IL HB5881

Amends the Wildlife Code to specify that the annual firearm deer hunting season must occur between November 1 and December 31, inclusive, with a maximum of 14 days total.

Requires the firearm season to include at least 4 consecutive days before Thanksgiving and at least 5 consecutive days after Thanksgiving.

Permits deer hunting with shotguns, handguns, single-shot centerfire rifles, or muzzleloading rifles during the firearm season, and with bow and arrow during separate seasons set by the Director.

Establishes specifications for legal handguns and rifles, including .30 caliber or larger centerfire cartridges with at least 500 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle and 4-inch minimum handgun barrel length.

Authorizes the Department to establish separate harvest periods for disease management and surplus deer removal at specific sites during September 1 to February 15.