Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller announced changes last week to the 2014-15 deer hunting season, including the removal of 20 additional counties from the late-winter season and a reduction in the number of firearm permits available in some counties.

IDNR biologists made recommendations for the coming season following a review of deer hunting harvest numbers, deer-vehicle accident data, a survey of Illinois deer hunters, hemorrhagic disease reports and other factors. “Solid science is the basis of our deer program,” Miller said. In Monroe County, there will be 300 fewer permits issued for main firearm season. The late winter antler-less season will continue unchanged.

In Randolph County, there will be no changes to the main firearm season. But unlike in previous years, Randolph County will not have a late winter antler-less season.

St. Clair County, like Randolph County, will also not have any changes to the number of permits issued for the main firearm season. But they will not have a late winter antler-less season either.

For more information, visit www.dnr.illinois.gov or email chris.young@illinois.gov.