Deer Hunting in Shelby County, Illinois

Shelby County, Illinois hunters harvested 2,833 deer in the 2024-2025 season, about 3.7 per square mile, 42nd in the state. The county is roughly 1% public land.

Updated August 2026
balanced harvest
Harvest Split
2,833 total deer
Antlered1,504
Antlerless1,329
See the state's top harvest counties →
Density
3.7 deer / sq mi
This county3.7
Illinois avg3.3
See the densest counties in Illinois →
County Rank
#42 of 102
Most harvestLeast harvest
#41 Clinton County
#42 Shelby County
#43 Rock Island County
See the full state ranking →
Public Land
1% public — 3,922 acres
State Park/Recreation
3,382 ac
86%
Other federal
318 ac
8%
State Wildlife/Conservation Area
156 ac
4%
Local/Metropark
48 ac
1%
Other state
18 ac
0%
See counties with the most public land →
Full History
Every reported season
SeasonAntleredAntlerlessTotal
2024-20251,5041,3292,833

Harvest source: dnr.illinois.gov

Harvest figures for Shelby 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 Shelby County
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