The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is announcing a number of changes for the upcoming deer hunting season.

Department Director Marc Miller says 20 counties will be removed from the late-winter season and the number of firearm permits available in some counties will also be reduced.

The changes followed recommendations from department biologists. The biologists reviewed deer hunting harvest numbers, deer-vehicle accident data, looked at disease reports and surveyed Illinois deer hunters.

Miller says the changes reflect the department's commitment to managing the state's deer population "to provide recreational opportunity while being mindful of public safety and the rights of property owners."