Firearm deer hunting seaons kicks off Friday in Illinois. The first period of the state’s most popular hunting runs through Sunday. State Department of Natural Resources Spokesperson Ed Cross reminds hunters that chronic wasting disease is a problem in many northern Illinois counties, and special reporting procedures are in place. Hunters are required in some counties to register their animals at a check station between eight a.m. and eight p.m. In most of the state, however, hunters can report by phone at 1-866-IL-CHECK. Online registration is available at dnr.illinois.gov.