SOUTHERN, IL (WITHERS BROADCASTING) — Deer hunters in South Central Illinois and across the state for that matter, had a successful first shotgun hunting season. Statewide, hunters harvested 54,661 deer, an increase of 1,294 compared to last year and 100 more than two years ago. Local counties also reported strong numbers. Marion County saw 1,272 deer taken, up 70 from last year. Jefferson County hunters bagged 1,406 deer, a rise from 1,286 in 2023. Fayette County hunters reported 1,298 deer, up from 1,166 last year. The second shotgun season is set for December 5-8, followed by a muzzle loader season December 13-15, and archery season runs through January 19, except during the shotgun weekend.