Preliminary numbers indicate that Illinois hunters harvested just over 1,500 more deer this year compared to figures in 2011.
99,324 deer were killed during the 7-day firearm season in November and earlier this month. That number is compared to 97,820 in 2012.
During the 2nd season between November 29th and December 2nd, 27,213 deer were harvested.
Warm temperatures along with the crops out of the fields were 2 major reasons why more deer were killed this year.
63 more deer were harvested this year in Ogle Cpunty which totaled 1,097. Lee County had 80 more deer killed while DeKalb county saw an increase of 12.
Pike County once again lead the state with most deer being killed during the firearm season at 3,068.
Hunters are reminded that the archery deer season continues through January 20th. The 3-day muzzle-loader deer season begins today and runs through Sunday.
