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IllinoisHunter Home:
Your independent guide to useful information about hunting in Illinois...........
The Midwestern state of Illinois is well known as one of the best states in the USA for trophy whitetail deer and eastern-strain wild turkeys. However, Illinois offers more than just great deer and turkey hunting. In addition to having big bucks and trophy gobblers, Illinois also boasts excellent hunting for a wide variety of other wild game species. Illinois upland game choices include great hunting for pheasant, bobwhite quail, rabbit, and squirrel hunters. Coyote and fox are popular predator hunting species. Excellent migratory waterfowl hunting opportunities for both ducks and geese are also found throughout Illinois. Great dove hunting is also available in Illinois every September. Regulation Digests and season guides are published each summer. View 2010-2011 Hunting Seasons Guide
Special Notices
Official IDNR Web Site Is Being Updated: The official State of Illinois DNR web site is being updated to make it more user-friendly. During this process, individual pages and sections will be gradually moved over to the new format. Learn More
Wingshooting Clinics: IDNR-sponsored shotgunning clinics are designed for a wide range of shooting skill levels. The 2010 wingshooting clinic schedule is already well under way. Learn More
State Site Closure Updates: Check out the current ILDNR Site Closure Update for specifics regarding the availability of services at state sites, including weather closures. Background Info
Hunting & Trapping Digests: The Illinois Digest of Hunting & Trapping Regulations is the primary public source of official information about Illinois hunting laws and related regulations. The Waterfowl Digest is the official source of information for hunting migratory species. The Digests can be accessed either online, or as printed pamphlets available at hunting license vendors and ILDNR offices statewide. Learn More
Find a Hunter Safety Class in your County: (Certification is generally required for anyone anyone born on or after January 1, 1980.) Most counties in Illinois will be running classes prior to Fall hunting seasons. An alternative web-based online instructional component is now available, which can be used in conjuction with a 5-7 hour "Field Day" clinic to obtain safety certification. If you cannot find a class or field day available at this time of the year, an apprentice license may be a possible alternative for either youngsters or adults. (see below) Note: Many older adults are finding that they need hunter safety certification in order to hunt out-of-state regardless of age. Learn More
Public Hunting Area Reports: The IDNR currently offers 182 public land sites for hunting. Detailed statistics have been released regarding hunter usage and harvest success for last year's hunting seasons at state-owned hunting sites. Learn More
Public Hunting Areas : Need a place to hunt? Many public hunting opportunities are available at sites owned or managed by the state of Illinois, but regulations are often hard to find and vary widely. Search Site-Specific Hunting Regulations
Landowner Property Tax Relief: The Conservation Stewardship Program offers the incentive of reduced valuation for property taxes to Illinois landowners who are willing to commit to maintaining and managing unimproved land. Learn More
Commercial Clubs Offer Extended Upland Hunting Opportunities: Commercial hunting clubs and preserves offer great early and late season opportunities for hunters wanting to get into the field and find huntable game. Some private clubs such as Clary Creek Upland near Oakford in Central Illinois also offer special youth hunts for beginners. Learn More
Wild Turkey Harvest: Hunters in Illinois bagged a preliminary statewide total of 16,565 wild turkeys during the 2010 Spring Turkey Season. The 2010 total compares with the statewide turkey harvest of 15,490 in 2009. Hunters took a state-record 16,605 turkeys during the spring season in 2006. Learn More
2010-11 Waterfowl Seasons Proposal: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is recommending 60-day duck seasons in all zones, 85-day Canada goose seasons in the North and Central zones, and a 66-day Canada goose season in the South Zone for the 2010-11 waterfowl season. The recommendations include opening the regular duck and Canada goose seasons on Oct. 16 in the North Zone, Oct. 30 in the Central Zone and Nov. 25 in the South Zone. The recommendations also include a statewide September 2010 Canada goose season of Sept. 1-15, and a 16-day teal season of Sept. 4-19. The state’s proposed waterfowl seasons will be forwarded to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for final approval later this summer. Learn More
Waterfowl Blind Site Drawings: Free drawings were held for Illinois public hunting area waterfowl blind sites on Saturday July 24th, and Sunday, July 25th. Duck and goose hunters registered in person for waterfowl blind site drawings and had to be present at the drawing (held at each location immediately after the registration period) to claim their blind sites. Mail-in or internet registrations were not accepted. Learn More
Firearm Deer Hunting Regulations: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced new deer hunting season dates and a series of regulations changes starting with the 2009-2010 seasons that were recommended by hunters, landowners, and other members of the state’s Joint Deer Population Task Force. Learn More
Firearm Deer Hunting Hours Extended: Public Act 95-0289 was amended to extend Illinois firearm deer hunting hours to 1/2 hour after sunset. ( the act also included muzzleloader season, Late-Winter Season, and the Special CWD Season.) Hunting hours previously ended at sunset for the firearm seasons. Click Here to read the official details.
Senior Crossbow Hunting: Hunters 62 years of age and older are now permitted to hunt using a crossbow without a special permit. Prior to the change, only persons with a disability or persons who had obtained a special use permit were allowed to use the devices. Eligible hunters using a crossbow need an archery deer permit and must carry proof of age in the form of an official ID. Hunters who are under 62 years old and wish to use a crossbow are still required to qualify for the permanent disability exemption and must obtain a special permit from the Department of Natural Resources. Equipment restrictions apply. Learn More
CWD and the Special Northern CWD Season: Read the latest CWD Information and Updates
IDNR Contacts: The State of Illinois Telephone Directory is useful for contacting specific departments of State Agencies such as Natural Resources. For example, the IDNR hunting permit office telephone number in Springfield is 217-782-7305. (The IDNR permit office email address is permit1@dnrmail.state.il.us.) We feel that IDNR is greatly understaffed; you should first try to answer your questions by researching online through IllinoisHunter.com and other Internet sites, or reading the latest issue of the Illinois Digest of Hunting & Trapping Regulations publication.
Returning Military Veterans:The Armed Forces Special Pass was created for military members who live in Illinois and who have served abroad, including guard or reserve members called to active duty. The special pass provides camping, fishing and hunting fee exemptions for qualified military members, guard and reserve members who can apply within two years of their return from abroad or release from mobilization. Learn More
Poacher TIP Line: Game Violation Hotline (1-877-2DNRLAW)
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Illinois Dove Season Begins Wednesday, September 1st
The 2010 statewide dove season will begin September 1st. Please note that a Habitat Stamp and registration with HIP (National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program) is required to hunt doves in Illinois. HIP certifications are available at DNR Direct Automated License System agents, www.dnr.state.il.us or by calling 1-888-6Permit.
Searching for a place to hunt? Keep in mind that many state sites provide "stand-by" hunting opportunities. Although the 2010 Free Dove Hunting Permit drawings ended June 25th, participating site information can be found within the 2010 ILDNR Free Dove Hunting Permit Information Sheet
Deer Hunting
Illinois Firearm Deer Hunting: August 16, 2010 was the Second Lottery deadline for Illinois firearm and muzzleloader deer permit applications, but many permits remain unsold. Two rounds of Illinois firearm deer permit application opportunities are still to come:
- Random Daily Drawings: From September 14th through October 4th, both residents and nonresidents can purchase multiple "Leftover" Firearm and/or Muzzleloader permits during the Random Daily Drawings Period. (You can apply either online or with mail-in forms.)
- Over-The-Counter: Starting October 19th, any remaining permits will be sold "over the counter" by statewide license vendors on a first come, first served basis - until quotas are exhausted or until the close of the firearm season.
Note: You can apply at any time prior to the Random Daily Drawings, but be sure and check the updated "remaining firearm or muzzleloader deer permits" lists that were generated after the August 16th deer permit lottery. You can also check online for the status of any firearm deer permits you have previously applied for, simply by using the IDNR Deer Permit Application Inquiry System.
Resident archery permits will again be available on an "over-the-counter" basis shortly before the IL archery deer season begins October 1st, 2010.
The original Non-Resident Archery Deer lottery online application period ended June 30, and all applicants were awarded permits. Remaining Non-Resident Combination Archery Deer permits (one either-sex and one antlerless only) are still available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters may purchase remaining permits over the counter from a license vendor, through the DNR Direct online license system or by calling toll-free 1-888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648). Note: Non-Resident Archery Antlerless-Only Deer Permits are also currently available.
The 2010 Firearm Deer Season Dates are November 19, 20, 21 (first season) and December 2, 3, 4, 5 (second season.) For Muzzleloader-Only permits, the season dates are Dec 10, 11, 12. (Note: county-specific muzzleloader permits can also be used Dec 2, 3, 4, 5 during the second firearm season.) The Illinois Archery Deer Season runs October 1 - January 16, except that archery hunting is closed during the two firearm deer seasons in most Illinois counties.
Note: Many License and permit fees have increased for 2010.
Licenses, Permits,
& Seasons!
Fall Wild Turkey Shotgun Permits: Applications for leftover 2010 Resident Fall Wild Turkey Shotgun Hunting Permits are being accepted through September 27th. Season dates for 2010 are Oct. 23-31 in selected counties and hunting areas.
Controlled Pheasant Hunting News: 2010-2011 application, season & regulation information for DNR-operated pheasant hunting sites is now available. Hunters must use the Controlled Pheasant Hunting Permit Internet Application to reserve permits for the controlled pheasant hunting season at the hunting areas listed for IDNR operated areas. Learn More
- FIRST DRAWING PERIOD - Applications from Illinois resident hunters only will be accepted beginning Monday, Sept. 27th at 8:30 a.m. through Sunday, Oct. 3rd at 12:00 midnight CDT for inclusion in the first random drawing for pheasant permits.
- SECOND DRAWING PERIOD - Illinois resident hunters that did not apply or who were unsuccessful in the first drawing and nonresident hunters can apply from Monday, Oct. 4th at 12:01 a.m. through Sunday, Oct. 10th at 12:00 midnight CDT for inclusion in the second random drawing.
- THIRD DRAWING PERIOD - A third random drawing beginning Monday, Oct. 11th at 12:01 a.m. through Sunday, Oct. 17th at 12:00 midnight CDT is available to resident and nonresident hunters who want a second pheasant permit.
- FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED PERMITS - Hunters can acquire additional pheasant permits on a first-come first-served basis beginning at 8:00 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 23rd, CDT. Permits will be available until permit quotas are depleted or until 24 hours (48 hours for Disabled Hunter Permits) prior to any hunt date whichever occurs first.
Free Upland Game Hunt Permits: Applications for free upland game hunting permits are being accepted (online-only) through August 31st for four quail management areas, twenty pheasant habitat areas, and sixteen upland habitat areas throughout Illinois. Learn More
 Illinois Hunting Licenses: 2010 fishing, hunting and sportsman combination licenses are available from local license and permit vendors, online through the IDNR web site at DNR Direct Online License Sales, or by calling 1-888-6PERMIT. Online license buyers can use American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa or E-Check and print the license or receipt. The system is available 24 hours a day. Note: Dove and waterfowl hunters should remember to register with the HIP program when they obtain their licenses. View IDNR price schedule for Illinois Hunting Fees/Permits/Stamps.
Apprentice Hunting License: The Apprentice Hunter License is a one-time, non-renewable license for residents and non-residents. It allows persons ages 10-17 to go hunting with a parent, grandparent or guardian who has a valid Illinois resident or non-resident hunting license.Those 18 and older will be able to go hunting with any family member or friend who is a validly licensed Illinois resident or non-resident hunter. A hunter safety course is not required to purchase this license. Learn More
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Our Mission
IllinoisHunter.com is designed to provide a friendly user interface to access useful information about hunting and outdoor conservation in Illinois. Many of our links will take you to other sites, especially selected portions of the IL Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) web site. Please note that IllinoisHunter.com is not officially associated with the IDNR or other organizations whose sites open in a new browser window, and that we are not responsible for the accuracy of information derived from or found on these external sources.
Our Feature Section
The 2009 feature section has been revised to a series of "special reports" instead of comprehensive looks at specialized topics. The first report of January 2009 covered Late-Season Upland Hunting Opportunities in Illinois. The second report concerned new Illinois Governor Quinn making some positive decisions regarding conservation and hunting initiatives in Illinois. The third report concerned a Request For Action By Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever as the Illinois Legislature wound down, and three major needs for wildlife remained.
The First Special Report of 2008 took a look at the hunting opportunities offered by a variety of upland hunting preserves located throughout Illinois. The Second Special Report of 2008 looked at the precarious status of the Controlled Pheasant Program on state sites. The Third Special Report of 2008 takes a look at the current controversies surrounding the 2008-2009 ILDNR budget.
In 2007, the IllinoisHunter.com feature section went undeveloped as other aspects of our site were enhanced. (and personal priorities were attended to...) Please keep in mind that IllinoisHunter.com is a small semi-commercial web publishing project, but we are honored that 5,000+ unique visitors each month come to our site for "useful information about hunting in Illinois." We know that our home page has become too "wordy" over time, and a new visual interface is being designed to help you cut through the links and go straight through to the information that you need. Please keep the questions and suggestions rolling....................
The 2006 feature section covered the process of applying for 2006 Illinois firearm and muzzleloader deer permits, and took a special look at public deer hunting opportunities in Illinois. These topics are scheduled for a review and new release prior to the 2010 seasons.
The 2005 Illinois Heritage Youth Turkey Season was the topic of our first IllinoisHunter feature section. Here you will find some facts about a special youth turkey hunt, learn about a related outreach project by a local NWTF chapter in Central Illinois, and read an exciting first-person hunt narrative written by a 13-year-old female hunter from Auburn, Illinois.
IllinoisHunter.com provides access to a wide variety of resources, including:
State Of Illinois Links - where you can go directly to useful State of Illinois information without having to search through multiple levels of state sites to reach the basic information that you need. Our focus is on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (acronyms ILDNR or IDNR) for Illinois hunting information, and also includes the Illinois State Police (ISP) web site for Firearm Owner Identification Card (FOID) information. However, you can also check here for a list of useful IDNR departmental Email links, and an online Master Contact Listing covering all governmental agencies in the great State of Illinois, including full DNR agency-wide listings and departmental phone numbers.
Local Club and Chapter Sites - a clearinghouse where local sporting clubs and organizations in Illinois can get a free link to their current web site, or arrange to publish an inexpensive site through our domain name and web hosting partner SportingDomains.com!
Sporting Organizations - here are handy links to United States of America national and state organizations supporting hunting and shooting, such as the NWTF (National Wild turkey Federation,) DU (Ducks Unlimited,) NRA (National Rifle Association,) ISRA (Illinois State Rifle Association,) and IFOR (Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources.)
Illinois Sporting Publications - a guide to sporting publications and videos featuring hunting, fishing, and shooting sports throughout the state.
Hunter Tools - links to useful tools related to hunting such as Illinois FOID card information, weather forecasts, sunrise/sunset tables, and more. Send us an email about what topics you would like to see in this section. Do you want topics like hunting dog resources, wing shooting clinics, local upland hunting preserves, rifled slugs vs sabots, shed antler collecting, taxidermy, etc?
Hunting Facts - a collection of resources that will help to educate Illinois hunters and non-hunters alike regarding the importance of hunting in our culture and our environment.
Feature Article Section - IllinoisHunter.com feature articles are created with a focus on informational and educational topics that will be of interest to Illinois sportsmen and sportswomen. Jesse Staab photo
IllinoisHunter.com is a resource that has been developed to provide useful web links and general information about sport hunting and wildlife conservation in the great state of Illinois, USA. Our site is designed for use by sportsmen of all ages and skill levels, as well as by non-hunters who simply want to learn more about hunting and related activities in Illinois. We intend to accomplish our goals without bothering you with annoying commercial interruptions, "chatty" opinion postings, and distractions like "popups" and/or unrelated advertising. Whether you are a resident or non-resident hunter, you will especially appreciate our upcoming "County by County" search for local resources in Illinois counties. In addition, we will also be featuring innovative online ways to buy hunting products, services, or properties - such as turkeypro.com and tallgrassprairie.com! In our home Central Illinois area surrounding Petersburg and Menard County, we have expanded out web publishing focus beyond hunting topics with PetersburgIL.com - check it out!
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