The great outdoors just got a bit more accessible for novice deer hunters seeking guidance through the labyrinth of learning the ropes of archery. Per an announcement by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), mentored archery deer hunting is set to mark its territory at Kickapoo State Recreation Area in Vermilion County. The program stretched from Dec. 16 to Jan. 3.

According to the IDNR press release, hunters interested in participating in the mentored deer hunt program will be granted access to specific sections of the recreation area that are otherwise closed to archery deer hunting. The program is open to adult and youth hunters who have less than three years of deer hunting experience and who have not previously been selected for the mentored deer hunt program. While hunters may apply for multiple concurrent mentored hunts, they will only be permitted to participate in one if selected for more than one.

Hunters selected in the lottery will be assigned specific hunting locations and may hunt from Tuesday through Sunday during their designated week. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will determine these locations, ensuring an even distribution of adult and youth hunters at each site.

To apply, submit your online application by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29. For questions or assistance, contact IDNR at [email protected].