We review the national deer harvest trends discussed in the National Deer Association's Deer Report 2026. We look at age structure of harvested deer, sex ratios, and methods of take. We also see how Illinois compares to other stats. These states provide a window into how whitetail management is being conducted throughout the country.

The NDA Deer Report 2026: https://deerassociation.com/2026-deer-report/

Learn more about IL Learn to Hunt: https://linktr.ee/learntohuntil

The University of Illinois' Illinois Learn to Hunt program provides FREE educational content, training webinars, and workshops to teach ADULT participants how to hunt deer, turkey, squirrels, pheasants, ducks, geese and other game. The Hunting Illinois podcast provides educational discussions with experts, review of animal ecology, hunting strategies, and so much more. Make sure to register for free webinars and workshops through our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates on the program and Illinois hunting in general. It is never too late to learn how to hunt!

In this episode we go over some of our favorite outdoor personalities and trailblazers that we lost in 2025.

Learn more about IL Learn to Hunt: https://linktr.ee/learntohuntil

The University of Illinois' Illinois Learn to Hunt program provides FREE educational content, training webinars, and workshops to teach ADULT participants how to hunt deer, turkey, squirrels, pheasants, ducks, geese and other game. The Hunting Illinois podcast provides educational discussions with experts, review of animal ecology, hunting strategies, and so much more. Make sure to register for free webinars and workshops through our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates on the program and Illinois hunting in general. It is never too late to learn how to hunt!

In this episode we discuss a new article published in The Atlantic "Eat More Deer" where the author explores the topic of commercially selling wild game. We look at the article and talk about the history of how we got here and the role of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

Read the article here: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/2026/01/deer-hunting-venison-sale/685537/

How to submit your windshield card: https://youtu.be/yOh5G_uGjB4

Learn more about IL Learn to Hunt: https://linktr.ee/learntohuntil

The University of Illinois' Illinois Learn to Hunt program provides FREE educational content, training webinars, and workshops to teach ADULT participants how to hunt deer, turkey, squirrels, pheasants, ducks, geese and other game. The Hunting Illinois podcast provides educational discussions with experts, review of animal ecology, hunting strategies, and so much more. Make sure to register for free webinars and workshops through our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates on the program and Illinois hunting in general. It is never too late to learn how to hunt!