Illinois Indefinitely Ends Gray Fox Hunting, Trapping Due to Population Decline

Illinois has indefinitely closed the hunting and trapping seasons for gray foxes due to a significant decline in their population over the past decade. Research and surveys suggest that diseases like canine distemper and competition from other canids, such as coyotes, are primary factors in the species' decline, rather than hunting pressure. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will continue to monitor the gray fox population through annual surveys. Governor JB Pritzker signed a law allowing the IDNR to open or close gray fox seasons by administrative rule, leading to the recent closure effective immediately. The decision has broad support from conservation groups, including the Illinois Trappers Association, as well as legislators and most hunters and trappers. The closure aims to reduce additional mortality and help protect and potentially restore the gray fox population in Illinois.