Deer and turkeys beware: Hunting season is in full swing.

Shotgun hunters may hunt Nov. 19 through Nov. 21 and Dec. 2 through Dec. 5, according to Illinois state regulations.

The archery deer and turkey seasons began Oct. 1 and will last until Jan. 13.

Hunters are welcome to hunt at Shabbona Lake State Park, 4201 Shabbona Grove, during the deer and waterfowl season, said Molly Haseman, park office coordinator.

“You can eat just about anything with fur or feathers on it,” said Mike Dreska, a certified hunting instructor.

Although all animals are safe to eat, it is important for the meat to be fully cooked to kill any bacteria or disease that could have been carried by the animal, Dreska said. Cooking may not kill rabies or chronic wasting disease.

Chronic wasting disease is a contagious neurological illness similar to mad cow disease, he said. Dreska strongly suggests hunters avoid eating areas near a deer’s brain or spinal chord.

Dreska teaches a hunter safety education class in Genoa. He said it is important for hunters to know hunting rules and regulations before planning an outing.

Such rules include knowing what is legal to hunt and where and how much can be bagged. One deer per legally authorized permit can be bagged, according to state regulations.

These rules change annually and by park, depending on the number of species available during a specific season. Biologists determine whether there are too many of a certain species that can be hunted, Dreska said.

It is also important for new hunters to find a mentor who knows and follows rules and regulations, Dreska said.

Prospective hunters need a license before purchasing weaponry, said Larry Welch, president of Fox River Valley Hunting Retriever Club. Licenses can be purchased at sporting goods stores and at Wal-Mart in DeKalb, 2300 Sycamore Road.

Dreska said hunters must present a certificate earned after taking a safety education class when purchasing a license. It is mandatory for new hunters born after Jan. 1, 1980 to take the class before hunting.

Aaron Teboda, an employee in Wal-Mart’s sporting goods department, said a Social Security card and a driver’s license is also required to purchase the $7.50 license. Hunters 16 years of age or above must purchase a license.

Children 15 years of age or younger do not need a license, but they must be accompanied by an adult, he said.

To purchase a weapon, a buyer must fill out and send a form, available at Wal-Mart, with a photo and $5 check or money order to the DeKalb police station, 200 S. Fourth St., Teboda said. The department issues Firearms Owners identification cards.

The card must be presented when buying a weapon, Teboda said.

The sporting goods department at Wal-Mart provides a free hunting regulations digest, which lists information on new hunting regulations, safety and season dates.