April 19, 2024
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Kendall County Forest Preserve District raises bow hunting permit by $25

90 permits to be issued for upcoming hunting season. Registration begins August 17.

By Lucas Robinson
Bow hunting season is split from Oct. 1 to Dec. 4 and from Dec. 21 to Jan. 10. Conservation Officer Corey Carlton said that the early season may be the more productive choice since deer are still in their normal routine of being active and feeding at dawn and at dusk.

(CNA photo)

Bow hunting of the local white-tailed deer population will cost $25 more following a Kendall County Forest Preserve District Commission vote Tuesday, Aug. 3.

The Forest District is expanding its bow hunt program for this hunting season, allowing 90 full-season permits compared to last year’s 81. Hunters will also have access to four additional zones this year across 13 forest preserves.

“It’s a very positive thing for the sports people of Kendall County,” said Board Member Brian DeBolt. “As we’re getting more landlocked all the time and outdoor areas are getting smaller, reducing the areas for people to access, to hunt, it’s a great bonus.”

Fees for this hunting season will now cost $250 for county residents and $350 for non-residents. Current permit holders may register now through Aug. 17. County residents can register Aug. 17 through Aug. 23; and non-residents from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. Registration will close after Sept. 8 or after 90 permits are issued.

Changes to this year’s bow hunting program include the opening up of Freeman Forest Preserve in Millington. Pickerill-Pigott Forest Preserve south of Oswego will have a zone reduction to the opening of a back trail.

The program’s aim is to reduce chronic wasting disease, a prion disease, in the white-tailed deer population. Four deer tested positive for the disease during the past bow hunt season, and all hunters must have their harvested deer checked at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Silver Springs State Park check station.