Deer Hunting Lunar Calendar
This year’s deer season marks the first where Illinois hunters can use rifles
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — Deer hunting season is in full effect and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has some new regulations.
I spoke with hunters about how these changes will affect them.
As of January 2023, Illinois hunters are now permitted to hunt deer using rifles. The archery deer hunting season officially began on October 1st.
This year’s deer season marks the first where Illinois hunters can use rifles. A change the Illinois State Rifle Association executive director Richard Pearson said couldn’t have come at a better time.
“They’re much more accurate, much more far-ranging. But most people would rather shoot a rifle because it’s more comfortable for them, it fits them better,” Pearson said.
Per state regulations, any rifles used must be converted to a single-shot rifle.
Pearson said hunters need to make sure their firearm meets the law’s requirements.
“You can take most rifles, many rifles, and convert them into a single-shot rifle,” he said. “So your regular rifle, normally, will find some way so you can shoot it in a single shot.”
Illinois hunter Scott Bryant hopes this new law will bring more people into the hunting community.
“I think it will help a lot of hunters that would normally not be a young age to get out there and start hunting. I think it will definitely help that and we need that here in Illinois because we’re losing our hunting communities,” Bryant said.
Bryant said using rifles will be helpful for youth, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities who are looking to hunt deer. Mainly because the recoil isn’t as strong as a shotgun.
“These new firearms and these rifle cartridges will definitely help out with that recoil problem with these younger kids,” he said, “It will even help with the accuracy because they’re not expecting that big jolt.”
Illinois Department of Natural Resources said administrative rules are still being developed to accommodate the new law, which went into effect at the start of this year.
For more information on what calibers are legal for your rifle and the dates for this year’s deer seasons, head here.
