Though the proposal by the Illinois DNR is still under a 45 day public comment period, plans for the proposal that would restrict doe harvest are moving forward. The DNR is working hard to combat continued population decreases in the central part of the state. The affected counties would be Champaign, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt which would form the restricted archery zone.
The state enacted similar restrictions during the late 90’s with success in restoring whitetail populations back to objectives. The 2018 proposal would not allow the harvest of antlerless deer from October 1st through the 15th in the five counties. After that regulations and bag limits would return to normal.
What do you think? Is this the right move? Is it enough to move the needle?
