What is the current hunting season in Illinois?

What Hunting Season Is It in Illinois?

The start of hunting season in Illinois is a time of excitement for many people. It’s a chance to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, and test your skills against some of the state’s most challenging game. But before you head out into the field, it’s important to know what hunting season is in Illinois.

The state has a long and rich hunting tradition, and there are plenty of opportunities to bag a trophy buck, turkey, or other game animal. But with so many different seasons and regulations, it can be hard to know where to start.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to hunting season in Illinois. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from when each season opens and closes to what permits and licenses you need. So whether you’re a seasoned hunter or you’re just getting started, read on for all the information you need to make the most of your next hunting trip.

Game	Season	Dates
Deer	Archery	September 15 – January 15
Deer	Muzzleloader	November 13 – 20
Deer	Gun	November 21 – January 15
Turkey	Spring	April 1 – May 31
Turkey	Fall	October 1 – November 30

General Hunting Seasons in Illinois

Illinois is home to a variety of hunting opportunities, including big game, small game, and waterfowl. The state’s hunting seasons vary depending on the species, but there are typically opportunities to hunt year-round.

Big Game Hunting Seasons

The big game hunting season in Illinois typically runs from November to January. The most popular big game species hunted in Illinois are white-tailed deer, elk, and black bear.

• White-tailed deer: The white-tailed deer hunting season in Illinois typically runs from November 15 to January 31. The bag limit is two deer per hunter, with one antlered deer and one antlerless deer.
• Elk: The elk hunting season in Illinois is limited to a few select areas and typically runs from November to December. The bag limit is one elk per hunter.
• Black bear: The black bear hunting season in Illinois typically runs from November to January. The bag limit is one bear per hunter.

Small Game Hunting Seasons

The small game hunting season in Illinois typically runs from September to March. The most popular small game species hunted in Illinois are rabbits, squirrels, and quail.

• Rabbits: The rabbit hunting season in Illinois typically runs from September 1 to March 31. The bag limit is 10 rabbits per day and 30 rabbits per season.
• Squirrels: The squirrel hunting season in Illinois typically runs from September 1 to March 31. The bag limit is 10 squirrels per day and 50 squirrels per season.
• Quail: The quail hunting season in Illinois typically runs from September 1 to March 31. The bag limit is 10 quail per day and 40 quail per season.

Waterfowl Hunting Seasons

The waterfowl hunting season in Illinois typically runs from September to March. The most popular waterfowl species hunted in Illinois are ducks, geese, and swans.

• Ducks: The duck hunting season in Illinois typically runs from September 1 to March 31. The bag limit is six ducks per day and 24 ducks per season.
• Geese: The goose hunting season in Illinois typically runs from September 1 to March 31. The bag limit is three geese per day and 15 geese per season.
• Swans: The swan hunting season in Illinois is limited to a few select areas and typically runs from September to March. The bag limit is one swan per hunter.

Other Hunting Seasons

In addition to the big game, small game, and waterfowl hunting seasons, Illinois also offers a variety of other hunting opportunities, including furbearer hunting, turkey hunting, and coyote hunting.

• Furbearer hunting: The furbearer hunting season in Illinois typically runs from November to March. The most popular furbearer species hunted in Illinois are raccoons, opossums, and coyotes.
• Turkey hunting: The turkey hunting season in Illinois typically runs from April to May. The bag limit is two turkeys per hunter.
• Coyote hunting: The coyote hunting season in Illinois is open year-round. There is no bag limit on coyotes.

Hunting Regulations

Before you go hunting in Illinois, it is important to be familiar with the state’s hunting regulations. These regulations cover everything from licensing requirements to bag limits to hunting methods. You can find the latest hunting regulations on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

Deer Hunting Season

The deer hunting season in Illinois is one of the most popular hunting seasons in the state. The season typically runs from November 15 to January 31, and hunters can take one antlered deer and one antlerless deer.

There are a few different ways to hunt deer in Illinois. The most common method is to use a rifle or shotgun. However, hunters can also use bows and crossbows during the archery season, which runs from September 1 to December 15.

The deer hunting season is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Hunters must have a valid hunting license and must follow all of the IDNR’s hunting regulations.

Hunting Zones

Illinois is divided into 10 deer hunting zones. Each zone has its own set of regulations, so it is important to know which zone you are hunting in.

Bag Limits

The bag limit for deer in Illinois is one antlered deer and one antlerless deer. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, hunters in Zone 1 may take two antlered deer.

**Antler Restrictions

Turkey Hunting Season

Turkey hunting is a popular sport in Illinois, and the state offers a variety of opportunities for hunters. The spring turkey season runs from April 15 to May 31, and the fall turkey season runs from November 1 to January 31.

The spring turkey season is open to all hunters, while the fall turkey season is only open to hunters who have purchased a turkey permit. The daily bag limit is two turkeys per hunter, and the possession limit is four turkeys.

Turkeys can be found in a variety of habitats in Illinois, including woodlands, fields, and swamps. The best time to hunt turkeys is in the early morning or late evening.

Turkeys are wary creatures, so it is important to be patient and quiet when hunting them. A good turkey call can be helpful in attracting turkeys.

If you are successful in harvesting a turkey, it is important to handle it properly. Turkeys should be field dressed as soon as possible after they are killed. The meat should be cooled and stored properly.

For more information on turkey hunting in Illinois, please visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

Other Game Hunting Seasons

In addition to turkey hunting, Illinois offers a variety of other game hunting opportunities. The following is a list of the major game hunting seasons in Illinois:

• Deer hunting: The deer hunting season runs from November 15 to January 31. The daily bag limit is two deer per hunter, and the possession limit is six deer.
• Elk hunting: The elk hunting season runs from November 15 to January 31. The daily bag limit is one elk per hunter, and the possession limit is two elk.
• Bear hunting: The bear hunting season runs from November 15 to January 31. The daily bag limit is one bear per hunter, and the possession limit is two bears.
• Squirrel hunting: The squirrel hunting season runs from October 1 to January 31. The daily bag limit is 10 squirrels per hunter, and the possession limit is 20 squirrels.
• Rabbit hunting: The rabbit hunting season runs from October 1 to January 31. The daily bag limit is 10 rabbits per hunter, and the possession limit is 20 rabbits.
• Quail hunting: The quail hunting season runs from September 1 to January 31. The daily bag limit is 10 quail per hunter, and the possession limit is 20 quail.
• Pheasant hunting: The pheasant hunting season runs from October 1 to January 31. The daily bag limit is 10 pheasants per hunter, and the possession limit is 20 pheasants.

For more information on game hunting seasons in Illinois, please visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

What Hunting Season is it in Illinois?

The hunting season in Illinois varies depending on the species of animal you are hunting. The following is a general overview of the hunting seasons in Illinois:

• Deer: The deer hunting season in Illinois runs from November 15 to January 31.
• Turkey: The turkey hunting season in Illinois runs from April 1 to May 31.
• Duck: The duck hunting season in Illinois runs from September 1 to January 31.
• Goose: The goose hunting season in Illinois runs from October 1 to January 31.
• Pheasant: The pheasant hunting season in Illinois runs from October 1 to January 31.
• Rabbit: The rabbit hunting season in Illinois runs from February 1 to March 31.
• Squirrel: The squirrel hunting season in Illinois runs from October 1 to January 31.

For more specific information on the hunting seasons in Illinois, please visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

How do I get a hunting license in Illinois?

To get a hunting license in Illinois, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID card. You can purchase a hunting license online, by mail, or at any Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) office. The cost of a hunting license varies depending on the type of license you purchase.

For more information on how to get a hunting license in Illinois, please visit the IDNR website.

What are the rules and regulations for hunting in Illinois?

There are a number of rules and regulations that you must follow when hunting in Illinois. These rules and regulations are designed to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of hunters. Some of the most important rules and regulations include:

• You must have a valid hunting license.
• You must wear hunter orange clothing during hunting season.
• You must follow the bag limits for each species of animal.
• You must dispose of your game meat properly.
• You must respect private property and obey all posted signs.

For more information on the rules and regulations for hunting in Illinois, please visit the IDNR website.

Where can I hunt in Illinois?

There are a number of public hunting areas in Illinois where you can hunt. These areas are managed by the IDNR and offer a variety of hunting opportunities. Some of the most popular public hunting areas in Illinois include:

• The Shawnee National Forest
• The Kankakee River State Park
• The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
• The Illinois River State Fish and Wildlife Area
• The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

For more information on public hunting areas in Illinois, please visit the IDNR website.

What are the best hunting spots in Illinois?

The best hunting spots in Illinois vary depending on the species of animal you are hunting. However, some of the most popular hunting spots in Illinois include:

• The Shawnee National Forest for deer, turkey, and rabbit hunting.
• The Kankakee River State Park for waterfowl hunting.
• The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge for waterfowl and dove hunting.
• The Illinois River State Fish and Wildlife Area for fishing and hunting.
• The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie for pheasant and quail hunting.

For more information on the best hunting spots in Illinois, please visit the IDNR website.

the hunting season in Illinois is a complex and ever-changing landscape. The specific dates and regulations for each type of game vary depending on the species, the county, and the time of year. It is important to be aware of these regulations and to make sure you are properly licensed before you head out to the field. By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure a safe and successful hunting season for yourself and for others.