(CORRECTION ON SHOTGUN DATES) Archery Deer Hunting Starts This Week

BY JIM TAYLOR, FARMWEEKNOW.COM

Deer hunting ramps up this week in Illinois.

The archery season begins Oct. 1 and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) offered hunters three safety reminders.

“Say that you’re planning to hunt from an elevated tree stand, you want to make sure hunters get their tree stands installed properly,” said IDNR spokesman Tim Schweizer. “If you leave it up all year on your property, take a safety checklist and make sure everything is secure.”

IDNR provides a comprehensive list of hunting requirements on its website.

“If you’re planning to hunt deer with a bow and arrow this fall, you’re going to need a hunting license, a habitat stamp and archery deer permit,” Schweizer said during a recent visit with RFD Radio. “It’s important to have the permit before you go hunting.” Without a permit, hunters could receive a ticket.

“If you’re hunting public land, make sure you check the regulations for the specific site you intend to hunt,” Schweizer said. “If you’re hunting someone’s private land, obviously make sure you have their permission because trespass laws do apply.”

The two firearm deer weekends in Illinois are Nov. 22-24 and December 5-8.