
- December 2, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 67 days
Statewide
Firearm (second season)
- Opens
- December 3, 2026
- Closes
- December 6, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 71 days
Counties with firearm season
Archery (segment 3)
- Opens
- December 7, 2026
- Closes
- January 17, 2027
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 75 days
Statewide
Muzzleloader only
- Opens
- December 11, 2026
- Closes
- December 13, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
Key rules
- Dates and units
- Use the zone or region shown for your hunt.
- Official regulations
- Confirm license, permit, legal shooting hours, bag limits, and special requirements with the state agency before hunting.
Frequently asked questions
Illinois's deer season opens 2026-10-01 and closes 2027-01-17.
Regulations change every year and can vary by county or unit. Hunting Season by State is a reference tool, not a substitute for the official regulation book — always verify dates, zones, and bag limits with the state wildlife agency before you hunt.