McLean County Times

State Representative Dennis Tipsword announced the start of firearm deer season in a Facebook post dated November 20. He said, "Wishing all a safe and successful hunt!"

"The first firearm deer season opens this Friday in Illinois," said Dennis Tipsword, Jr., State Representative for 105h District (R), according to Facebook. "Wishing all a safe a successful hunt!"

In his post, Tipsword shared a link to The Caucus Blog, which provided details about the start and end dates of both rounds of firearm deer season and clothing requirements. Hunters are required to wear blaze orange or blaze pink clothing, the latter being an option since 2018 following legislation co-sponsored by Representative Tony McCombie. Hunters in counties where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected must report their hunt by 10 p.m. on the day they capture a deer, either by calling 866-452-4325 or through an online portal.

Screenshot of State Representative Dennis Tipsword's Nov. 20 Facebook post | State Representative Dennis Tipsword's Facebook page

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), there were three lottery drawings for firearm or muzzleloader permits from March 2024 through August 2024. The third season for muzzleloader deer hunting is scheduled for December 13-15. The IDNR notes that during the second Firearm Deer Season, hunters may use a muzzleloader permit with a muzzleloading rifle.

Chronic wasting disease was first discovered in Illinois in 2002, prompting IDNR to initiate a targeted surveillance program. Hunters who capture deer in CWD-positive counties can have samples taken at mandatory physical check stations. In other counties, sample drop-off barrels or sampling vendors are available for testing. Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal neurological disease affecting deer and elk, causing symptoms such as emaciation, uncoordination, excessive salivation, listlessness, and drooping ears. Some affected animals may not display any signs.

Dennis Tipsword was elected to represent the people of the 105th House District in 2022 and was sworn into office in January 2013. He is a lifelong resident of Illinois, former small business owner, long-time member of the Woodford County Central Committee, and volunteer youth sports coach.