Illinois bowhunters continue to harvest deer at a pace well ahead of the rate in the 2019-20 season.

By Dale Bowman

File photo of a crossbow at the ready in a stand in central Illinois; perhaps one factor in the climbing archery harvest in Illinois. Credit: Dale Bowman — File photo of a crossbow at the ready in a stand in central Illinois; perhaps one factor in the climbing archery harvest in Illinois.

Here is an update on Illinois’ archery harvest so far. The harvest rate remains well ahead of the rate during the same time during the 2019-20 season. Something to consider while we await the harvest figures from the first firearm deer season. I included a crossbow photo because I think that is one contributing factor.

Here is the word on the update from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources:

Here’s an update on the Illinois Archery Deer Season from the IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources: ARCHERY DEER SEASON Through the Thursday, November 19, 2020, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 59,815 deer, compared to 55,079 for the same period in 2019. As of November 19, harvest has consisted of 58% males and 42% females (34,417:25,398). The top five harvest totals by county were Pike (1,924), Jefferson (1,505), Fulton (1,415), Adams (1,223), and Williamson (1,169).

County breakdown was not yet available. I will attach the county breakdown when it comes.

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