Buck Percentage Increase with Latest Preliminary Harvest Numbers

Buck Percentage Increase with Latest Preliminary Harvest Numbers

The archery harvest numbers are out.  The preliminary data was collected through November 13, 2016.  It's easy to see that the rut is on with the increase in harvested bucks.  Plus this little cold snap we had this past weekend didn't hurt.  The below information was provided by Paul Shelton, Manager of Forest Wildlife Program.

Through Sunday, November 13, 2016, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 39,370 deer, compared to 38,076 for the same period in 2015.

Harvest to date has consisted of 44% does and 56% males (17386: 21984). During the past week, harvest consisted of 69% males with strong rutting activity ongoing. Top five counties were Pike (1562), Fulton (1116), Adams (936), Jefferson (894), and JoDaviess (807). A table of county results is attached.

Up-to-date archery harvest figures (for either deer or turkey) by county/state sites can be tracked on the web at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/IDNRHarvestQuery.aspx

Paul Shelton, Manager
Forest Wildlife Program