LaSalle County officials have made significant updates to the hunting regulations for the upcoming season, with the most notable change being the allowance of crossbow hunting. This decision aligns with state regulations that have permitted crossbow use for several years, expanding opportunities for hunters in the area.

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the adjustments made to the hunting rules, which now reflect a state-endorsed end date of January 18 for hunting activities, a slight shift from the previous January 15 deadline. The changes aim to enhance the hunting experience while ensuring safety and compliance with state laws.

In addition to the crossbow allowance, officials noted that the hunting season has been adjusted to run from November through January, a change that has been well-received by local hunters. The extended hours for hunting—one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset—were also highlighted, although there was a discussion about potentially revising this to align with state regulations, which suggest a half-hour before and after.

Safety remains a priority, with regulations stipulating that hunting stands must be at least 100 yards apart. Hunters are required to mark their stand locations using a GPS-enabled app, ensuring that everyone is aware of each other's positions to prevent accidents.

While the number of hunters has remained manageable, with only 15 to 20 participants in recent years, officials are prepared to revisit the rules if participation increases significantly. The meeting concluded with a commitment to clarify the hunting hours in the regulations to ensure all hunters are informed and compliant.

These updates reflect LaSalle County's ongoing efforts to adapt hunting regulations to meet the needs of the community while maintaining safety and environmental standards.