The Illinois Department of Natural Resources plans to revise deer population objectives for more than 40 counties beginning with the 2014-15 deer season, following a two-year review of Illinois deer management efforts.  The IDNR is also asking deer hunters to provide input, through an online survey, on a proposal to end the recent practice of selling remaining firearm deer permits over-the-counter through the end of the firearm season, except for youth under age 16.  Recommendations of the state’s Joint Legislative Task Force on Deer Population Control called for a 14 percent reduction in the statewide deer herd from peak levels in an effort to reduce conflicts between deer and people, such as deer/automobile accidents, agricultural crop damage, and to ensure the continued health and well-being of Illinois’ deer herd.  The statewide objective was met in 2012, although a number of counties still remained above their individual objectives at that time.  IDNR biologists have determined that some counties’ deer population objectives can be increased, particularly in counties with smaller deer populations, while still meeting the statewide goal.  An online survey available through the IDNR website asks hunters whether the recent practice of selling remaining firearm permits over-the-counter through the end of the season should end for all hunters except youth under age 16.  The survey is available to hunters at www.dnr.illinois.gov.