Illinois Hunting Guide 2026
Complete Illinois hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.
Wildlife Agency
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers
Illinois Hunting Seasons
Whitetail Deer
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Oct 1 | Jan 14 |
| Shotgun | Nov 17 | Dec 7 |
| Muzzleloader | Dec 8 | Dec 10 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (1 antlered)
No centerfire rifle hunting for deer. Shotgun slugs and muzzleloaders only. Illinois produces trophy-class bucks, especially in Pike and Adams counties.
Turkey
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Apr 8 | May 11 |
| Archery | Oct 1 | Jan 14 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (spring)
Spring bearded turkey with 5 hunting periods. Lottery draw for first choice period. Fall archery concurrent with deer season.
Pheasant
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Nov 4 | Jan 7 |
Bag limits: daily: 2, season: No limit
Habitat stamp required. Wild bird populations limited. State sites stocked. Best opportunities in central and southern Illinois.
Duck/Waterfowl
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Oct 21 | Dec 17 |
Bag limits: daily: 6, season: No season limit
Federal and state stamps required. Illinois River valley and Mississippi River corridor are prime waterfowl areas. Split season in 3 zones.
Planning Tools
- Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
- Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
- Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
- Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states
