Kane County Reporter

State Representative Dan Ugaste provided an update on the firearm deer season in a Facebook post dated December 2. He said, "The second firearm deer season kicks off this Thursday."

"Illinois hunters harvested more than 54,000 deer during the first weekend of the firearm deer season," said Ugaste, according to Facebook. "The second firearm deer season kicks off this Thursday. Wishing all a safe and happy hunt!"

In his post, Ugaste shared a link to a report from Muddy River Sports, also dated December 2, which detailed the schedule for the firearm deer season. The season runs from December 5-8, with a muzzleloader-only deer season set for December 13-15. Additionally, select counties will have two more opportunities: late winter antlerless-only and chronic wasting disease (CWD) seasons scheduled for December 26-29 and January 17-19.

Screenshot of State Rep. Dan Ugaste's Dec. 2 Facebook post | State Representative Dan Ugaste's Facebook page

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

Chronic wasting disease was first identified in Illinois in 2002, prompting IDNR to initiate a targeted surveillance program. Hunters who harvest a deer in counties where CWD has been reported can have samples taken at mandatory physical check stations. In non-CWD positive counties, sample drop-off barrels or sampling vendors are available.

CWD is described as a neurological disease affecting deer and elk, which is fatal. Symptoms include emaciation, uncoordination, excessive salivation, listlessness, and holding the head low with drooping ears. However, affected animals may not always display symptoms according to Hunting Illinois’ webpage focused on CWD sampling.

Ugaste has represented Illinois' 65th House District since 2018. Before his political career, he was an attorney and shareholder at Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry specializing in workers' compensation defense and related litigation. He has served as President of the Lake Forest College Alumni Board and held leadership roles in various bar associations and committees. Ugaste graduated from Lake Forest High School and Lake Forest College and holds a Juris Doctorate degree from DePaul University.