SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Recent figures released by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources reveal that young hunters achieved a record-breaking deer harvest during this year’s youth firearm deer season in Illinois.

Youth hunters, defined as those under the age of 18, are permitted to hunt under the guidance of a licensed adult. This year’s youth deer hunting season spanned three days, from October 11 to 13.

During this brief period, young hunters across the state successfully harvested 4,714 deer, setting a new record. This marks an increase of over 600 deer compared to the previous year, when the tally stood at 4,097, according to the IDNR.