A number of changes have been made for 2020-2021 deer hunting seasons procedures at state sites.
The changes in health and safety protocols are in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and intended to provide greater protection to hunters and site staff.
Hunters should follow Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines, including wearing masks when social distancing cannot be achieved, and refraining from congregating in parking lots.
Changes in regulations include no standby deer hunting on state sites for the 2020-2021 hunting seasons. Deer hunting during the Firearm, Muzzleloading Rifle, CWD, and Late Winter Deer Seasons on state sites, where special permits are issued through the regular statewide drawing, will be limited to those who possess a site permit at the beginning of the season.
Some procedures will be modified to eliminate crowding and maintain social distancing. On state sites where hunters are required to check in, check out, and report their deer harvest on-site, site staff will implement changes to keep employees and hunters safe.
Modifications can include a drive-through check-in/check-out procedure where hunters remain in their vehicle for the process, or an unstaffed check station where hunters park, sign themselves in and out and report harvest. Upon arriving on-site, hunters should report to the normal check station and follow instructions as posted by staff.
The 5 a.m. check-in time will be waived; hunters need only check in before going afield. Self-check-in and check-out procedures are already in place on many sites.
Special Hunts for Disabled Hunters also will be modified. Interested hunters should contact the site office for information regarding disabled hunt permit applications and deadlines. Disabled hunters must possess a Class P2A disability card to be eligible for the drawing.
Hunters also are strongly encouraged to bring a non-hunting partner.
Hunters selected will be contacted prior to the hunt by site staff to arrange for payment of permit and the selection of blind or hunting location, if applicable. For protection of the public and staff, hunters requesting transportation to/from their hunting location or assistance with removing harvested deer from the field will be required to undergo a COVID-19 screening and wear a face covering, unless they have a medical exemption. The screening includes answering a brief survey and submitting to a temperature check.
There will be no in-person drawings or assignments for blind locations or hunting zones/areas. On state sites where permitted hunters are assigned to a specific zone, area or location, staff will select hunting locations for all hunters prior to the start of the hunting season, and will notify hunters of their assignment by mail or upon arrival at the check station. There will be no traditional zone or area selection gatherings.
Mandatory in-person, pre-season orientation meetings are suspended for the 2020-2021 deer hunting seasons.
In lieu of these meetings, hunters may be provided with relevant site orientation or safety information before the beginning of the season by mail. Sites may post or provide hunters with orientation or safety information upon check-in on the first morning of the hunt.
For a full list of sites impacted by the changes, click here.