Handgun Deer Hunting

BY MEL HOYLE

If you're looking for a new outdoor challenge, handgun deer hunting might be the sport for you.

Handgun deer hunting isn't for everyone, but more and more Illinois sportsmen are finding that this unique way of hunting offers even more challenges than the more traditional firearm and archery hunts.

Dave Kiel, a doctor from Taylorville, has become an avid handgun deer hunter. He will be hunting in Johnson County this season, but says he would prefer hunting a little closer to home.

"I have been hunting with a handgun since Illinois introduced the season in 1991," Kiel said. "I am waiting for some other counties to open up and offer handgun hunting. I have a few counties closer to home where I could hunt, but so far they don't offer handgun hunting."

DNR forest wildlife biologist John Kube explained, "Handgun hunting is for the purpose of reducing deer populations in counties that historically have high deer densities that are not being controlled through the regular firearm deer season. Since handgun hunting is considered a way of keeping deer numbers under control, permits are issued only for counties that need some reduction in the population, and are only for does."

Handgun deer hunting is growing in popularity in Illinios. Twenty-six Illinois counties are open to hunting during this year's three-day season. (Photo by Chas J. Dees.)

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OutdoorIllinois

If your idea of a successful hunt is bagging a buck with a large rack, handgun season is not for you. The purpose of the hunt is to reduce the population of deer in counties with high densities of deer, so hunters can only take antlerless deer. (Photo by Adele Hodde.)

That limits the number of opportunities. While you can hunt white-tailed deer in 102 counties with a bow and arrow and in 98 counties with a firearm, only 26 counties are open for hunting with a handgun. Applications for permits are accepted in October, and a computerized drawing is held in early November. There is no subsequent drawing period for handgun permits. The season, which runs from Jan. 12-14, is open only to residents who are at least 18 years of age, the legal age to shoot a handgun in Illinois.

But keep in mind that, if you have visions of bagging a big buck to mount over the fireplace, handgun season is not the time to fulfill this dream. Handgun hunting in Illinois is for antlerless deer. You can only take does or bucks with antlers less than three inches in length.

There are three basic types of handguns that meet the Illinois regulations: revolvers, single shots and bolt actions. Handguns must be center-fire and .30 caliber or larger, with a minimum barrel length of four inches, or single-shot muzzle loading handguns of .50 caliber or larger that are capable of producing at least 5,000 foot-pounds of energy. Semi-automatic handguns or pistols altered to allow for shoulder firing are not permitted.

One of the criticisms often leveled at handgun hunters is that their firearms don't have enough power to kill the deer. That is not true. However, it is essential that each hunter knows the range he is capable of shooting accurately. Hunters should spend some time at a range so they know each gun's accuracy and capabilities. Practicing at different distances will provide the proper balance between accuracy and the gun's power, and will greatly improve chances of bringing home a deer.

Strategies for handgun hunting frequently parallel bowhunting. More effort must be made to set stands near trails. A good area to set up a stand could be overlooking a trail or a place where several trails come together.

However, many hunters like to hunt from the ground, choosing concealment over shooting from a tree stand.

Another factor to consider is the availability of a solid handgun rest. Overlooking the need for a solid rest can mean the difference between filling your freezer or coming home empty handed. There are commercial rests you can purchase, or you can design and make your own. If you don't take a rest with you, there are many natural objects that can be used while in the field, including a tree limb, rock, log or other surface material that will provide a sturdy base. Hunters using a rest need to remember to cushion their handgun so the frame and barrel are not pressed against the solid surface.

Keep these pointers in mind and join the growing number of enthusiasts as handgun hunting comes of age in Illinois.

Mel Hoyle is an intern with the Department of Natural Resources.

January 2001

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