East Central Reporter

State Representative Adam Niemerg shared information about the upcoming deer season in a Facebook post dated November 20. He expressed his wishes for a "safe and successful hunt" to all participants.

"The first firearm deer season opens this Friday in Illinois," said Adam M Niemerg, State Representative for 102nd District (R), according to Facebook. "Wishing all a safe a successful hunt!"

In the same post, Niemerg included a link to The Caucus Blog, which announced the start of firearm deer season. The blog post provided details on the start and end dates for both rounds of firearm deer season, as well as clothing requirements. Hunters are required to wear blaze orange or blaze pink, with the latter being introduced in 2018 following legislation co-sponsored by Representative Tony McCombie. Additionally, hunters in counties where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected must report their hunt by 10 p.m. on the day they harvest a deer, either by calling 866-452-4325 or through an online portal.

Screenshot of State Rep. Adam Niemerg's Nov. 20 Facebook post | State Representative Adam Niemerg Facebook page

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), there were three lottery drawings for firearm or muzzleloader permits held from March 2024 through August 2024. The third season for muzzleloader deer hunting is scheduled for December 13-15. During the second Firearm Deer Season, hunters may use a muzzleloader permit with a muzzleloading rifle.

Chronic wasting disease was first identified in Illinois in 2002, prompting IDNR to initiate a targeted surveillance program. Hunters who harvest deer in CWD-positive counties can have samples taken at mandatory physical check stations. In other counties, samples can be submitted via drop-off barrels or sampling vendors.

Chronic Wasting Disease is described as a neurological condition affecting deer and elk, leading to fatal outcomes. Symptoms include emaciation, lack of coordination, excessive salivation, listlessness, and drooping ears; however, some animals may not exhibit any signs according to Hunting Illinois’ webpage focused on CWD sampling.

Niemerg was elected in 2020 and describes himself as a "fiscal conservative focused on reducing taxes and fighting for limited government and pension reform," according to his official biography. He works as a senior claims adjuster with Country Financial and holds a bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University.