When is Hunting Season in Illinois? A Complete Guide

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

When Is Hunting Season in Illinois?

The start of hunting season is a time of excitement for many people in Illinois. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started, there’s something special about spending time in the woods, surrounded by nature, and trying to bag your next big catch. But before you can do that, you need to know when hunting season is in Illinois.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the hunting seasons for each of the major game species in Illinois. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prepare for your next hunting trip. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to know about hunting season in Illinois!

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Game Season Dates
Deer Archery September 15 – January 1
Deer Muzzleloader November 11 – 15
Deer Firearms November 16 – January 1
Turkey Spring April 19 – May 31
Turkey Fall November 1 – 30

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Hunting is a popular pastime in Illinois, and there are a variety of different hunting seasons throughout the year. The specific dates and bag limits for each season vary, so it’s important to be aware of the regulations before you go hunting.

This guide provides an overview of the general hunting seasons in Illinois, as well as specific information on deer, turkey, duck, and other hunting seasons. We’ll also cover the types of licenses and permits required, and provide some safety tips for hunters.

General Hunting Seasons in Illinois

The general hunting seasons in Illinois are as follows:

  • Small game: November 15-February 28
  • Big game: November 15-January 31
  • Waterfowl: September 1-March 31
  • Upland game birds: September 1-March 31
  • Furbearers: November 15-March 31

Types of Licenses and Permits Required

In order to hunt in Illinois, you must have a valid hunting license. There are different types of licenses available, depending on the type of hunting you plan to do. For example, you need a different license to hunt deer than you do to hunt ducks.

You can also purchase permits for specific hunting seasons. For example, if you want to hunt deer during the early antlerless season, you need to purchase a permit for that season.

You can purchase hunting licenses and permits online at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

Hunting Regulations and Safety Tips

There are a number of regulations that you need to be aware of before you go hunting in Illinois. These regulations cover everything from the types of weapons you can use to the hours of operation.

You can find a complete list of hunting regulations on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

Here are a few safety tips for hunters:

  • Always wear a hunter orange vest or hat when you’re in the woods. This will help other hunters to see you and avoid accidents.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and the other hunters in the area.
  • Never shoot at a target that you cannot clearly identify.
  • Treat all firearms as if they are loaded, even if they are not.
  • Never drink alcohol while hunting.

Specific Hunting Seasons in Illinois

In addition to the general hunting seasons, there are also a number of specific hunting seasons for specific animals. These seasons vary depending on the species of animal and the region of the state.

Here is a brief overview of some of the specific hunting seasons in Illinois:

  • Deer hunting season: The deer hunting season in Illinois runs from November 15 to January 31. There are two different seasons for deer hunting: the early antlerless season and the late antlered season.
  • Turkey hunting season: The turkey hunting season in Illinois runs from April 15 to May 31. There are two different seasons for turkey hunting: the spring season and the fall season.
  • Duck hunting season: The duck hunting season in Illinois runs from September 1 to March 31. There are a number of different duck hunting seasons, each with its own bag limits and regulations.
  • Upland game birds: The upland game bird hunting season in Illinois runs from September 1 to March 31. Upland game birds include pheasants, quail, and grouse.
  • Furbearers: The furbearer hunting season in Illinois runs from November 15 to March 31. Furbearers include raccoons, opossums, and coyotes.

Hunting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. However, it’s important to be aware of the regulations and safety tips before you go hunting. By following these guidelines, you can have a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.

Additional Resources

  • [Illinois Department of Natural Resources website](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/)
  • [National Rifle Association website](https://www.nra.org/)
  • [United States Fish and Wildlife Service website](https://www.fws.gov/)

When Is Hunting Season In Illinois?

The hunting season in Illinois varies depending on the species of animal you are hunting. The following is a general overview of the hunting seasons in Illinois:

  • Deer: The deer hunting season in Illinois runs from November 15 to January 31. The firearm deer hunting season is from November 15 to December 15, and the archery deer hunting season is from December 16 to January 31.
  • Turkey: The turkey hunting season in Illinois runs from April 15 to May 31. The spring turkey hunting season is from April 15 to May 15, and the fall turkey hunting season is from May 16 to May 31.
  • Duck: The duck hunting season in Illinois runs from September 1 to January 31. The early duck hunting season is from September 1 to September 15, and the late duck hunting season is from September 16 to January 31.
  • Goose: The goose hunting season in Illinois runs from September 1 to January 31. The early goose hunting season is from September 1 to September 15, and the late goose hunting season is from September 16 to January 31.
  • Pheasant: The pheasant hunting season in Illinois runs from October 1 to January 31. The pheasant hunting season is open statewide.
  • Rabbit: The rabbit hunting season in Illinois runs from October 1 to January 31. The rabbit hunting season is open statewide.
  • Squirrel: The squirrel hunting season in Illinois runs from October 1 to January 31. The squirrel hunting season is open statewide.

For more specific information on hunting seasons in Illinois, please visit the [Illinois Department of Natural Resources website](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/Hunting-Seasons.aspx).

Where to Hunt in Illinois

There are many places to hunt in Illinois, including public hunting areas, private hunting lands, and hunting outfitters.

  • Public hunting areas are owned and managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). There are over 1,000 public hunting areas in Illinois, covering over 2 million acres of land. Public hunting areas are open to all hunters who have a valid hunting license.
  • Private hunting lands are owned by private individuals or organizations. Private hunting lands are not open to the public, but you may be able to hunt on private land if you obtain permission from the landowner.
  • Hunting outfitters are businesses that provide hunting opportunities on private land. Hunting outfitters typically charge a fee for their services, which may include providing transportation to and from the hunting area, guiding services, and lodging.

For more information on where to hunt in Illinois, please visit the [Illinois Department of Natural Resources website](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/lands/Pages/Public-Hunting-Areas.aspx).

Hunting Resources for Illinois

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources provides a variety of resources to help hunters stay safe and successful. These resources include:

  • DNR hunting regulations provide information on the legal requirements for hunting in Illinois. These regulations cover everything from the types of firearms that can be used to the seasons and bag limits for different species of animals.
  • DNR hunting maps provide maps of public hunting areas and private hunting lands. These maps can help you find the best places to hunt for specific species of animals.
  • DNR hunting courses offer hunters the opportunity to learn about hunting safety and ethics. These courses are offered by the IDNR and its partners throughout the state.
  • DNR hunting hotline provides hunters with information on hunting regulations, hunting opportunities, and hunting safety. The hotline is staffed by experienced hunters who can answer your questions and help you plan your next hunting trip.

For more information on hunting resources in Illinois, please visit the [Illinois Department of Natural Resources website](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/Regulations-and-Safety.aspx).

Hunting is a popular pastime in Illinois, and there are many opportunities to hunt for a variety of species of animals. By following the hunting regulations and using the resources available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, you can have a safe and successful hunting experience.

When is hunting season in Illinois?

General hunting season

  • Deer: November 15 to January 31
  • Turkey: April 16 to May 31
  • Duck: September 1 to January 31
  • Goose: October 1 to January 31
  • Pheasant: October 1 to January 31
  • Rabbit: February 1 to March 31
  • Squirrel: October 1 to January 31

Specialized hunting seasons

  • Coyote: January 1 to March 31
  • Crow: November 1 to January 31
  • Skunk: January 1 to March 31
  • Opossum: January 1 to March 31
  • Rattlesnake: April 1 to May 31

How do I get a hunting license in Illinois?

You can get a hunting license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office. The cost of a license varies depending on the type of license and your age. You can find more information on how to get a hunting license on the DNR website.

What are the rules and regulations for hunting in Illinois?

There are a number of rules and regulations that you must follow when hunting in Illinois. These rules cover everything from the types of weapons you can use to the time of day you can hunt. You can find more information on the rules and regulations for hunting in Illinois on the DNR website.

Where can I hunt in Illinois?

There are a number of public hunting areas in Illinois where you can hunt. You can find a list of these areas on the DNR website. You can also hunt on private property, but you must first get permission from the landowner.

What do I need to know about hunting safety?

Hunting safety is essential to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are a few tips for hunting safety:

  • Wear bright clothing so that other hunters can see you.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and the potential for danger.
  • Use caution when handling firearms.
  • Never drink alcohol or use drugs while hunting.

What are some common mistakes that hunters make?

There are a number of common mistakes that hunters make. Here are a few of the most common:

  • Not wearing blaze orange clothing.
  • Hunting in areas that are not open to hunting.
  • Using the wrong type of ammunition.
  • Not being aware of the local hunting regulations.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.

the hunting season in Illinois is a long and varied one, with different seasons for different types of game. It is important to be aware of the regulations and seasons before heading out to hunt, in order to ensure that you are doing so legally and safely. By following these tips, you can enjoy a successful and rewarding hunting season in Illinois.

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