What’s the Hunting Season in Illinois? A Complete Guide

What Hunting Season Is It in Illinois?

The start of hunting season is a time of excitement for many people in Illinois. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started, there’s something for everyone in the state’s diverse hunting landscape.

From whitetail deer in the southern forests to waterfowl in the northern marshes, Illinois has a wide variety of game animals to offer hunters. And with so many different hunting seasons throughout the year, there’s always a chance to get out in the woods and enjoy the great outdoors.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the different hunting seasons in Illinois, including when they start and end, what animals you can hunt, and where to find them. We’ll also provide some tips for getting started in hunting, so whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll be able to find everything you need to know about hunting in Illinois.

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Game	Season	Dates
Deer	Archery	September 15 – January 31
Deer	Muzzleloader	December 1 – January 31
Deer	Gun	November 15 – January 31
Turkey	Spring	April 1 – May 31
Turkey	Fall	October 1 – November 30
Duck	Early Season	September 1 – September 27
Duck	Late Season	October 1 – January 31

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Hunting is a popular pastime in Illinois, and there are a variety of different hunting seasons throughout the year. The specific dates of each season vary depending on the species of animal being hunted, but there are general hunting seasons for migratory game birds, big game, furbearers, and small game.

In this article, we will discuss the general hunting seasons in Illinois, as well as the specific hunting seasons by county. We will also provide information on hunting licenses and permits, as well as tips for safe and ethical hunting.

General Hunting Seasons

The following is a list of the general hunting seasons in Illinois:

• Migratory Game Bird Season: The migratory game bird season runs from September 1 through January 31. This season includes hunting for ducks, geese, doves, quail, and other birds.
• Big Game Season: The big game season runs from November 15 through January 31. This season includes hunting for deer, elk, moose, and other large animals.
• Furbearer Season: The furbearer season runs from November 15 through March 31. This season includes hunting for coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and other fur-bearing animals.
• Small Game Season: The small game season runs from September 1 through January 31. This season includes hunting for rabbits, squirrels, and other small animals.

Specific Hunting Seasons by County

The specific hunting seasons by county may vary slightly from the general hunting seasons listed above. For more information on the specific hunting seasons in your county, please contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

Hunting Licenses and Permits

In order to hunt in Illinois, you must have a valid hunting license. Hunting licenses are issued by the IDNR and are available online or at various sporting goods stores. The cost of a hunting license varies depending on the type of license and the number of days you plan to hunt.

In addition to a hunting license, you may also need to purchase a permit for certain species of animals. For example, you need a permit to hunt deer, elk, moose, and other large animals. Permits are also required for some furbearers, such as coyotes and foxes.

You can purchase hunting licenses and permits online or at various sporting goods stores. For more information on hunting licenses and permits, please visit the IDNR website.

Tips for Safe and Ethical Hunting

Hunting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and provide for your family, but it is important to practice safe and ethical hunting practices. Here are a few tips for safe and ethical hunting:

• Be aware of your surroundings and the potential dangers of hunting. Always wear a hunter orange vest or hat when you are in the field. Be aware of the wind direction and how it could affect your scent.
• Never shoot at a target that you cannot clearly identify. Make sure you know what you are shooting at before you pull the trigger.
• Handle your firearm safely at all times. Keep your firearm unloaded until you are ready to shoot. Never point your firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot.
• Respect the animals you hunt. Hunt only for game that is in season and that you plan to eat. Take care of your kill and dispose of it properly.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure a safe and ethical hunting experience for yourself and others.

Hunting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, provide for your family, and connect with your roots. By following the tips in this article, you can help to ensure a safe and ethical hunting experience for yourself and others.

Migratory Game Bird Season

The migratory game bird season in Illinois runs from September 1 through January 31. This season includes hunting for ducks, geese, doves, quail, and other birds.

The specific dates of the migratory game bird season vary depending on the species of bird being hunted. For example, the duck hunting season runs from September 1 through January 31, while the goose hunting season runs from November 15 through January 31.

The daily bag limit for migratory game birds varies depending on the species of bird being hunted. For example, the daily bag limit for ducks is six, while the daily bag limit for geese is three.

In order to hunt migratory game birds in Illinois, you must have a valid hunting license and a migratory bird permit. Hunting licenses are issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), and migratory bird permits are available online or at various sporting goods stores.

The IDNR has a number of regulations in place to protect migratory game birds. These regulations include a requirement that hunters use non-toxic

Hunting Season 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 most run from late summer through early spring.

Big Game Hunting

The big game hunting season in Illinois typically runs from late September through early January. Some of the most popular big game species to hunt in Illinois include white-tailed deer, elk, and black bear.

• White-tailed deer: The white-tailed deer is the most popular big game species to hunt in Illinois. The deer hunting season typically runs from late September through early January, with the peak of the season occurring in November. Deer can be hunted in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and agricultural areas.
• Elk: Elk were reintroduced to Illinois in the 1990s, and the population has been growing steadily ever since. The elk hunting season typically runs from late October through early January. Elk can be hunted in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and agricultural areas.
• Black bear: The black bear population in Illinois is relatively small, but there are a few areas where bears can be hunted. The black bear hunting season typically runs from late October through early January. Bears can be hunted in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and agricultural areas.

Small Game Hunting

The small game hunting season in Illinois typically runs from late summer through early spring. Some of the most popular small game species to hunt in Illinois include rabbits, squirrels, and quail.

• Rabbits: The rabbit hunting season typically runs from late August through early March. Rabbits can be hunted in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and agricultural areas.
• Squirrels: The squirrel hunting season typically runs from late August through early February. Squirrels can be hunted in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and agricultural areas.
• Quail: The quail hunting season typically runs from late September through early January. Quail can be hunted in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and agricultural areas.

Waterfowl Hunting

The waterfowl hunting season in Illinois typically runs from late September through early March. Some of the most popular waterfowl species to hunt in Illinois include ducks, geese, and swans.

• Ducks: The duck hunting season typically runs from late September through early January. Ducks can be hunted in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, lakes, and rivers.
• Geese: The goose hunting season typically runs from late October through early March. Geese can be hunted in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, lakes, and rivers.
• Swans: The swan hunting season typically runs from late December through early March. Swans can be hunted in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, lakes, and rivers.

Hunting Regulations

Hunting in Illinois is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Hunters are required to have a valid hunting license, and they must abide by all applicable hunting regulations. Some of the most important hunting regulations in Illinois include:

• License requirements: Hunters must have a valid hunting license in order to hunt in Illinois. Licenses are available online or from the IDNR.
• Bag limits: Hunters are limited to the number of animals they can take in a given hunting season. Bag limits vary depending on the species.
• Hunting methods: Hunters are prohibited from using certain hunting methods, such as baiting or trapping.
• Safety precautions: Hunters are required to take certain safety precautions, such as wearing hunter orange and using firearms safely.

Hunting Resources

There are a variety of resources available to hunters in Illinois. These resources can help hunters learn about hunting regulations, find hunting spots, and get hunting gear.

• Illinois Department of Natural Resources: The IDNR is the state agency responsible for regulating hunting in Illinois. The IDNR website provides a wealth of information on hunting regulations, hunting opportunities, and hunting safety.
• Hunting clubs: There are a number of hunting clubs in Illinois that offer hunting opportunities for their members. Hunting clubs can be a great way to meet other hunters, learn about hunting, and get access to hunting spots.
• Hunting guides: Hunting guides can provide hunters with assistance with everything from finding hunting spots to preparing for a hunt. Hunting guides can be a great way to learn about hunting and improve your hunting skills.
• Hunting gear stores: There are a number of hunting gear stores in Illinois that sell hunting gear, such as firearms, ammunition, and hunting clothing. Hunting gear stores can be a great place to find the gear you need for a successful hunt.

What Hunting Season Is It In Illinois?

• Q: When is the hunting season for deer in Illinois?
• A: The Illinois deer hunting season runs from November 15 to January 31.
• Q: What are the bag limits for deer in Illinois?
• A: The bag limit for deer in Illinois is two antlered deer per day and six antlered deer per season.
• Q: What are the different types of deer hunting licenses available in Illinois?
• A: There are three different types of deer hunting licenses available in Illinois:
• Resident hunting license: This license is available to residents of Illinois and allows you to hunt deer on any public or private land in the state.
• Nonresident hunting license: This license is available to nonresidents of Illinois and allows you to hunt deer on any public land in the state.
• Youth hunting license: This license is available to hunters under the age of 16 and allows you to hunt deer on any public or private land in the state.
• Q: What are the different types of deer hunting methods allowed in Illinois?
• A: The following deer hunting methods are allowed in Illinois:
• Spotlighting: This is a method of hunting deer at night using a spotlight.
• Stalking: This is a method of hunting deer by quietly approaching them on foot.
• Calling: This is a method of hunting deer by using a call to attract them.
• Treestand hunting: This is a method of hunting deer from a treestand.
• Ground blind hunting: This is a method of hunting deer from a ground blind.
• Q: What are the safety precautions that I should take when hunting deer in Illinois?
• A: The following safety precautions should be taken when hunting deer in Illinois:

* **Wear bright clothing so that other hunters can see you.
* **Be aware of your surroundings and the location of other hunters.
* **Never shoot at a deer that you cannot clearly identify.
* **Never shoot across a road or trail.
* **Never shoot at a deer that is swimming or running through water.

• Q: Where can I find more information about hunting deer in Illinois?
• A: The following resources can provide you with more information about hunting deer in Illinois:
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and fish resources in Illinois. The IDNR website provides a wealth of information about hunting deer in Illinois, including regulations, licenses, and hunting tips.
• National Wild Turkey Federation: The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wild turkeys and their habitat. The NWTF website provides a variety of resources about hunting deer, including articles, videos, and hunting tips.
• Deer & Deer Hunting Magazine: Deer & Deer Hunting Magazine is a monthly publication dedicated to hunting deer. The magazine provides in-depth articles about hunting deer, including tips, techniques, and stories from experienced hunters.

  the hunting seasons in Illinois vary depending on the species of animal and the area in which you are hunting. It is important to be aware of the specific regulations and seasons before you go hunting. By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience for yourself and others.