Illinois hunting

Illinois Hunting Seasons

Explore this comprehensive guide to hunting in Illinois, covering state regulations, public hunting lands, licensing requirements, season dates, gear recommendations, and conservation programs to ensure a successful and responsible hunting experience.

Illinois Hunting Regulations

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) publishes an annual Hunting and Trapping Digest that includes the latest rules, bag limits, and season dates for all game species.

Illinois Hunting Seasons 2025-2026

Deer

  • Archery: Oct 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 (assumed based on previous year)
  • First Firearm: Nov 21–23, 2025
  • Second Firearm: Dec 4–7, 2025
  • Muzzleloader-Only: Dec 12–14, 2025

Turkey

The following are for the 2025 spring season. The 2026 spring season dates are not yet available.

  • Youth: Mar 29–30 and Apr 5–6, 2025
  • Shotgun and Archery Segment 1: Apr 14–18, 2025 (North), Apr 7–11, 2025 (South)
  • Segment 2: Apr 19–24, 2025 (North), Apr 12–17, 2025 (South)
  • Segment 3: Apr 25–30, 2025 (North), Apr 18–23, 2025 (South)
  • Segment 4: May 1–7, 2025 (North), Apr 24–30, 2025 (South)
  • Segment 5: May 8–15, 2025 (North), May 1–8, 2025 (South)

Waterfowl

  • Early Teal (All Zones): Sep 7–12, 2025 (assumed)
  • Rail (All Zones): Sep 7–Nov 15, 2025
  • Snipe (All Zones): Sep 7–Dec 22, 2025
  • Canada Geese (Early Season): Sep 1–15, 2025 (North and Central), Sep 1–15, 2025 (South Central and South)
  • Canada Geese: Oct 19–Jan 16, 2026 (North), Oct 26–Nov 3 and Nov 12–Jan 31, 2026 (Central), Nov 16–Jan 31, 2026 (South Central), Nov 30–Jan 31, 2026 (South)
  • Duck: Oct 19–Dec 17, 2025 (North), Oct 26–Dec 24, 2025 (Central), Nov 16–Jan 14, 2026 (South Central), Nov 30–Jan 28, 2026 (South)
  • Merganser: Same as Duck
  • Coot: Same as Duck
  • Scaup: Oct 19–Dec 2 and Dec 3–17, 2025 (North), Oct 26–Dec 9 and Dec 10–24, 2025 (Central), Nov 16–Dec 30, 2025 and Dec 31–Jan 14, 2026 (South Central), Nov 30–Jan 13, 2026 and Jan 14–28, 2026 (South)
  • Light Geese: Oct 19–Jan 16, 2026 (North), Oct 26–Jan 31, 2026 (Central), Nov 16–Jan 31, 2026 (South Central), Nov 30–Jan 31, 2026 (South)
  • Conservation Order (Light Geese): Jan 17–Apr 30, 2026 (North), Feb 1–Apr 30, 2026 (Central, South Central, and South)
  • Brant: Same as Light Geese
  • White-Fronted Geese: Oct 21–Jan 16, 2026 (North), Nov 5–Jan 31, 2026 (Central), Nov 16–Jan 31, 2026 (South Central), Nov 30–Jan 31, 2026 (South)
  • Youth Waterfowl: Oct 12–13, 2025 (North), Oct 19–20, 2025 (Central), Nov 9–10, 2025 (South Central), Nov 16–17, 2025 (South)

Coyote

  • Hunting: Year-round
  • Trapping: Nov 10–Feb 15, 2026

Note: The above seasons are based on the 2024-2025 hunting seasons and may change for 2025-2026. Please visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for the most up-to-date information.

Public and Private Hunting Lands

Public Hunting Lands

Illinois offers extensive public hunting areas, including:

  • State Fish & Wildlife Areas: Such as Sangchris Lake, Moraine View, and Jim Edgar Panther Creek.
  • National Forests: Shawnee National Forest.

Use the IDNR Where to Hunt Map for detailed access points.

Private Land Access Programs

The Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) provides hunting opportunities on private lands. Learn more about IRAP here.

Illinois Hunting License

Illinois hunters can purchase licenses through the IDNR Licensing System. Available licenses include:

  • Resident and non-resident hunting licenses.
  • Youth licenses for hunters under 18 years of age.
  • Apprentice licenses for first-time hunters.

Note: Hunters born on or after January 1, 1980, must complete a Hunter Safety Education Course before obtaining a hunting license. Learn more.

Gear Recommendations for Illinois Hunts

Ensure success with gear tailored for Illinois’ terrain and seasons:

  • Clothing: Layered, waterproof gear for variable weather conditions.
  • Footwear: Insulated boots for cold weather; sturdy boots for uneven terrain.
  • Hunting Equipment: Tree stands for deer; decoys and calls for waterfowl.

Conservation and Ethical Hunting

Support Illinois’ conservation efforts by participating in programs like IRAP and adhering to ethical hunting practices. Hunting license fees contribute to wildlife management and habitat preservation across the state.

Hunting Tips for Illinois

Maximize your success with these tips:

  • Scout public hunting areas early to secure the best spots.
  • Learn game habits, such as deer feeding patterns and waterfowl migration routes.
  • Check weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Plan Your Next Illinois Hunt

Whether you’re hunting deer, turkey, or waterfowl, Illinois offers opportunities for hunters of all experience levels. Stay informed, gear up, and head out for a successful season!

List of Illinois Deer Processors

ProcessorPhoneAddressCityCounty
Astoria Meat Market309-329-2577208 E. WashingtonAstoria, IL 61501Fulton
Birkner Processing618-757-2322Rte. 3 County Rd 1225 EMcLeansboro, IL 62859Hamilton
Blair’s Slaughtering & Processing618-665-34242472 Vandalia RdLouisville, IL 62858Clay
Bob’s Red Fox, Inc.217-734-2812202 S Sixth StPleasant Hill, IL 62366Pike
Burn’s Wildgame Processing618-466-82371213 Winter LnGodfrey, IL 62034Madison
Butcher Block217-440-3200819 Main StQuincy, IL 62301Adams
Coal Valley Deer Processing309-799-346211928 Niabi RdCoal Valley, IL 61240Rock Island
Dutch Valley Meats217-543-3354376 E. St. Rte. 133Arthur, IL 61911Douglas
Eickman’s Processing Company815-247-8451Box 118 Grant StSeward, IL 61077Winnebago
Eureka Locker309-467-2731110 4-H Park RdEureka, IL 61530Woodford
Freedom Sausage815-792-82764155 E 1650th RdEarlville, IL 60518LaSalle
Golden Meat Locker217-696-4456706 WendellGolden, IL 62339Adams
Harbach Meats815-232-78076444 Rt. 20 WestFreeport, IL 61032Stephenson
Heinkel’s Packing Co.217-428-44012005 N 22nd St.Decatur, IL 62526Macon
Houser Meats217-322-4994RR 2 Box 180BRushville, IL 62681Schuyler
John’s Venison Processing618-732-857022972 E. Rush RdBlueford, IL 62814Jefferson
Jones Meat & Locker217-243-22122108 E. State StJacksonville, IL 62650Morgan
Korte Meat Processing618-654-3813810 Deal StreetHighland, IL 62249Madison
Magro’s Deer Processing217-438-2880323 W. MadisonAuburn, IL 62615Sangamon
Mike’s Market618-665-3151133 N ChurchLouisville, IL 62858Clay
Miles Brothers618-937-41151000 S Jefferson StW. Frankfort, IL 62896Franklin
Millers’ Meat Market618-282-33341524 S. MainRed Bud, IL 62278Randolph
Moweaqua Packing217-768-4714601 N Main StMoweaqua, IL 62550Shelby/Christian
New Era Deer Processing815-213-121213593 Three Mile RdSavanna, IL 61074Carroll
Opengate Custom Meats618-833-504270 Body’s Butchering LnAnna, IL 62906Union
Raber Packing Co309-673-07211413 N. Raber RdPeoria, IL 61604Peoria
Scott’s Processing618-594-39211810 Franklin StCarlyle, IL 62231Clinton
Teutopolis Locker Service217-857-33191312 N Walnut StTeutopolis, IL 62467Effingham
The Edgar Co. Locker217-466-5000116 E Steidl RdParis, IL 61944Edgar
Valley View Custom Meats36046 175th StPleasant Hill, IL 62366Pike
Woodhull Locker309-334-2235330 N DivisionWoodhull, IL 61490Henry
Y-T Packing217-522-33451129 Taintor Rd/PO 57Springfield, IL 62705Sangamon

Illinois Annual Deer Harvest Report

https://deer.wildlifeillinois.org/visualization

Illinois Hunting Shows 2025

  • Southern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Collectible Show: February 8, 2025, at Du Quoin State Fairgrounds Expo Hall.
  • Chicagoland Fishing Travel & Outdoor Expo: January 23-26, 2025, at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center.
  • All-Canada Show – Chicago: January 30 – February 2, 2025, at Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.