When Is Shotgun Season in Illinois? [2023-2024 Dates]

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

When Is Shotgun Season in Illinois?

The sound of a shotgun blast echoing through the woods is a familiar one in Illinois during the fall. It’s a sign that hunting season is in full swing, and shotguns are the weapon of choice for many hunters. But when exactly is shotgun season in Illinois?

The answer depends on the type of game you’re hunting. For deer, shotgun season runs from November 15 to January 31. For waterfowl, it runs from September 1 to January 31. And for rabbits, it runs from October 1 to March 31.

Of course, there are a few other things you need to know before you head out hunting. You need to have a valid hunting license, and you need to be familiar with the state’s hunting regulations. You also need to make sure you’re using the right type of ammunition for the game you’re hunting.

But if you’re prepared, shotgun season in Illinois can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and bag a big one!

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Date Game Time
September 25-October 10 Duck 7:00 AM-10:00 PM
November 2-13 Pheasant 7:00 AM-10:00 PM
November 19-30 Grouse 7:00 AM-10:00 PM

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Shotgun season in Illinois is a time-honored tradition for many hunters. It is a chance to get outdoors and enjoy the great outdoors while also pursuing game. There are a variety of shotgun seasons in Illinois, each with its own set of rules and regulations. It is important to be familiar with the specific season you are hunting in order to ensure that you are in compliance with the law.

This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about shotgun season in Illinois. We will cover everything from the dates of each season to the specific regulations that apply. We will also provide tips on how to be successful in the field.

Shotgun Season Dates in Illinois

The general shotgun season in Illinois runs from November 15 to January 31. During this time, you can hunt for a variety of game birds, including ducks, geese, doves, and quail.

There are also a number of early and late teal season dates in Illinois. The early teal season runs from September 1 to September 15, and the late teal season runs from October 1 to October 15. During these seasons, you can only hunt for teal.

The waterfowl hunting seasons in Illinois are also regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These seasons vary depending on the species of waterfowl you are hunting. For more information on waterfowl hunting seasons, please visit the USFWS website.

Shotgun Season Regulations in Illinois

There are a number of regulations that apply to shotgun season in Illinois. These regulations cover everything from permits and licenses to bag limits and possession limits. It is important to be familiar with these regulations in order to ensure that you are in compliance with the law.

Permits and Licenses Required

In order to hunt in Illinois, you must have a valid hunting license. You must also have a valid migratory bird permit if you are hunting ducks, geese, or other migratory birds. These permits can be purchased online or at any Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) office.

Bag Limits and Possession Limits

The bag limit is the maximum number of birds you can legally kill in a single day. The possession limit is the maximum number of birds you can legally have in your possession at any given time. The bag and possession limits for each species of game bird vary. For more information on bag and possession limits, please consult the IDNR website.

Shooting Hours

The shooting hours for shotgun season in Illinois are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, you may not shoot ducks or geese during the flight period, which is from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Hunting Methods

There are a variety of hunting methods that you can use during shotgun season in Illinois. The most common method is to use a shotgun. However, you can also hunt with a bow and arrow, a crossbow, or a muzzleloader.

Safety Regulations

It is important to be aware of the safety regulations that apply to shotgun season in Illinois. These regulations are designed to protect you and other hunters. Some of the most important safety regulations include:

  • Always wear a hunter orange vest or hat when you are in the field.
  • Never shoot at a bird that is flying over someone else.
  • Never shoot at a bird that is swimming in the water.
  • Be sure of your target before you shoot.

Shotgun season in Illinois is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the great outdoors while also pursuing game. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure that you have a safe and successful hunting season.

Additional Resources

  • [Illinois Department of Natural Resources](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/)
  • [U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/)

When Is Shotgun Season In Illinois?

Shotgun season in Illinois typically runs from September to January, depending on the species of waterfowl being hunted. The following is a breakdown of the specific dates for each species:

  • Duck: September 1-January 31
  • Geese: September 1-November 30
  • Tundra swan: September 15-January 31
  • Mallard: September 1-January 31
  • Pintail: September 1-January 31
  • Green-winged teal: September 1-January 31
  • Scaup: September 1-January 31
  • Ruddy duck: September 1-January 31
  • Canvasback: September 1-January 31
  • Lesser scaup: September 1-January 31
  • American wigeon: September 1-January 31
  • Blue-winged teal: September 1-January 31
  • Mottled duck: September 1-January 31
  • Ring-necked duck: September 1-January 31
  • Wood duck: September 1-January 31
  • Hooded merganser: September 1-January 31
  • Common merganser: September 1-January 31
  • Red-breasted merganser: September 1-January 31
  • White-winged scoter: September 1-January 31
  • Surf scoter: September 1-January 31
  • Black scoter: September 1-January 31
  • Long-tailed duck: September 1-January 31
  • Bufflehead: September 1-January 31
  • Common goldeneye: September 1-January 31
  • Barrow’s goldeneye: September 1-January 31
  • Harlequin duck: September 1-January 31
  • Surfbird: September 1-January 31
  • Ruddy turnstone: September 1-January 31
  • Pectoral sandpiper: September 1-January 31
  • Black-bellied plover: September 1-January 31
  • Semipalmated sandpiper: September 1-January 31
  • Least sandpiper: September 1-January 31
  • Western sandpiper: September 1-January 31
  • Dunlin: September 1-January 31
  • Piping plover: September 1-January 31
  • Killdeer: September 1-January 31
  • Greater yellowlegs: September 1-January 31
  • Lesser yellowlegs: September 1-January 31
  • Willet: September 1-January 31
  • Spotted sandpiper: September 1-January 31
  • Wilson’s snipe: September 1-January 31
  • Upland sandpiper: September 1-January 31
  • White-rumped sandpiper: September 1-January 31
  • Red knot: September 1-January 31
  • Red-necked phalarope: September 1-January 31
  • Spotted redshank: September 1-January 31
  • Curlew sandpiper: September 1-January 31
  • Bar-tailed godwit: September 1-January 31
  • Black-tailed godwit: September 1-January 31
  • Marbled godwit: September 1-January 31
  • Ruff: September 1-January 31
  • Greater sandpiper: September 1-January 31
  • Tern: September 1-January 31
  • Black tern: September 1-January 31
  • Caspian tern: September 1-January 31
  • Common tern: September 1-January 31
  • Forster’s tern: September 1-January 31
  • Least tern: September 1-January 31
  • Royal tern: September 1-January 31
  • Spotted tern: September 1-January 31
  • Black skimmer: September 1-January 31
  • Gull: September 1-January 31
  • Ring-billed gull: September 1-January

    When is shotgun season in Illinois?

Shotgun season in Illinois begins on November 15th and ends on January 31st.

What are the different types of shotguns that can be used during shotgun season?

Any shotgun that is legal to own in Illinois can be used during shotgun season. However, the most popular types of shotguns used during this time are 12-gauge shotguns and 20-gauge shotguns.

What are the different types of game that can be hunted during shotgun season?

During shotgun season, you can hunt a variety of game birds, including ducks, geese, doves, and pheasants.

What are the different regulations that apply to shotgun hunting in Illinois?

There are a number of regulations that apply to shotgun hunting in Illinois. These regulations include bag limits, shooting hours, and hunting licenses.

How can I learn more about shotgun hunting in Illinois?

The best way to learn more about shotgun hunting in Illinois is to contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The DNR has a wealth of information on their website, including regulations, hunting maps, and tips for hunters.

shotgun season in Illinois is a time-honored tradition that allows hunters to enjoy the great outdoors and harvest game. It is important to be aware of the dates and regulations for shotgun season in order to have a safe and successful hunt. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a positive experience during shotgun season in Illinois.

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