For every passionate hunter out there, Illinois Hunting Seasons have plenty to offer. Regardless if you’re hunting big game or small game AMAZING hunting experience is guaranteed.
One of the most crucial wildlife management tools is hunting. Every hunter is aware of the fact that they help to maintain the abundance and health of the game species by engaging in hunting. During hunting seasons in the state of Illinois, you can choose from a decent range of available games.
There are standard game animals at your disposals such as deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, rabbits and other small game species. Bear in mind that season dates are different for each of the species. If you have already decided what to hunt, refer to the season dates stated below.
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Illinois Hunting Seasons and All Available Games
1. Illinois Wild Turkey Seasons
Fall/Spring | Types | Seasons |
|---|---|---|
Fall | Archery | *October 1 – January 20 |
Fall | Firearms | October 20 - 28 |
Spring | General Season | *To Be Determined |
Spring | Youth Hunt | *To Be Determined |
*NOTE: During firearms deer hunting season, archery season in fall is closed due to safety. Illinois Department of Natural Resources didn’t announce 2019 wild turkey spring hunting seasons.
2. Illinois Deer Seasons
Types | Seasons |
|---|---|
Muzzleloader | November 29 – 30 |
Archery | October 1 – January 20 |
Firearms | November 16 – 18 & 29 – 30 |
Youth Firearms Hunt | October 6 - 8 |
Late Winter and Special CWD Seasons | To Be Determined |
3. Illinois Small Game Seasons
Types | Seasons |
|---|---|
Hungarian Partridge | *November 3 – January 15 |
Bobwhite Quail | *November 3 – January 15 |
Crow | October 28 – February 28 |
Rabbits | November 3 – January 15 |
Gray and Fox Squirrel | August 1 – February 15 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by zone. Some of the small game hunts have been temporarily closed during the firearms deer hunting season due to safety.
License Requirements
Anyone who wants to hunt in Illinois can buy a hunting license. Hunting in Illinois is allowed for both residents and non-residents. First-time hunter? No problem, Illinois offers an Apprentice License for the ones who need practicing.
For Youth, Seniors and Disabled hunters there are special hunting opportunities. Residents that are under 18 years old need to purchase a Youth Hunting License, and always need to be accompanied by a hunter older than 21.
If you are born after January 1, 1980, you need to pass first Hunter Safety Education Course before obtaining a license. Not sure if you can use firearms?
For using firearms, any hunter will need a Firearm Owner Identification Card from the Illinois police. No matter what kind of license you need, they are all available online.
Night Hunting in Illinois
Night hunting is allowed in Illinois but only during the period when is the opening day of fox season until the midnight of the following March 15th. You can hunt using the artificial lights as long as the light isn’t attached to a vehicle.
Night vision and laser sights are allowed as well, without any restriction. This is verified with the State Law Enforcement.
Where to Hunt in Illinois?
Do you know that there are specially designed areas in which you can hunt in Illinois? Illinois has many Public Hunting Areas with specific regulations. Every area has a different regulation, so always check permits that are required for hunting in that certain area.
Hunting on private lands is possible but only with the permission of the landowner.