If limitations on crossbows kept you from hunting Illinois in the past, it might be time to reconsider! Crossbows are now legal during the archery whitetail seasons here in Illinois. If you’re a crossbow hunter, a trophy whitetail hunt in Illinois should be on your list.
Back in 2017, a new was signed by the governor of Illinois that removed restrictions on the use of crossbows during archery hunting seasons. Crossbows are now legal in Illinois during all archery seasons. A special permit is no longer required.
The new law went into effect immediately. Prior to the 2017 season, the use of crossbows during archery seasons was limited to hunters over the age of 62, or to those who had a special disability permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Now, anyone may choose to use a crossbow during the archery deer hunting seasons in Illinois.
The new law legalizing the use of crossbows had strong support throughout the process. Understandably though, the change was met with some skepticism and vocal opposition. Arguments for the inclusion of crossbows include the ability to include and retain a broader base of hunters.
In Illinois, our archery hunting seasons begin in early October and continue through early January, with a few breaks for limited shotgun and muzzleloader seasons.
If the previous crossbow restrictions kept you from hunting in Illinois during the archery seasons, this change may come as a welcome opportunity. If you have questions about archery hunts with Hadley Creek Outfitters, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
To learn more about our trophy whitetail hunts, please take a look at the rest of our website. If you’d like to chat with us about specific availability, or details on the upcoming whitetail season, please give us a call at 217-335-3804 or send us a message.