SPRINGFIELD (AP) - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is urging hunters to make safety their first priority as the state's deer season begins this week.

Illinois Firearm Deer Season opens Friday through Sunday and the seven-day firearm season ends Dec. 3 to 6. During last year's firearm deer hunting season, Illinois hunters harvested about 106,000 deer. So far this season the department has issued more than 360,000 deer firearm permits.

In most Illinois counties, hunters must register any deer they take either online or by phone.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources director Mark Miller says ``hunters always need to be conscious of firearm and tree stand safety to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunt.''