State Guide

Illinois Hunting Guide

Complete Illinois hunting guide. Illinois hunting seasons, license costs, bag limits, and regulations for all major game species. Updated for the current season.

Wildlife Agency

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Illinois Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $25 Non-res: $300

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Archery	Oct 1	Jan 14
Shotgun	Nov 17	Dec 7
Muzzleloader	Dec 8	Dec 10

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (1 antlered)

No centerfire rifle hunting for deer. Shotgun slugs and muzzleloaders only. Illinois produces trophy-class bucks, especially in Pike and Adams counties.

Turkey

Res: $25 Non-res: $75

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Apr 8	May 11
Archery	Oct 1	Jan 14

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (spring)

Spring bearded turkey with 5 hunting periods. Lottery draw for first choice period. Fall archery concurrent with deer season.

Pheasant

Res: $25 Non-res: $75

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Nov 4	Jan 7

Bag limits: daily: 2, season: No limit

Habitat stamp required. Wild bird populations limited. State sites stocked. Best opportunities in central and southern Illinois.

Duck/Waterfowl

Res: $25 Non-res: $75

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Oct 21	Dec 17

Bag limits: daily: 6, season: No season limit

Federal and state stamps required. Illinois River valley and Mississippi River corridor are prime waterfowl areas. Split season in 3 zones.

Planning Tools

Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Season Tag Planner — never miss an opening day
Preference Point Tracker — when should you burn your points?

Illinois Hunting Guides

destinations

Illinois Deer Hunting: Non-Resident Tags and Trophy Public Land

Illinois Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Illinois?

Yes. All hunters in Illinois must hold a valid hunting license from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in Illinois?

Illinois license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $25, non-resident $300. Turkey: resident $25, non-resident $75.

When is deer season in Illinois?

Illinois deer seasons: Archery: Oct 1 - Jan 14, Shotgun: Nov 17 - Dec 7, Muzzleloader: Dec 8 - Dec 10.

Does Illinois require a hunter safety course?

Yes, Illinois requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in Illinois?

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Illinois. Their website (https://dnr.illinois.gov) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.