Hunters in Illinois appear to have taken advantage of our mostly good weather over the past few weeks. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reports more than 85,000 deer were harvested during the seven-day firearm season — a more than 10 percent increase over last year.

Preliminary totals show 86,771 deer were harvested during the season that ended Sunday. Department data show the biggest harvests were in Adams, Jackson, Randolph, Pike and Jo Daviess counties.

In Winnbeago County, 368 deer were taken this year compared to 340 in 2014. And in Ogle County, 928 deer were taken compared to 837 in 2014.

The hunting season isn't over yet.

Illinois' archery deer hunting season lasts until January 17, and muzzleloader-only season runs Friday through Sunday.

Late-winter antlerless-only deer hunting seasons are scheduled for December 31 to January 3 and January 15-17.

 

 

More From WROK 1440 AM / 96.1 FM