Illinois Deer Season Dates 2026–27
Illinois splits firearm deer season into two parts and closes most of the state’s archery season while those guns are out. The dates below come from Illinois DNR’s deer pages, digest and season PDFs.
When does deer season start in Illinois?
In Illinois, the 2026–27 deer season starts with Archery, part 1 on Oct 1, 2026. The regular firearms opener is Nov 20, 2026. Every season, with its zone notes and agency source, is in the table below.
Illinois season table
| Season | Dates | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery, part 1 | Oct 1 – Nov 19, 2026 | Most counties. Crossbow legal in archery. | Agency |
| Archery (Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane east of Rt 47) | Oct 1, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027 | No firearm closure in these counties. | Agency |
| Youth firearm | Oct 10–12, 2026 | Eligible youth, sites and permits. | Agency |
| First firearm | Nov 20–22, 2026 | Regular firearms opener is Friday, Nov 20. | Agency |
| Archery, part 2 | Nov 23 – Dec 2, 2026 | Between the two firearm seasons. | Agency |
| Second firearm | Dec 3–6, 2026 | Thursday through Sunday. | Agency |
| Archery, part 3 | Dec 7, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027 | After second firearm through mid-January. | Agency |
| Muzzleloader-only | Dec 11–13, 2026 | Muzzleloader permit holders. | Agency |
| Late-winter antlerless | Dec 31, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 | Open counties posted in October. | Agency |
| Special CWD | Dec 31, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 | CWD counties only. | Agency |
| Late-winter antlerless (second segment) | Jan 15–17, 2027 | Open counties posted in October. | Agency |
| Special CWD (second segment) | Jan 15–17, 2027 | CWD counties only. | Agency |
Dates checked Oct 10, 2026 against: Illinois DNR — Deer firearm and muzzleloader; Illinois DNR — Deer archery information; Illinois DNR — 2026 hunting digest (PDF); Illinois DNR — 2026–27 late-winter season (PDF); Illinois DNR — 2026–27 special CWD season (PDF). Confirm with the agency for zone/county rules, bag limits and license requirements before you hunt.
Open right now
As of Oct 13, 2026, these are open (some only in certain zones or for certain hunters — see the notes):
- Archery, part 1 (through Nov 19, 2026)
- Archery (Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane east of Rt 47) (through Jan 17, 2027)
Next to open: First firearm on Nov 20, 2026.
What sets Illinois’ calendar apart
Bowhunters in most Illinois counties have to put the bow away twice. Archery closes for first firearm (Fri–Sun, Nov 20–22) and again for second firearm (Thu–Sun, Dec 3–6), which is why the archery row shows three pieces.
- Collar counties stay open. In Cook, DuPage, Lake and the part of Kane east of Route 47, archery runs straight through, Oct 1 to Jan 17.
- Restricted Archery Zone. In Champaign, Douglas, Macon and Piatt counties, archery is antlered-only from Oct 1–31.
- Youth firearm, Oct 10–12, over Columbus Day weekend.
- Late-winter and CWD seasons share the same two windows — Dec 31–Jan 3 and Jan 15–17 — in the counties IDNR lists.
- Crossbows are legal within archery season; there is no separate crossbow season.
Legal hunting hours in Illinois
Illinois deer hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset for your location (Illinois DNR — 2026 hunting digest (PDF)); the late-winter and CWD season PDFs repeat the same rule. Some IDNR sites post different hours, so read the site’s hunter fact sheet if you hunt public ground.
For today’s sit, check the Illinois deer movement today page or enter your ZIP below.
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FAQ
When is Illinois firearm deer season in 2026?
Illinois has two firearm seasons: Nov 20–22 and Dec 3–6, 2026. Muzzleloader-only season is Dec 11–13.
Is Illinois archery season open during gun season?
In most counties no. Archery closes during both firearm seasons. In Cook, DuPage, Lake and Kane east of Route 47 it stays open Oct 1, 2026 to Jan 17, 2027.
When are the Illinois late-winter and CWD deer seasons?
Both run Dec 31, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027 and Jan 15–17, 2027 in the counties Illinois DNR lists.