SPRINGFIELD – Hunters in Illinois may use crossbows during archery hunting seasons, including the Illinois Archery Deer Season and the Illinois Fall Turkey Archery Season beginning on Oct. 1.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

Article continues after sponsor message

Governor Bruce Rauner signed into law House Bill 2893, which amended the Illinois Wildlife Code to repeal restrictions on the use of crossbows during archery hunting seasons in Illinois.

Illinois law previously allowed the use of crossbows for archery hunting by persons age 62 or older, and those persons with disabilities who qualified for a crossbow permit issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). In addition, the previous law allowed certain youth hunters to use crossbows, and allowed all archery hunters to use crossbows beginning the Monday after the second firearm deer season.

The 2017-18 season dates for archery deer and fall turkey archery hunting in Illinois are Oct. 1, 2017 through Jan. 14, 2018. Archery seasons will be closed Nov. 17-19 and Nov. 30-Dec. 3 during the Firearm Deer Season in those counties open to firearm deer hunting.

More like this:

Nov 28, 2023 - Macoupin County Records Highest Area Deer Harvest Totals In First Weekend Of Firearm Season

Dec 12, 2023 - More Than 76,000 Deer Harvested During Illinois Firearm Deer Season

Sep 27, 2023 - Drone Use For Hunting Prohibited In Illinois, IDNR Reminds Hunters

Feb 25, 2024 - Chuck Martin Named 2023 IRAP Landowner Of the Year, Three Others in Area Recognized

Oct 26, 2023 - IDNR Announces 2023-2024 Chronic Wasting Disease Sampling Locations For Deer Hunters