Illinois Deer hunting

[gf1723]

Unfortunately, I was not able to kill a deer during the first season this year, but I plan to go out next season. I figured I would ask the question here to fellow Illinois hunters because I just can't find it through all the DNR information.

I believe it is legal to hunt with a handgun (wanting to use a .357) during the regular firearm seasons this year in Illinois? I thought about it for first season but wasn't entirely sure and I didn't have time to practice my shots with the .357. If this is allowed, is it legal to bring both a shotgun and a handgun? I would use the shotgun for 30+ yards and try to use the handgun for closer range. I had a spiked buck come in this season about 20 yards away but passed on him. Can any Illinois hunters clarify this for me?

 

[Hurricane]

It is legal to carry a handgun during the firearm season. Years ago, the handgun season was in january. But recently (last few years) it was changed.

A .357 is legal to use, provided the barrel is minimum 4" long. It also must not be semi-automatic, or capable of being fired from the shoulder.

http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Documents/DeerInfoSheet.pdf

I see nothing that outright states you cannot possess more than one type of firearm. I do read that "No person may have in his possession any firearm not authorized by administrative rule for a specific hunting season when taking deer." Since your handgun would be authorized I do not see it as an issue. This pdf is also the same letter that comes along with your permit in the mail.

 

[gf1723]

Thanks for replying Hurricane. I don't really understand the "semi-automatic" rule. To me that means no handgun that fires a round for every pull of the trigger. Isn't that basically what a revolver does? My gun is a 6.5" .357 that shoots either single or double action. Wouldn't that be semi-automatic?

 

[BCCL]

"My gun is a 6.5" .357 that shoots either single or double action.

That revolver will be fine for handgun hunting in Illinois, as long as the ammunition your using generates at least 500 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.

In my experience, "most" factory rounds with a 158gr or heavier bullet will top that 500 ft lbs.

2010 is the first year where handguns have been OK for all firearms seasons, prior to that they were restricted to the 2nd season only.

Good luck, handgun hunting deer is a blast as I found out this weekend myself!

 

[Kernel]

I don't really understand the "semi-automatic" rule.

It's Illinois. Do you really expect the rules to make sense?

(It's not just Illinois. Every state has their share of these nonsensical rules).

 

[BCCL]

^LOL, as a life long resident of Illinois, I can say your dead on!!!

 

[sourdough44]

I will be back this week with a few anterless tags & the muzzle-loader. The buddy & I bagged these the 1st weekend.

 

[d2wing]

A revolver isn't considered a semi-auto in either double or single action. In this state a .357 or bigger is a legal pistol, and they can be carried with a long gun as well.

 

[milq]

I am handgun hunting in IL this year as well. I only got one shot so far and hit enough brush to miss the deer....not to mention I can't hear ^#&% now. You guys use any hearing protection for hunting? I carry plugs but the deer came up so quickly I had to choose between the plugs or losing a shot (clearly I chose poorly since I got a shot but no deer)

 

[General Lee]

Yeah living in IL kinda sucks when it comes to firearms. I am going to have to hunt in MO next year if I want to use my new 300 Win Mag to hunt..

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

I only got one shot so far and hit enough brush to miss the deer....not to mention I can't hear ^#&% now. You guys use any hearing protection for hunting?

Sure do. I use the Walkers Game Ear in both ears. I have pretty crappy hearing in my left ear due to severe ringing and those Game Ear's help. And the greatly reduce the impulse from a pistol/rifle blast.