Illinois hunters took more than 47,000 deer during the first weekend of firearm deer season.
After a weekend of pretty nice weather, State Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Rachel Torbert says hunters harvested 47, 147 deer.
"That's compared with 50, 173 from last year. So, we're a little lower. But, when you look at any number of factors, including weather, the number of crops in the ground, things like that. We're still looking good and of course we'll see what the second firearm season brings."
That season runs December 3-6. There are other deer hunting opportunities in Illinois as well. The archery season lasts until January 17, and muzzleloader-only hunting will be held December 11-13.
