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IllinoisHunter Home:
Your 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. View 2008-2009 Seasons Guide
Special Notices
IMPORTANT BREAKING NEWS Budget Cuts Hit DNR Again: The IDNR announced massive additional budget cuts on Thursday, August 28th, and eleven state sites are now scheduled to close on November 1st. At the current time, it is unclear how all of the hunting programs and related activities at these sites will be affected. Our phone calls to site managers have been referred to the IDNR Communications Office, which is apparently not yet able to issue a more detailed statement. Several of the sites scheduled for closure have already issued site-specific 2008 permits for deer, turkey, and upland hunting. Camping and fishing opportunities at these site will also be affected. We anticipate that budget cuts directly related to hunting programs at other state sites in Illinois are also being made, even for state sites that are not on the closure list.
Under Governor Blagojevtch's administration, the Illinois DNR has sustained a loss of $14 million for the current fiscal year - which resulted in a 24% cut to its operating budget. A total of 39 DNR employees are being laid off, and 36 of them are full-time workers. IllinoisHunter.com will report further on these issues when more information is available. The IL DNR sites scheduled for closure November 1st are:
Hunting & Trapping Digests: New Issues Now Available! The Illinois 2008-2009 Digest of Hunting & Trapping Regulations is the primary public source of official information about Illinois hunting laws and related regulations. The 2008-2009 Waterfowl Digest is the official source of information for hunting migratory species. The Hunting & Trapping Digest can be accessed either online, or as printed pamphlets available at hunting license vendors or ILDNR offices statewide. Learn More
Squirrel Season Now Open: Squirrel (Fox and Gray) Season runs Aug. 1 - Feb. 15, 2009 (Statewide.) The season will be closed Nov. 21-23 and Dec. 4-7 in counties open for firearm deer season. Hunting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, and the daily limit is 5.
Wingshooting Clinics : IDNR-sponsored shotgunning clinics designed for a wide range of shooting skill levels are available throughout Illinois in 2008. 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. Note: Many older adults are finding that they need hunter safety certification in order to hunt out-of-state regardless of age. Learn More
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The long-term future is still uncertain for the DNR Pheasant Program, but 2008 is a Go! The Third Lottery runs through September 14th.
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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
Free Upland Game Hunt Permits: A free drawing for upland game permits is held annually for hunting at 37 State-owned sites throughout Illinois. The last date to apply was August 31st. More Information
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
Located 40 Miles north of Champaign and just 1 hour and 15 minutes from downtown Chicago! 100% woodland!
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Featured Hunting Property For Sale :
25-30 Acres of Timber Near Onarga, IL (Iroquois County)
Only $5,000 / acre!
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Spring Turkey Hunting Results: The Illinois 2008 Spring Turkey Hunting Seasons recently concluded with a strong finish of 15,792 birds despite unusual spring weather in many areas throughout the state. In comparison, Illinois’ largest spring turkey harvest was in 2006 with a statewide total of 16,605. Last year, the total 2007 Spring Season statewide spring turkey harvest was 14,766. Learn More
Located south of the Champaign / Danville areas, and east of the Effingham area near Martinsville, IL.
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Business Investment Opportunity With Bonus Hunting and Fishing:
Lake Forest Resort near Martinsville, IL (Clark County)
Learn More |
Nearly 200,000 deer taken in 2007-2008 Deer Seasons: Hunters in Illinois took a preliminary total of 116,708 deer during the 2007 IL Firearm Deer Season (Nov. 17-19 and Nov. 29-Dec. 2), 4,333 deer during the 2007 IL Muzzleloader-only Deer Season (Dec. 7-9), 897 deer during the 2007 Illinois Youth Deer Season (Oct. 6-7), 64,217 deer during the 2007-08 IL Archery Deer Season (Oct. 1, 2007-Jan. 17, 2008), 11,506 deer during the IL Late-Winter Antlerless-only Deer Season (Jan. 18-20), and 883 deer during the Special CWD Deer Season held in specific Northern Illinois counties (Jan. 18-20.) Learn More
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 disability exemption and must obtain a special permit from the Department of Natural Resources. Equipment restrictions apply. 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.
Deer Season Anniversary: 2007 marked the 50th Anniversary of deer hunting seasons in Illinois. More than 85,000 deer were harvested during the first weekend of the 2007 Illinois firearm deer season alone. Bad weather impacted second season results, but archery, muzzleloader, and the late seasons brought the total to almost 200,000 deer for the season - a significant increase over the 1,735 deer harvested in the 33 counties that were open for deer hunting during the 1957 season.
Photo Gallery Upgrade: The IllinoisHunter.com photo gallery of hunting and wildlife pictures has been recently upgraded. View New Photo Gallery
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2007 Second Firearm Deer Season Success Story:
10-year-old Gavyn Gosha of Herrin Shoots Giant Buck Learn More |
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Dove & Early Canada Goose Seasons Began September 1st
Dove season runs Sept. 1 - Oct. 24; Nov. 1 - 16, 2008 statewide. Dove hunting hours are sunrise to sunset. The bag limits are 15 per day and 30 in possession. While dove permit drawings for state sites have concluded, stand-by opportunities exist at many public sites.
Early Canada Goose season runs Sept. 1-15 in the Northeast, North, Central, and South state waterfowl zones. Hunting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset. Bag limits in the Northeast, North, Central Zones are 5 per day with a possession limit of 10, while the South Zone limits are 2 per day and 4 in possession. Teal Season begins a bit later, and will run September 6-21 (sunrise to sunset) with a daily limit of 4 and a possession limit of 8.
Illinois Deer Permit Applications:
Random Daily Drawings Begin Sept. 15th
Firearm and Muzzleloader Permits: The application period for the second firearm and muzzleloader lottery
drawings ended August 14th. The "Random Daily Drawings" for leftover permits will run September 15th through November 7th. You may now apply for multiple deer permits during the Random Daily Drawings. The updated lists of
remaining 2008 firearm and muzzleloader permits have now been released with the results of the second lottery.
Non-Resident Archery Deer Permits: Remaining Non-Resident archery combination
deer applications are now available by phone on a "first come, first served" basis. (IllinoisHunter verified that there were still some permits left when we checked on 8/26/08.) To obtain a remaining permit, call 1-888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648.) The cost
of a Non-Resident Archery Combination Deer permit (one either-sex/one
antlerless) will be $400. There were originally 7,777 permits remaining from the 2008 non-resident quota of 25,000 combination
tags.
Learn More
Resident Archery Permits: Illinois Resident archery deer permits
are now available "over-the-counter" statewide,
and resident bowhunters are not subject to any quota.
Youth Deer Hunt: The 2008 Illinois Resident Youth Deer Hunt will be held October 11th and 12th. The online-only first lottery application period ended August 14th. Applicants not receiving a permit (or not applying) in the lottery may now apply for an unfilled county quota permit in the random daily drawings. The first random daily drawing will include applications received prior to and including September 15. Random daily drawings then will be held up to the last day to apply - September 19. A random daily drawing means all applications from one day are randomly processed before applications from the next day are randomly processed. The Youth Deer Hunt is open only to Illinois residents who have not reached their 16th birthday by the start of the Youth Deer Hunt. All participating youths must have either completed a State-approved Hunter Education course and have a valid regular hunting license, or have a current Apprentice License. Permits issued for the Youth Deer Hunt will not be counted in the number of gun permits a person can receive for the Firearm and Muzzleloader-Only deer seasons. A list of participating Public Hunt Areas is available, and all counties are open to youth deer hunting except Cook. More Youth Deer Hunt Information From the IDNR
CWD and the Special Northern CWD Season: Read the latest CWD Information and Updates
More Licenses, Permits,
& Applications!
Public Waterfowl Site Permit Drawings Began September 2nd: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recommendations for a 60-day duck hunting season statewide – along with 85-day Canada goose seasons in the North and Central zones and a 66-day Canada goose season in the South Zone – have been approved for the 2008-09 waterfowl season by the Service Regulations Committee of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Final approval from the USFWS is expected in September. While approving Illinois ’ proposed waterfowl seasons, the USFWS has decided to close hunting for canvasbacks and allow for an increase in the daily bag limit for wood ducks from two to three birds. Illinois has also selected an option to vary the daily limit for scaup (daily limit of one for 40 days and two for 20 days.) Random daily drawings for state site permits began September 2 and run through September 15. Beginning September 30 unsuccessful applicants, non-residents and anyone that has not applied for or received a permit may call 217 524-6514 (8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday) to apply for remaining open areas and dates. A second permit (for a different day than your first permit) may be obtained from unfilled quotas by calling 217 524-6514 (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday) beginning October 9.
Fall Wild Turkey Shotgun Hunting Permits: Season Dates are Oct. 25-Nov. 2, 2008 statewide. First Lottery results are in: Check Your Fall Shotgun Turkey Permit Status. The Second Lottery ended Aug. 25. The random daily drawing period will follow on September 22nd-29th. The current List of Remaining Permits should be checked for second lottery results before you apply. Apply Online or download the Mail-In Application. Note: 2008 Resident & Non-Resident Fall Archery-Only Wild Turkey Permits are now available for "over the counter" purchase. More Fall Wild Turkey Hunting Web Links
2008 Illinois Licenses: The new IDNR license year began April 1st. The 2008 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. The 2008 licenses will be valid through Mar. 31, 2009. Note: Dove and waterfowl hunters should remember to register with the HIP program when they obtain their licenses. View the 2008-2009 IDNR price schedule for Illinois Hunting Fees/Permits/Stamps.
2008-2009 Pheasant and Quail Hunting: Despite continuing controversy regarding the new ILDNR budget, the Controlled Peasant Hunting Permit Reservation System for public sites is now operational. A third random drawing period runs through Sept. 14th at 12:00 midnight CDT, and is available to resident and nonresident hunters who want a second permit. After the third drawing period, hunters will be able to acquire additional permits on a first-come first-served basis beginning at 8:00 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 20th, CDT. Additional 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. Hunters cannot have two permits for the same day at DNR operated areas.
Public/Private pheasant hunting sites are operated by T. Miller, Inc. Hunters are now able to acquire additional permits on a first-come, first-serve basis until permit quotas are depleted or until 12 hours (48 hours at Ramsey and Horseshoe Lake) prior to any hunt date, whichever occurs first. More information is available at http://www.tmillerinc.com. Other upland opportunities continue to be available at commercial hunting preserves throughout Illinois.
Apprentice Hunting License: Illinois now has a special apprentice resident hunting license, which allows youngsters ages 10 to 17 to go hunting with a parent, grandparent or guardian who has a valid Illinois resident hunting license. Individuals 18 and older will also be able to buy an apprentice license, then hunt with any family member or friend who is a licensed Illinois resident hunter. Apprentice hunting licenses are available through vendors with online licensing terminals, and do not require completion of an ILDNR Hunter Safety course. Illinois Apprentice hunting licenses are valid for only one year, and cannot be renewed. Apprentice licenses are also now available for non-resident hunters. Learn More
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
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.
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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 2008 feature section is being revised to a series of "special reports" instead of comprehensive looks at specialized topics. The First Special Report of 2008 takes a look at the hunting opportunities offered by a variety of upland hunting preserves located throughout Illinois. The Second Special Report of 2008 takes a look at the precarious status of the Controlled Pheasant Program on state sites.
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.
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.
IllinoisHunter.com has been developed as a premier source of useful web links and general information about sport hunting and wildlife conservation in the great state of Illinois, USA. Our site is being 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. We intend to accomplish our goals without bothering you with annoying commercial interruptions 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 aspenauctionsonline.com!
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