This page lists the most frequent questions we get from visitors to our IllinoisHunter web site. If you have a question for us, or a suggestion about what useful information you would like to see listed on IllinoisHunter.com, just send an email to publisher@illinoishunter.com!

Ladies learn archery skills at a Women In The Outdoors (WITO) event co-sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

#1 Question: What is the phone number of the ILDNR Hunting Permit Office in Springfield? Answer: The hunting permit office telephone number is 217-782-7305. Editors Note: Please be pleasant to them on the phone, as there are only a handful of workers there to handle a huge workload. You can help them retain their sanity by doing as much research as you can on the Internet! The permit office email address permit1@dnrmail.state.il.us is another alternative.

#2 Question: My son (or daughter) is interested in hunting, but our family doesn't know much about the sport. Where do we start? Answer: It's hard to give a short response to this question, but the answer boils down to three general areas: Educational Opportunities, Making Contacts, and Gaining Experience. Reading general-interest hunting/fishing magazines is a traditional way to learn about sport hunting. Some educational experiences are mandatory, such as Hunter Safety Education classes. However, a variety of voluntary classes and clinics are available throughout Illinois, such as DNR-sponsored Beginners Wingshooting Clinics. In particular, check out sporting organizations and their local chapters which frequently sponsor special educational events coinciding with the various Illinois Youth Hunting Seasons. Local hunting-related groups (such as Sportsman's Clubs) are also helpful in the areas of making contacts and gaining experience. You may find someone who is willing to serve as a mentor, or perhaps your son/daughter may find a peer who is also interested in the same sport hunting activities. As for gaining experience, a gradual approach is generally the best. This often means hunting small game before big game, and stressing the total outdoor experience over the importance of the taking of game during the hunt.

#3 Question: My relative (father, mother, son, daughter, uncle, etc) doesn't have a computer. Where can he/she go for hunting-related information and services in Illinois? Answer: Of course, you can always have them sit down with you at your computer as you point your web browser at IllinoisHunter.com! However, you'd be amazed at how many questions can be answered simply by reading a copy of the latest Digest of Hunting & Trapping Regulations, which can be obtained for free at all hunting license vendor locations. Also, they should be aware that they can now buy hunting licenses and stamps by telephone by calling 1-888-6-PERMIT.