I don't think the overall lag is significant (about 1,000), but the nearly 2,000 lag in harvest by bowhunters does seem something to watch.

Here's the word from forest wildlife program manager Paul Shelton:

Through December 18, Illinois archers harvested a preliminary total of 56,219 deer, compared to 58,207 during the same time period last year. Cumulative harvest sex ratios for the season are 49.6% does: 50.4% bucks, but recent harvest has favored females. Since December 1, female deer have comprised 58.4% of the harvest. Top five counties are Pike (2694), Fulton (1679), Jefferson (1268), Adams (1252), and Peoria (1103). . . .

For all seasons combined (archery, youth, muzzleloader, and firearm), preliminary deer harvest totals to date stand at 160,882, compared to 161,920 at this time in 2010. The Late Winter Antlerless-Only Firearm Season begins December 29, as does the Special CWD Season.