Illinois has experienced many changes in its whitetail deer population since established as a state in 1818. Early Midwest settlers and Native Americans relied heavily on hunting the animal for food, clothing, and shelter. For decades there was a positive relationship between man and deer that permitted the whitetail to flourish. Unfortunately, the late 1880s ushered in an era of unregulated market hunting that soon began to decimate the herd. Excessive harvesting continued into the early 1900s, and deer sightings became increasingly rare. In 1912, the last native species was sighted in southern Illinois. Ensuing efforts employed by the Department of Conservation grew the herd to sufficient enough levels to start the first structured deer season in 1957. Firearm hunters harvested 1,735 deer, and bow hunters bagged 220 in that first year. The population and popularity of the whitetail continued to grow, and the species soon became the most hunted game animal in the state. Today, hunters have become a vital component in maintaining a healthy Illinois deer herd.