Illinois deer hunting: Harvest rate during archery season remains ahead of 2019-20

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

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.