What Hunting Seasons Are In Illinois Right Now?
What Hunting Season Is It Right Now In Illinois?
The start of hunting season is a time of excitement for many Illinoisans. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started, there’s something for everyone in the Land of Lincoln. With a variety of game to choose from, and plenty of public land to hunt on, it’s no wonder that Illinois is a popular destination for hunters from all over the country.
So, what hunting season is it right now in Illinois? The answer depends on what you’re looking to hunt. Deer season is in full swing, with the archery season running from September 15 to November 10, and the firearms season running from November 11 to January 31. Turkey season is also open, with the spring season running from April 1 to May 31, and the fall season running from November 1 to January 31.
If you’re looking for something a little different, you can also try hunting for quail, rabbit, squirrel, or pheasant. And if you’re really looking for a challenge, you can try your hand at bear or moose hunting.
No matter what you’re looking to hunt, you’re sure to find it in Illinois. So get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!
| Game | Season | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | September 15 – January 15 |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | November 1 – November 15 |
| Deer | Gun | November 16 – January 15 |
| Turkey | Spring | April 1 – May 31 |
| Turkey | Fall | November 1 – January 15 |
| Duck | Early Season | September 1 – September 27 |
| Duck | Late Season | October 1 – January 15 |
| Goose | Early Season | September 1 – September 27 |
| Goose | Late Season | October 1 – January 15 |
General Hunting Seasons in Illinois
Overview of Hunting Seasons in Illinois
Illinois is home to a variety of hunting opportunities, with seasons for a wide range of species. The state’s hunting seasons are regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
Dates and Regulations for Each Season
The dates and regulations for each hunting season vary depending on the species. The IDNR publishes a hunting regulations booklet each year that lists all of the dates and regulations for each season. The booklet is available online and at IDNR offices.
Species that can be Hunted during Each Season
The following is a list of some of the species that can be hunted during each season in Illinois:
- Deer hunting season: Deer hunting is allowed in Illinois from November 15 to January 31.
- Turkey hunting season: Turkey hunting is allowed in Illinois from April 1 to May 31.
- Duck hunting season: Duck hunting is allowed in Illinois from September 1 to January 31.
- Upland bird hunting season: Upland bird hunting is allowed in Illinois from September 1 to January 31.
Permits and Licenses Required for Hunting
In order to hunt in Illinois, you must have a valid hunting license. Hunting licenses are issued by the IDNR and are available online and at IDNR offices. The cost of a hunting license varies depending on the type of license and the age of the hunter.
Specific Hunting Seasons in Illinois
Deer Hunting Season
The deer hunting season in Illinois is one of the most popular hunting seasons in the state. Deer hunting is allowed in Illinois from November 15 to January 31. During the deer hunting season, hunters can take one antlered deer and one antlerless deer.
The deer hunting season is divided into two parts: the archery season and the firearm season. The archery season runs from November 15 to December 15, and the firearm season runs from December 16 to January 31.
The deer hunting regulations in Illinois are very strict. Hunters must be aware of the regulations before they go hunting. Some of the important regulations include:
- Hunters must wear blaze orange clothing during the firearm season.
- Hunters must use a firearm that is legal for deer hunting in Illinois.
- Hunters must have a valid hunting license.
Turkey Hunting Season
The turkey hunting season in Illinois is also one of the most popular hunting seasons in the state. Turkey hunting is allowed in Illinois from April 1 to May 31. During the turkey hunting season, hunters can take one bearded turkey.
The turkey hunting season is divided into two parts: the spring gobbler season and the fall turkey season. The spring gobbler season runs from April 1 to May 15, and the fall turkey season runs from May 16 to May 31.
The turkey hunting regulations in Illinois are very strict. Hunters must be aware of the regulations before they go hunting. Some of the important regulations include:
- Hunters must use a shotgun that is legal for turkey hunting in Illinois.
- Hunters must have a valid hunting license.
- Hunters must wear a head net or facemask when hunting turkeys.
Duck Hunting Season
The duck hunting season in Illinois is one of the longest hunting seasons in the state. Duck hunting is allowed in Illinois from September 1 to January 31. During the duck hunting season, hunters can take a variety of ducks, including mallards, wood ducks, and teal.
The duck hunting season is divided into two parts: the early duck season and the late duck season. The early duck season runs from September 1 to November 30, and the late duck season runs from December 1 to January 31.
The duck hunting regulations in Illinois are very strict. Hunters must be aware of the regulations before they go hunting. Some of the important regulations include:
- Hunters must use a shotgun that is legal for duck hunting in Illinois.
- Hunters must have a valid hunting license.
- Hunters must wear a life jacket when hunting ducks.
Upland Bird Hunting Season
The upland bird hunting season in Illinois is one of the most challenging hunting seasons in the state. Upland bird hunting is allowed in Illinois from September 1 to January 31. During the upland bird hunting season, hunters can take a variety of upland birds, including pheasants, quail, and grouse.
The upland bird hunting season is divided into two parts: the early upland bird season and the late upland bird season. The early upland bird season runs from September 1 to November 30, and the late upland bird season runs from December
What Hunting Season Is It Right Now In Illinois?
The hunting season in Illinois is open for a variety of game animals, depending on the time of year. The following is a list of the current hunting seasons in Illinois:
- Deer: The deer hunting season in Illinois runs from November 15 to January 15.
- 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 January 1 to March 31.
- Squirrel: The squirrel hunting season in Illinois runs from October 1 to January 31.
For more information on the specific dates and regulations for each hunting season, please visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
Hunting Opportunities in Illinois
Illinois offers a variety of hunting opportunities for hunters of all skill levels. The state has a wide variety of habitats, including forests, prairies, wetlands, and farmlands, which support a variety of game animals.
Public Hunting Areas
Illinois has a number of public hunting areas that are open to hunters of all skill levels. These areas offer a variety of hunting opportunities, including deer, turkey, duck, goose, pheasant, rabbit, and squirrel.
Some of the most popular public hunting areas in Illinois include:
- Morton Arboretum: The Morton Arboretum is located in Lisle, Illinois, and offers hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and rabbit.
- Starved Rock State Park: Starved Rock State Park is located in Utica, Illinois, and offers hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, duck, goose, pheasant, and rabbit.
- Kankakee River State Park: Kankakee River State Park is located in Kankakee, Illinois, and offers hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, duck, goose, pheasant, and rabbit.
Private Hunting Land
In addition to public hunting areas, there are also a number of private hunting lands in Illinois that are open to hunters. These lands offer a variety of hunting opportunities, and hunters can often find private land that is closer to their home than public hunting areas.
To find private hunting land in Illinois, you can contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or a local hunting club or association.
Hunting Guides and Outfitters
If you are new to hunting or if you are looking for a more experienced guide to help you find success, you can hire a hunting guide or outfitter. Hunting guides and outfitters can provide you with everything you need for a successful hunting trip, including transportation, lodging, food, and hunting equipment.
To find a hunting guide or outfitter in Illinois, you can contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or a local hunting club or association.
Resources for Hunters in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is a great resource for hunters in Illinois. The department provides a variety of information on hunting, including hunting regulations, hunting seasons, and hunting opportunities.
The department also offers a number of hunting programs and services, including hunter education courses, trapping education courses, and hunting licenses.
In addition to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, there are also a number of other resources available to hunters in Illinois. These resources include hunting clubs and associations, hunting magazines and websites, and hunting equipment retailers.
**
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- [Website](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/)
- [Hunting Regulations](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/default.aspx)
- [Hunting Seasons](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/hunting-seasons.aspx)
- [Hunting Opportunities](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/hunting-opportunities.aspx)
- [Hunter Education](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/hunter-education.aspx)
- [Trapping Education](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/trapping/Pages/default.aspx)
- [Hunting Licenses](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/hunting-licenses.aspx)
Answer:
The current hunting season in Illinois is for small game, including rabbits, squirrels, and doves. The season for big game, such as deer and elk, will begin in November.
When Does the Small Game Hunting Season Start in Illinois?
Answer:
The small game hunting season in Illinois begins on September 1 and ends on February 28.
What Kinds of Small Game Can I Hunt in Illinois?
Answer:
You can hunt for rabbits, squirrels, and doves in Illinois. You must have a valid hunting license and a permit for each species you plan to hunt.
Where Can I Hunt for Small Game in Illinois?
Answer:
You can hunt for small game on public lands, such as state parks and forests, as well as on private property with the permission of the landowner.
What Are the Rules for Hunting Small Game in Illinois?
Answer:
There are a number of rules and regulations that you must follow when hunting small game in Illinois. These include:
- You must wear hunter orange during hunting season.
- You must use a shotgun or a muzzleloader to hunt small game.
- You must have a valid hunting license and a permit for each species you plan to hunt.
- You must follow all other applicable hunting laws and regulations.
When Does the Big Game Hunting Season Start in Illinois?
Answer:
The big game hunting season in Illinois begins on November 15 and ends on January 31.
What Kinds of Big Game Can I Hunt in Illinois?
Answer:
You can hunt for deer, elk, and bear in Illinois. You must have a valid hunting license and a permit for each species you plan to hunt.
Where Can I Hunt for Big Game in Illinois?
Answer:
You can hunt for big game on public lands, such as state parks and forests, as well as on private property with the permission of the landowner.
What Are the Rules for Hunting Big Game in Illinois?
Answer:
There are a number of rules and regulations that you must follow when hunting big game in Illinois. These include:
- You must wear hunter orange during hunting season.
- You must use a rifle or a muzzleloader to hunt big game.
- You must have a valid hunting license and a permit for each species you plan to hunt.
- You must follow all other applicable hunting laws and regulations.
the hunting seasons in Illinois vary depending on the species of animal. The spring turkey season runs from April 15 to May 31, while the fall turkey season runs from September 1 to January 1. The regular deer season runs from November 15 to January 31, while the late deer season runs from February 1 to March 15. The waterfowl season runs from September 1 to January 31. The furbearer season runs from November 15 to March 15. It is important to be aware of the specific hunting seasons and regulations before heading out to the field. By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure a safe and successful hunting experience.