Hunters say why they use certain single-shot rifles, now legal for firearm deer seasons in Illinois

Alexa Tazelaar, 9, who killed her first deer on opening day of the youth season on Oct. 7 in Peoria County, was one of many who used a single-shot rifle. (Provided)

Illinois hunters adjusted quickly to new regulations allowing certain single-shot rifles to be used during firearm deer seasons.

An informal poll of check stations on opening day of the first part of firearm season indicated preliminary numbers of 15% to 20% of those checking in deer used a rifle, said Dan Skinner, the forest-wildlife program manager for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.