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Ralph Loos: Illinois has gradually shifted toward an older buck population

According to the most recent DNR Deer Report from Illinois, the 2025-26 buck harvest in the state was dominated by mature deer with ample antler points. (Photo by Bill Key)

As you probably realize, I typically refuse to let numbers tell a story, because that’s why William Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss – and before them cavemen, though more likely cavewomen – invented words.
So it’s with admitted contradiction that I share the story of the most recent Illinois deer season by becoming a numerical nerd. In other words, data provided in DNR’s Deer Report formed the facts and figures into painful and head-splitting charts and scales. I broke them down to build a narrative – and ease my headaches.

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