Archery deer hunting season has officially begun, and firearm season is just around the corner.

Deer archery hunting season began Oct. 1 and will run through January. For Illinois residents, the application for a single deer archery either-sex permit is already closed. A combination deer archery permit or a single deer archery antlerless-only permit are still available for purchase over the counter at a licensed vendor until Jan. 14, 2024.

The first firearm deer season is scheduled for Nov. 17-19; the second firearm deer season is set from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3; and the muzzleloader-only deer season is set for Dec. 8-10.

All 2023 deer lottery application periods are now closed. However, remaining county-specific permits after the Lottery 3 drawings will be available for sale over the counter only at license vendors on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Oct. 17.

For more information on safe hunting in Illinois, visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting.html.