I remember hearing a rumor that it was gonna start Sept 1st, I think, but it normally starts around the first of Oct, doesnt it? Have they set a date yet?

well as far as i know its still the first of october.

Ther was talk about authorizing the DNR to set the opening date at September 1st but I don't know where that is at right now. I think what basically happened with the IDNR is that they had to find out what was going on with the NR situation before they released regulations for the year. Don't know this for a fact or not but on the website they are saying October 1st so I would go with that date until further notice that may or may not come.

Actually, the original intent of changing the legal wording of the season shift dates was to never actually allow for a September Archery opener BUT instead to allow the YOUTH shotgun season participants to be able to legally tag BUCKS. Current language makes it illegal for a GUN hunter to take a antlered deer before November. The IDNR actually already has the legal authority to open an earlier Archery season but chooses not to do so. They claim that there is to much of a concern for meat spoilage of game?