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
Regular Firearm
First Firearm Deer Season: November 20, 21 & 22, 2026
White-tailed Deer
First Firearm
First Firearm Deer Season: November 20, 21 & 22, 2026
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Second Firearm Deer Season: December 3, 4, 5 & 6, 2026
White-tailed Deer
Second Firearm
Second Firearm Deer Season: December 3, 4, 5 & 6, 2026
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Muzzleloader-Only Deer Season. Hunters may also use a muzzleloader permit with a muzzleloading rifle during Second Firearm Season December 3-6, 2026
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Nearby deer seasons
Illinois Deer Season FAQ
When does deer season open in Illinois?
November 20, 2026 is the earliest listed deer opener in Illinois — regular firearm white-tailed deer runs Nov 20-22, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Illinois DNR.
What are the 2026 deer season dates in Illinois?
Illinois lists 5 deer season windows: Regular Firearm White-tailed Deer (Nov 20-22, 2026); First Firearm White-tailed Deer (Nov 20-22, 2026); Regular Firearm White-tailed Deer (Dec 3-6, 2026); Second Firearm White-tailed Deer (Dec 3-6, 2026); Muzzleloader White-tailed Deer (Dec 11-13, 2026). Always verify against Illinois DNR before hunting.
Are there different deer seasons in Illinois?
Yes — Illinois lists separate deer seasons for Regular Firearm White-tailed Deer, First Firearm White-tailed Deer, Second Firearm White-tailed Deer, Muzzleloader White-tailed Deer. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Illinois DNR.
Do I need a license to hunt deer in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and deer hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Illinois DNR.