Illinois Deer Season 2026
Illinois deer season dates start with Nov 20-22, 2026. The table below keeps every listed deer row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Illinois's listed 2026 firearm deer season runs Nov 20-22, 2026.
First Firearm White-tailed Deer opens Nov 20, 2026 and closes Nov 22, 2026.
Regular Firearm White-tailed Deer opens Dec 3, 2026 and closes Dec 6, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Illinois DNR.
Deer
White-tailed Deer
First Firearm
Nov 20-22, 2026
First Firearm Deer Season: November 20, 21 & 22, 2026
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Nov 20-22, 2026
First Firearm Deer Season: November 20, 21 & 22, 2026
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Dec 3-6, 2026
Second Firearm Deer Season: December 3, 4, 5 & 6, 2026
White-tailed Deer
Second Firearm
Dec 3-6, 2026
Second Firearm Deer Season: December 3, 4, 5 & 6, 2026
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Dec 11-13, 2026
Muzzleloader-Only Deer Season. Hunters may also use a muzzleloader permit with a muzzleloading rifle during Second Firearm Season December 3-6, 2026