Deer Hunting in Clay County, Illinois

Clay County, Illinois hunters harvested 2,714 deer in the 2024-2025 season, about 5.8 per square mile, 13th in the state. The county is roughly 0% public land.

Updated August 2026
balanced harvest
Harvest Split
2,714 total deer
Antlered1,367
Antlerless1,347
See the state's top harvest counties →
Density
5.8 deer / sq mi
This county5.8
Illinois avg3.3
See the densest counties in Illinois →
County Rank
#13 of 102
Most harvestLeast harvest
#12 Jackson County
#13 Clay County
#14 Pope County
See the full state ranking →
Public Land
0% public — 346 acres
Other state
252 ac
73%
State Wildlife/Conservation Area
94 ac
27%
See counties with the most public land →
Full History
Every reported season
SeasonAntleredAntlerlessTotal
2024-20251,3671,3472,714

Harvest source: dnr.illinois.gov

Harvest figures for Clay County are compiled from the state wildlife agency's published county reports and can be revised.

Season Dates
Illinois deer season, 2025-2026

Illinois deer and turkey season dates are listed on the Illinois season page. Harvest figures reflect the 2025-2026 season published by the Illinois wildlife agency and can be revised — always verify current regulations before you hunt.

Nearby
Counties bordering Clay County
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