When is Illinois Shotgun Season?

When is Illinois Shotgun Season?

The start of Illinois shotgun season is a highly anticipated event for many hunters. It marks the beginning of a time-honored tradition and a chance to enjoy the great outdoors. But when exactly does shotgun season start in Illinois? And what do you need to know to participate?

In this article, we’ll answer those questions and provide you with everything you need to know to get started on your own Illinois shotgun hunting adventure.

We’ll cover topics such as:

• When does shotgun season start in Illinois?
• What types of game can you hunt during shotgun season?
• What do you need to do to get a hunting license?
• What are the rules and regulations for hunting in Illinois?

So if you’re ready to start planning your next Illinois shotgun hunting trip, read on!

Date	Game	Regulations
September 1-30	Ducks	Only shotguns with a plugged magazine or a plug inserted in the magazine that restricts the capacity to three shells may be used.
October 1-31	Geese	Only shotguns with a plugged magazine or a plug inserted in the magazine that restricts the capacity to three shells may be used.
November 1-30	Pheasants	No restrictions on magazine capacity.

Shotgun Season Dates and Regulations

General Shotgun Season Dates

The general shotgun season for small game in Illinois runs from October 1 through January 31. The season for waterfowl opens on September 1 and closes on January 31. The season for doves opens on September 1 and closes on January 31. The season for pheasants opens on November 1 and closes on January 31. The season for turkeys opens on April 15 and closes on May 31.

Special Shotgun Season Dates

In addition to the general shotgun season, there are also a number of special shotgun season dates for specific species of game. These dates are as follows:

• Squirrel: October 15 through January 31
• Rabbit: November 1 through January 31
• Quail: November 1 through January 31
• Woodcock: October 1 through January 31
• Mourning dove: September 1 through January 31
• Canada goose: September 1 through January 31
• Snow goose: September 1 through January 31
• Brant: September 1 through January 31
• Teal: September 1 through January 31
• Gadwall: September 1 through January 31
• Wigeon: September 1 through January 31
• Pintail: September 1 through January 31
• Shoveler: September 1 through January 31
• Blue-winged teal: September 1 through January 31
• Green-winged teal: September 1 through January 31
• Wood duck: September 1 through January 31
• Ring-necked pheasant: November 1 through January 31
• Wild turkey: April 15 through May 31

Daily Bag Limits

The daily bag limit for small game is eight birds per day. The daily bag limit for waterfowl is six ducks, three geese, and one brant. The daily bag limit for doves is 15 birds per day. The daily bag limit for pheasants is two roosters per day. The daily bag limit for turkeys is one bearded turkey per day.

Shooting Hours

The shooting hours for small game are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. The shooting hours for waterfowl are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. The shooting hours for doves are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. The shooting hours for pheasants are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. The shooting hours for turkeys are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Other Regulations

In addition to the general shotgun season dates and regulations, there are also a number of other regulations that apply to shotgun hunting in Illinois. These regulations include:

• All hunters must have a valid Illinois hunting license.
• All hunters must wear hunter orange clothing during the deer hunting season.
• All hunters must abide by the bag limits and shooting hours.
• All hunters must be aware of the local hunting regulations.

Shotgun Hunting Opportunities in Illinois

Illinois offers a variety of shotgun hunting opportunities for a variety of species of game. There are public hunting areas, private hunting lands, and hunting guides and outfitters available to help you find the perfect hunting spot.

Public Hunting Areas

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) manages a number of public hunting areas that offer excellent shotgun hunting opportunities. These areas are open to all hunters with a valid Illinois hunting license. Some of the most popular public hunting areas for shotgun hunting include:

• The Kankakee River State Park
• The Clinton Lake State Park
• The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
• The Shawnee National Forest
• The White Pines Forest State Park

Private Hunting Lands

There are also a number of private hunting lands in Illinois that offer shotgun hunting opportunities. These lands are typically leased by hunting clubs or individuals. Some of the most popular private hunting lands for shotgun hunting include:

• The White Oak Savanna Hunting Club
• The Kickapoo Creek Hunting Club
• The Willow Creek Hunting Club
• The Fox River Hunting Club
• The Sugar Creek Hunting Club

Hunting Guides and Outfitters

If you are new to shotgun hunting or if you are looking for a guided hunt, there are a number of hunting guides and outfitters available in Illinois. These guides and outfitters can help you find the perfect hunting spot, get you set up with the right equipment, and teach you the basics of shotgun hunting. Some of the most popular hunting guides and outfitters in Illinois include:

• Bob’s Hunting and Fishing Guide Service
• The Illinois Hunting Company
• The

3. Gear and Equipment for Shotgun Hunting in Illinois

When it comes to shotgun hunting in Illinois, there are a few essential pieces of gear and equipment that you will need to have in order to be successful.

Shotguns

The first and most important piece of gear is, of course, a shotgun. There are a variety of different shotguns available on the market, so it is important to choose one that is appropriate for the type of hunting you will be doing. For example, if you will be hunting waterfowl, you will need a shotgun that is chambered for 12 gauge shells. If you will be hunting upland game birds, you may want to consider a smaller shotgun that is chambered for 20 gauge shells.

When choosing a shotgun, it is also important to consider the length of the barrel. Shorter barrels are more maneuverable in the thick brush, while longer barrels provide more accuracy at longer distances.

Ammunition

The next thing you will need is ammunition. The type of ammunition you use will depend on the type of game you are hunting. For waterfowl, you will need to use lead shot. For upland game birds, you can use either lead shot or steel shot.

When choosing ammunition, it is important to consider the size of the shot. The size of the shot is measured in number, with a smaller number representing a larger shot. For waterfowl, you will typically want to use a larger shot size, such as number 4 or number 5. For upland game birds, you can use a smaller shot size, such as number 7 or number 8.

Clothing and Accessories

In addition to a shotgun and ammunition, you will also need to have some basic clothing and accessories for shotgun hunting in Illinois.

For clothing, you will need to dress in layers so that you can adjust to the changing weather conditions. You will also need to wear a pair of sturdy boots that will protect your feet from the elements.

As for accessories, you will need a few things, such as a shotgun shell holder, a game bag, and a pair of binoculars.

These are just a few of the essential pieces of gear and equipment that you will need for shotgun hunting in Illinois. By following these tips, you can be sure to have a successful hunting season.

4. Tips for Successful Shotgun Hunting in Illinois

In addition to having the right gear and equipment, there are a few other things you can do to increase your chances of success when shotgun hunting in Illinois.

Scouting for Birds

One of the most important things you can do is to scout for birds before the season begins. This will help you to determine where the birds are located and what type of habitat they prefer. You can scout for birds by looking for their droppings, feathers, and tracks. You can also listen for their calls.

Calling and Decoying

Once you have located a group of birds, you can use calling and decoying to attract them closer to you. There are a variety of different calls and decoys available on the market, so it is important to choose ones that are appropriate for the type of birds you are hunting.

Shooting Techniques

When it comes to shooting, there are a few things you can do to improve your accuracy. First, make sure you are using the right choke for your shotgun. A choke is a device that is installed in the end of the barrel and it helps to control the spread of the shot. For waterfowl, you will typically want to use a full choke. For upland game birds, you can use a modified or improved cylinder choke.

Second, make sure you are using the right shooting stance. The best shooting stance for you will depend on your individual body type and shooting style. However, in general, you will want to have your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. You should also have your arms extended in front of you with your elbows slightly bent.

Third, make sure you are taking a proper sight picture. When you are taking aim, you should focus on the bead at the end of the barrel. The bead should be centered on the target.

Finally, make sure you are following through with your shot. After you pull the trigger, you should keep your eyes on the target and continue to follow through with your swing. This will help to ensure that your shot is accurate.

Handling Harvested Birds

Once you have harvested a bird, it is important to handle it properly. This will help to ensure that the meat is safe to eat.

First, you will need to remove the bird from the water. If the bird is wet, you will need to dry it off before storing it.

Second, you will need to pluck the bird. This can be done

When is Illinois shotgun season?

Illinois shotgun season for waterfowl opens on November 19, 2023 and closes on January 31, 2024.

What are the daily bag limits for waterfowl in Illinois?

The daily bag limit for ducks is six, with no more than two mallards, one pintail, and one wood duck. The daily bag limit for geese is five, with no more than two Canada geese.

What are the possession limits for waterfowl in Illinois?

The possession limit for ducks is 15, with no more than six mallards, two pintails, and one wood duck. The possession limit for geese is 10, with no more than five Canada geese.

What are the legal shooting hours for waterfowl in Illinois?

Waterfowl may be hunted from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

What are the safety requirements for waterfowl hunting in Illinois?

All waterfowl hunters in Illinois must have a valid hunting license and a federal waterfowl stamp. Hunters must also wear hunter orange during hunting hours.

Where can I find more information about waterfowl hunting in Illinois?

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is the best source of information about waterfowl hunting in Illinois. You can find more information on the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov.

Illinois shotgun season is a time-honored tradition that allows hunters to enjoy the outdoors and harvest game. It is important to be aware of the dates and regulations for shotgun season in Illinois so that you can safely and legally participate. By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure that future generations can enjoy this tradition as well.