The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has issued a reminder to firearm deer hunters about the mandatory check stations in counties where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected. The 2024 Illinois firearm deer season is scheduled for November 22-24 and December 5-8.
These check stations are part of IDNR's efforts to monitor CWD in several counties, including Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Grundy, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Livingston, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Will, and Winnebago. Hunters who successfully harvest deer in these areas must take their game to a designated check station by 8 p.m. on the day of the kill.
IDNR emphasizes that "successful firearm hunters in CWD counties should not attempt to report their deer online or via telephone; check station attendance in these counties is mandatory." A list of locations for CWD testing can be accessed online. It is noted that hunters harvesting deer in Kane County should use a check station in an adjacent county. Additionally, the Carroll County check station has moved to the Carroll County Farm Bureau in Mount Carroll.
For successful hunters outside of CWD counties, reporting their harvest by 10 p.m. on the same calendar day is required through either an online system or by calling 866-452-4325 (866-IL-CHECK). Deer from other counties can also be tested for CWD at participating vendors such as taxidermists and meat processors or at self-serve drop-off sites listed online.
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