Hunters in Illinois took a preliminary total of 76,232 deer during the seven-day 2023 Illinois firearm deer season that concluded December 3. That's about 600 less than last year.
The top four counties in southern Illinois were also among the highest totals statewide.
Randolph County hunters harvested 2,174 deer -- the most in the state -- Jackson County an even 2,000...Jefferson County 1,906 and Williamson County reported 1,733.
The late winterless antler deer season runs December 28th through the 31st and January 12th through the 14th in Perry, Randolph, Saline, Hamilton and Marion counties.
The archery deer season continues through January 14.