Keeping a deer as a pet in Illinois?

Question

Someone in my local paper was selling deers. Is it legal to keep them as pets in Illinois? I"m not asking anyone's opinion or if deer make good pets, just the laws.

Answer 1

Favorite Answer

Deer are raised domestically. It is legal to own domestically raised deer, if you are in an area which is zoned for livestock.

Pet deer are often a very bad idea. They are skittish, very agile and males can be incredibly aggressive during rutting (breeding) season. They have been known to kill people. And, it may be hard to keep them safe. They are frequently attacked by dogs, and humans.

http://www.wgem.com/News/index.php?ID=23410

http://www.wayodd.com/pet-deer-attacks-and-kills-o...

Wild deer and their offspring are not permitted as pets:

http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/09/mo...

Answer 2

I'm pretty sure it is illegal.