State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Illinois Digest of

**Version 2 - Incorporates recently adopted Administrative Rules**

REGULATIONS

Hunting and Trapping

2025-2026

Use through July 31, 2026 or until the 2026-2027 digest is printed.

Photo of a mink by water courtesy of Kevin Wright www.instagram.com/illinoisdnr/ https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisDNR/ http://www2.illinois.gov/dnr www.instagram.com/illinoisdnr/

New Regulations for 2025-2026 – New laws and new programs are indicated by yellow shadingyellow shading. Prior to undertaking activities subject to change, review information published at dnr.illinois.

gov, your local newspaper’s outdoor writer’s column or check with your local IDNR office for more information. Any conflict arising between this digest and the statutes or administrative code of the State of Illinois, the statutes or administrative code of the State of Illinois shall control.

Message From the Director

Greetings from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Thank you for taking time to review the annual Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations. This informative guide includes a detailed review of Illinois’ hunting and trapping season dates, possession limits, hunting zone boundaries, statewide hunting regulations, license and permit details, and other helpful information.

New or amended regulations for 2025-2026 are noted in shaded print, so please be sure to familiarize yourself with all the updated guidelines before heading to the field.

This digest also contains helpful information about Illinois’ public hunting sites, property laws, harvest reporting requirements, and efforts to maintain healthy wildlife populations.

Hunter heritage runs deep in Illinois. Introducing new generations of friends and family members to hunting is an important part of the experience. With that in mind, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources continues to work on improving hunting opportunities, recruit new hunters and trappers, and expand public access throughout Illinois.

Hunters and trappers are essential partners in conservation and management of Illinois’ wildlife, and we appreciate the input we receive from you on ways to improve outdoor opportunities throughout the state. Thank you for taking part in these activities and for buying the licenses and permits that fund habitat enhancement and wildlife management programs.

It’s my pleasure to welcome you to a new hunting and trapping season in Illinois. Best wishes for a safe and successful season.

Natalie Phelps Finnie, Director

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Digest Purpose

Table of Contents 2025-2026 Illinois Hunting Information

New Regulations/Information for 2025-2026

Mandatory Deer Harvest Registration

Mandatory Firearm Harvest Reporting and Transportation in Counties with CWD Surveillance

Special CWD Deer Hunting Seasons

County-specific Deer Archery Change

Deer CWD Map

Waterfowl Season Dates and Limits

Gray Fox Hunting and Trapping Season Closure . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-46

Public Hunting Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54-60

Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations

This publication is a summary of Illinois hunting and trapping regulations prepared for your convenience. It is designed as a guide to the laws and regulations for hunting and trapping in Illinois. It also provides information such as seasons, harvest limits, and required permits for these opportunities in Illinois. It is not a legal document and is not intended to cover all hunting and trapping laws and regulations. This document does not contain the exact wording of the Illinois’ Adopted Administrative Rules available at dnr.illinois.gov/adrules or the Wildlife Code of the Illinois Compiled Statutes available at www.ilga.gov/legislation/ ilcs/ilcs2.asp?ChapterID=43.

Message from Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. . . . . . .Inside Front Cover Digest Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover New Regulations/Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover IDNR Contact Information

Hunting Licenses

Definitions

Statewide Regulations

Conservation Police

Deer Hunting

Turkey Hunting

Waterfowl Hunting

Upland and Small Game Hunting

Furbearer Trapping and Hunting

Season Dates - Rules of Thumb

Road-killed Deer and Nuisance Wildlife Information

Public Hunting Sites

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, and the U.S.

Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you need more information, please write to: Chief, Public Civil Rights Office of Civil Rights U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20250.

This information may be provided in an alternative format if required. Contact the IDNR Clearinghouse at 217-782-7498 for assistance. Printed on recycled paper. Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois • DNR-ORC-HY25-26 • 166,000 • 07/25

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Federal Aid Project Funded by your purchase of hunting equipment https://dnr.illinois.gov/ https://dnr.illinois.gov/ https://dnr.illinois.gov/adrules.html http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs2.asp?ChapterID=43 http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs2.asp?ChapterID=43

For Further Information Contact

IDNR Website Index

IDNR Regional Offices Headquarters

One Natural Resources Way Springfield, IL 62702-1271

(217) 782-6302

Region 1 Office Blackhawk State Historic Site

1510 46th Avenue Rock Island, IL 61201

(309) 788-0418

Region 2 Office James Pate Philip State Park

2050 West Stearns Road Bartlett, IL 60103

(847) 608-3100

Region 3 Office None

Region 4 Office None

Region 5 Office 11731 State Highway 37

Benton, IL 62812

(618) 435-8138

Target Illinois Poachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (877) 2DNRLAW (236-7529) Springfield Offices:

Permits Office (Lottery/Landowner) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (217) 782-7305 License Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (217) 782-2965 Wildlife Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (217) 782-6384 Law Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (217) 782-6431 Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired (TTY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (217) 782-9175 dnr.illinois.gov

Illinois Department of Natural Resources dnr.illinois.gov

Hunting/Trapping Information huntillinois.org

Hunting/Trapping Licenses dnr.illinois.gov/lpr/licenseandpermitfees

Public Hunting Sites huntillinois.org/directory

Hunter Safety Certification dnr.illinois.gov/safety/huntersafety

Trapper Education Certification dnr.illinois.gov/safety/trapping

Conservation Police dnr.illinois.gov/lawenforcement

Office of the Director dnr.illinois.gov/director https://dnr.illinois.gov/ https://dnr.illinois.gov/ https://dnr.illinois.gov/ https://dnr.illinois.gov/lpr/licenseandpermitfees.html https://huntillinois.org/directory https://dnr.illinois.gov/safety/huntersafety https://dnr.illinois.gov/safety/trapping https://dnr.illinois.gov/safety/trapping.html https://dnr.illinois.gov/lawenforcement.html https://dnr.illinois.gov/lawenforcement.html https://dnr.illinois.gov/director.html https://huntillinois.org

2025-2026 Permit Lotteries Timeline (Dates are inclusive, see species sections for full details)

Species Lottery Jul-25 Aug-25 Sept-25 Oct-25 Nov-25 Dec-25 Jan-26 Feb-26 Mar-26 Apr-26 May-26 Jun-26 Jul-26

Deer

Youth lotteries See pg. 18 and 23 for specific dates

1st lottery Opens 3 Closes 30

2nd lottery Opens 11 Closes 30

3rd lottery Opens 11 Closes 15

OTC Opens 21 until gone

Late Winter SHA Opens 28 Closes 24

Turkey

Fall Gun-1st lottery Closes 7 Opens 6 Closes 7

Fall Gun-2nd lottery Opens 18 Closes 25

Fall Gun-OTC Opens 22 until gone

Spring-1st lottery Opens 7 Closes 1

Spring-2nd lottery Opens 12 Closes 12

Spring-3rd lottery Opens 23 Closes 9

Spring-OTC Opens 10 until gone

Spring-Youth OTC Opens 3 Closes 5

Spring Youth SHA Opens 20 Closes 16

Waterfowl

1st lottery 16-31

2nd lottery 1-15

3rd lottery 16-28

As available Opens 1 until gone

Youth Opens 1 Closes 1

Upland One-time lottery 1-31

Doves

1st lottery 1-30

2nd lottery 6-20 6-20

As available Opens 27 Closes 25

Bobcat One-time lottery 1-30

2025-2026 Hunting Timeline Animal 25-Aug 25-Sept 25-Oct 25-Nov 25-Dec 26-Jan 26-Feb 26-Mar 26-Apr 26-May 26-Jun 26-Jul Coyote/Striped Skunk Closed 21-23 Closed 4-7

Woodchuck Closed 21-23 Closed 4-7 Ends 31 Opens 1

Squirrels Opens 1 Closed 21-23 Closed 4-7 Ends 15

Doves See pg. 38 for specific dates

Canada Goose See pg. 31 for specific dates

Snipe (Wilson’s Snipe) Opens 6 Ends 21

Rails Opens 6 Ends 14

Teal 6-14

Deer See pg. 13 for specific dates

Turkey See pg. 25 for specific dates See pg. 25 for specific dates

Ducks/Mergansers/Coots See pg. 30 for specific dates

Light Geese/Brant See pg. 31 for specific dates

White-fronted Goose See pg. 31 for specific dates

Crow Opens 28 Ends 28

Woodcock Opens 18 Ends 1 Rabbits Opens 1 Ends 15

Pheasant/Quail/Partridge Opens 1 Ends 8 (N) Ends 15 (S)

Bobcat/Red Fox*/Opossum/ Raccoon

Opens 10 Closed 21-23 Closed 4-7 Ends 15

Conservation Order Light Goose See pg. 31 for specific dates

2025-2026 Trapping Timeline Woodchuck Ends 30 Opens 1

Badger/Bobcat/Coyote/Red Fox*/ Mink/Muskrat/Opossum/ Raccoon/ Striped Skunk/Weasels

Opens 10 Ends 15

Beaver/River Otter Opens 10 Ends 31 *Effective immediately, gray fox hunting and trapping seasons are closed. See pg. 45 for more information.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources https://dnr.illinois.gov/

HUNTING LICENSE INFORMATION

Base Hunting Licenses (does not include vendor or transaction fees) License Type Fee 3-year Option* Online Vendors Specifications

Resident $12.00 X X X

Resident Senior $6.00 X X X Only available to hunters age 65 to 74 (inclusive).

Resident Super Senior $1.00 X X X Only available to hunters age 75 or older.

Illinois Veteran $6.00 X X X

Illinois veterans who served overseas or were mobilized by the President of the United States and have a form DD214 can submit their form to IDNR’s Springfield office at DNR.License@illinois.gov and ask to be certified as qualifying for half priced licenses. Please redact your SSN before emailing your DD214.

Apprentice $7.00 X X Apprentice hunters must be supervised by a validly licensed Illinois resident or nonresident hunter who is 21 years of age or older. A hunter safety course is not required to purchase this license.

Youth Hunt/Trap $7.00 X X

Any hunter/trapper under 18 years of age may purchase this license.

Hunters/trappers with this license must be supervised by an adult who is 21 years of age or older and has the appropriate Illinois hunting or trapping license. The youth hunter shall not hunt or trap or carry a hunting device, unless the youth is accompanied by and under close personal supervision of that adult. See Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5/3.1-9) for supervisory requirement exemptions.

Resident Lifetime $360.00 X X

Resident Sportsman Combo Hunt/Fish $25.50 X X X

Illinois Veteran Sportsman Combo Hunt/Fish

$12.75 X X X See specification on veteran license above.

Resident Senior Sportsman Combo Hunt/Fish

$12.75 X X X Only available to hunters age 65 to 74 (inclusive).

Resident Super Senior Sportsman Combo Hunt/Fish

$2.00 X X X Only available to hunters age 75+.

Resident Lifetime Sportsman Combo Hunt/Fish

$765.00 X X

Nonresident $57.00 X X

Nonresident (5 day) $35.00 X X

Disabled

Illinois residents with a disability may hunt without a license if they have an Illinois Driver’s License or Illinois Disability Identification Card indicating that they have a Type 1 or Type 4, Class 2 disability. Veterans with a disability (both resident and nonresident) may hunt without a license if they possess an Affidavit of Disability Card (resident) from the IL Department of Veteran’s Affairs or documentation (nonresident) that they are at least 10% disabled with service-related disabilities.

Certain stamps are still required.

Active Duty - Armed Forces

A person on active duty in the Armed Forces, who entered the service from Illinois and is an Illinois resident, may, while on ordinary or emergency leave, hunt without a license. Illinois resident military, guard or reserve members who served overseas within the last 2 years may be eligible for the Illinois Resident Armed Forces Special Pass, which waives fees for fishing, hunting and camping. See details at dnr.illinois.gov or call (217) 782-2965.

*3-year License Option - Illinois residents may obtain three-year hunting, sportsmen and trapping licenses for three times the cost of an annual one.

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•Anyone born on or after January 1, 1980 is required to complete a hunter safety education course (certificate of competency) or provide evidence of holding a hunting license issued by Illinois or another state in a prior year before purchasing a hunting license.

Exemptions apply, see Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5/3.2).

•All residents and nonresidents will need an applicable base hunting license. For exemptions see Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5/3.1).

•Additional licenses, permits and stamps required to hunt or trap particular species are listed in sections covering those species in this digest.

•Annual hunting licenses and state stamps go on sale 1 March and are valid through 31 March of the following year.

all appropriate stamps, in his/her possession for immediate presentation for inspection to any authorized law enforcement officer while hunting.

dnr.illinois.gov http://www.exploremoreil.com

Resident License/Stamps Guidelines (X = Applicable)

License/Stamp Under 16 16-17 18-64 65-74 75+ Disabled Disabled Veteran Former POW Active Duty -

Armed Forces Landowner

Resident* X X X See pg. 3

Senior* X See pg. 3

Super Senior* X

Apprentice X X X X X X

Sportsman Combo* X X X

Senior Sportsman Combo*

X X

Super Senior Sportsman Combo*

X

Lifetime X X X X X

Youth Hunting & Trapping X X

Trapping* X X X X X

Federal Migratory Waterfowl Stamp X X X X X X X X X

State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp X X X See pg. 3

State Habitat Stamp X X X X X X

HIP Certification X X X X X See pg. 3

*3-year License Option - Illinois residents may obtain three-year hunting, fishing, sportsmen and trapping licenses for three times the cost of an annual one.

Nonresident License/Stamps Guidelines (X = Applicable)

License/Stamp Under 16 16-17 18-64 65+ Disabled Disabled Veteran Former POW Landowner

Nonresident X X X X X X

Nonresident 5-Day X X X X X X

Apprentice X X X X X X

Youth Hunting & Trapping X X X

Trapping X X X X X X

Federal Waterfowl Stamp X X X X X X X

State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp X X X X

State Habitat Stamp X X X X

HIP Certification X X X X X X

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Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Firearm Owner’s I.D. Card

Windshield Cards

Bow and Arrow: Means a longbow, recurve bow, compound bow, or crossbow.

Case: Any case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or container acceptable under Article 24 of the Criminal Code of 2012. www.ilga.

gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/072000050k24-1.htm Daily Limit: The maximum number or amount of species that can be lawfully taken by one person in one calendar day.

Floating Blind: Any watercraft or floating structure that is capable of carrying a person and which is camouflaged, disguised or altered in appearance to offer a place of concealment. Such floating blind may be mechanically powered as long as such power is used only for movement to and from the place of hunting and no attempt is made to hunt during such movement.

Freshly Killed: Any carcass, remains or parts of the body of any dead mammal or bird that has not been prepared for immediate consumption or storage for later consumption.

Furbearing Mammals: Mink, muskrat, raccoon, striped skunk, weasel, opossum, beaver, red fox, gray fox*, badger, bobcat, river otter and coyote. *Effective immediately, gray fox hunting and trapping seasons are closed. See pg. 45 for more information.

Game Birds: Bobwhite quail, Hungarian partridge, chukar partridge, ring-necked pheasant and wild turkey.

Game Mammals: Eastern cottontail and swamp rabbits, white-tailed deer, fox squirrel, gray squirrel and woodchuck (groundhog).

Green Hide: Any hide or pelt which has not been tanned.

Gun: Shotgun, rifle, handgun or airgun.

Hunt: act of a person possessing a weapon or being accompanied by a dog or a bird of prey for the purpose of taking species protected by this Act in any location such species may inhabit.

Hunting: the lawful pursuit, trapping, shooting, capture, collection, or killing of wildlife or the attempt to pursue, trap, shoot, capture, collect, or kill wildlife.

Hunting License: an electronic or physical license authorizing the person to take a certain type of animal during a specified period of time.

IDNR: Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Lead Ammunition: A projectile containing one or more percent lead by weight.

Migratory Game Birds: Mourning dove, white-winged dove, sora rail, Virginia rail, American woodcock, snipe (Wilson’s snipe), American coot, ducks, geese, swans and American crow.

Possession Limit: Maximum number or amount of species which can be lawfully held or possessed by one person at any time.

Use government sources such as www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/grad/ solcalc/ or https://www.weather.gov/dvn/sunrise-sunset for accurate sunrise/sunset times.

Shooting Safety and Skills Clinics The IDNR and partners offer “wingshooting” clinics that teach shooting safety, fundamentals and hunting skills using shotguns and moving clay targets. Clinics are held for novice to advanced shooters on weekends throughout Illinois during spring through early fall of each year. Visit the following website for more information, including a calendar of clinics:

dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/wingshooting

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Windshield Cards For Public Land Hunting/Trapping Free “Windshield Cards” are required to hunt certain species and record hunting effort/harvest at many Illinois Public Hunting Sites.

Cards are available at: dnr2.illinois.gov/Windshieldcard/. Print a card for each site you intend to hunt and place on the dashboard of your vehicle when hunting the site. Each hunter will need to display a windshield card. For information or assistance, contact the site where you intend to hunt. Hunters are required to return to this website prior to Feb. 15 each year to record harvest information.

For legal possession of firearms and ammunition, see Public Safety Code (430 ILCS 65/ and 66/).

IDNR does not issue F.O.I.D. cards. To obtain a F.O.I.D. card visit this site https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/FOID.aspx or call the Illinois State Police at (217) 782-7980.

Protected Species: Wild birds and wild mammals, including parts, which shall include their nests, eggs and green hides, in the State of Illinois, or which may be brought into the state. See Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5/2.2) for details.

Resident: “Resident” means a person who in good faith makes application for any license or permit and verifies by statement that he or she has maintained his or her permanent abode in this state for a period of at least 30 consecutive days immediately preceding the person’s application, and who does not maintain permanent abode or claim residency in another state for the purposes of obtaining any of the same or similar licenses or permits covered by Wildlife Code (520 ILCS/5). A person’s permanent abode is his or her fixed and permanent dwelling place, as distinguished from a temporary or transient place of residence. Domiciliary intent is required to es-tablish that the person is maintaining his or her permanent abode in this State. Evidence of domiciliary intent includes, but is not limited to, the location where the person votes, pays personal income tax or obtains a drivers license. Except for the purposes of obtaining a Lifetime License, any person on active duty in the Armed Forces shall be considered a resident of Illinois during his or her period of military duty.

Sale: To sell, barter or otherwise offer goods to another for consider-ation. The term sale includes serving the same as a part of a meal by any restaurant, hotel or other commercial establishment.

Scull boat: a boat propelled by means of an oar fixed in a notch in the transom of a boat and worked in a turning or sculling motion.

Take: To hunt, shoot, pursue, lure, kill, destroy, capture, gig or spear, trap or ensnare, or harass or attempt to do so.

Transport or Ship: To convey by means of parcel post, express, freight baggage or shipment by common carrier of any description;

or by automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle of any kind; or by water or aircraft of any kind or by any other means of transportation.

Trap: To capture, or attempt to capture, by setting or placing a leg-hold trap, cushion-hold trap, body-gripping trap, cage or box trap, snare or other similar device permitted by Wildlife Code (520 ILCS/5) to capture, hold or kill any protected wildlife.

Vehicle: Any device capable of transporting a person on land, on ice, on water, in water or in the air.

Wildlife: Any bird or mammal living in a state of nature without the care of man, including all protected wildlife.

dnr.illinois.gov

Hunting Times Table Definitions

Definitions https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2005/chapter53/60752.html https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/072000050k24-1.htm https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/072000050k24-1.htm http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/grad/solcalc/ http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/grad/solcalc/ https://www.weather.gov/dvn/sunrise-sunset https://dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/wingshooting.html https://dnr2.illinois.gov/Windshieldcard/ https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/FOID.aspx https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/FOID.aspx http://dnr.illinois.gov

Statewide Regulations

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Hunting Hours Restrictions Hunting shall only occur during times specified for those game species in reference to official sunrise-sunset times for the location. Some IDNR sites may have more restricted hunting times. Please refer to the Hunting Site Information (Hunter Fact Sheet) on huntillinois.org for site specific regulations.

Possession and Daily Limits You cannot legally possess wild game birds, wild game mammals or wild fur-bearing mammals or any parts thereof in excess of the legally established daily limit or possession limit, whichever applies.

Maintaining Separate Bag You cannot legally possess wildlife for which there is a daily or possession limit unless each hunter maintains his/her “bag” of such species separately and distinctly from those of all other hunters.

Possessing Another’s Wildlife You cannot legally receive or have in custody any protected game belonging to another person, except in the personal abodes of the donor or recipient, unless such protected species are tagged with the hunter’s or trapper’s name and address, the total number of individuals by species and the date such species were harvested. See “Possession and Tagging” in the Waterfowl Hunting section of this digest.

Retrieving Killed/Crippled Wildlife (Wanton Waste of Game) You cannot legally kill or cripple any species protected by Wildlife Code (520 ILCS/5) for which there is a harvest limit without making a reasonable effort to retrieve such species and include it in the harvest limit. It is also unlawful for any person having control over harvested game mammals, game birds, or migratory game birds for which there is a harvest limit to wantonly waste or destroy the usable meat of the game, except this shall not apply to wildlife harvested by means of a nuisance wildlife removal permit or wildlife harvested by means of a scientific collection permit. “Usable meat” means the breast meat of a game bird or migratory game bird and the hind ham and front shoulders of a game mammal. It shall be unlawful for any person to place, leave, dump, or abandon a wildlife carcass or parts of it along or upon a public right-of-way or highway or on public or private property, including a waterway or stream, without the permission of the owner or tenant. It is lawful to properly discard game meat that is determined to be unfit for human consumption.

Possession of Illegally Harvested Wildlife You cannot legally possess any species of wildlife or wildlife parts harvested unlawfully in Illinois or any other state or country, whether or not the wildlife or wildlife parts is indigenous to Illinois.

Possession of Freshly Killed Game Out of Season You cannot legally possess any freshly killed game when the season is closed for taking (see Wildlife Conflicts section for Deer Accidentally Killed).

Selling Wildlife, Feathers etc.

You cannot legally buy, sell, or offer to sell or barter game birds or migratory game birds, or parts thereof, including feathers, nests or eggs (including wild turkey parts) or the edible parts of game mammals except as provided by specific permits.

You cannot legally hunt or allow a dog to hunt within 300 yards of an inhabited dwelling without first obtaining permission of the owner or tenant of the dwelling. Except: A 100-yard restriction shall apply while trapping, hunting with bow and arrow, or hunting with shotgun using shotshells only, or on licensed game breeding and hunting preserve areas, on federally owned and managed lands, on IDNR-owned, -managed, -leased or -controlled lands.

You cannot legally:

• interfere with or disturb another person engaged in the lawful taking of a wild animal with intent to prevent the taking, or disturb or engage in an activity that will disturb wild animals, with intent to prevent their lawful taking.

• use a drone in a way that interferes with another person’s lawful taking of wildlife or aquatic life. “Drone” means any aerial vehicle that does not carry a human operator.

You cannot legally:

• hunt or trap any protected species except with a gun, bow and arrow, or trap that is authorized for a specific species and season. See the specific species sections for additional information.

• use any shotgun larger than 10 gauge while taking or attempting to harvest any protected species. Barrel length shall not be less than 18 inches, and the overall length shall not be less than 26 inches.

• hunt with, or have in your possession while hunting, a shotgun shell with shot larger than lead shot size BB, steel shot size T or number BBB of any other non-toxic shot. Except: Shot size is unrestricted for furbearer hunting and deer may be harvested with a shotgun no larger than 10 gauge or smaller than 20 gauge loaded with slugs.

• harvest any species of wild game except deer and furbearers with a shotgun loaded with slugs.

• use a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined. Any shotgun having a capacity of more than three shells must be fitted with a one-piece plug that is irremovable without dismantling the shotgun or otherwise altered to render it incapable of holding more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined. Except: This does not apply on licensed hunting preserves unless hunting wild migratory game birds and does not apply during Conservation Order light goose (snow, blue and Ross’ geese) seasons.

• use a rifle, handgun or airgun to harvest game birds or migratory game birds.

hunting white-tailed deer except as listed in the “Firearm and Muzzleloader Deer Hunting” section on pg. 18 or as provided in the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Note: The lawful possession of rifles to harvest furbearing mammals and game mammals other than white-tailed deer shall not be prohibited during the youth deer season, muzzleloading rifle deer season, special CWD season and the late winter antlerless-only deer season.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Hunting Devices and Ammunition Restrictions

Hunting Near Inhabited Dwellings

Hunter Interference https://cicada-idnr.org/

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It is unlawful to take, pursue or intentionally harass or disturb in any manner any mammals or wild birds by use or aid of any vehicle, or conveyance, or unmanned aircraft [drone]. It is unlawful to use the lights of any vehicle or conveyance, any light connected to any vehicle or conveyance, or any other lighting device or mechanism from inside or on a vehicle or conveyance in any area where wildlife may be found. This does not prohibit normal use of headlamps for driving upon a roadway. Other lighting device or mechanism shall include, but not be limited to, any device that uses infrared or other light not visible to the naked eye, electronic image intensification, active illumination, thermal imaging, or night vision except: skunk, opossum, red fox, coyote and raccoon may be harvested during the open season using a small hand-operated light by a person who is on foot and not in any vehicle.

It is unlawful to take, pursue or intentionally harass or disturb in any manner any wild birds or mammals by use or aid of any vehicle, conveyance, or unmanned aircraft [drone] except as permitted by the Code of Federal Regulations for the taking of waterfowl.

Exception: Paraplegics or other disabled persons, with a permit from the Office of Law Enforcement, may hunt from any stationary motor vehicle or stationary motor-driven land conveyance. Note: It is legal to hunt game birds and game mammals (except deer and furbearing mammals) from a boat not camouflaged or disguised to alter its identity or further provide a place of concealment and not propelled by sail or mechanical power. A boat merely painted in a camouflage pattern is not considered camouflaged and may be used to hunt under conditions specified above. See exceptions to boat use in the Waterfowl Hunting section of this digest.

You cannot legally hunt, trap or discharge a gun or bow and arrow device along, upon, across or from a public roadway, highway or right-of-way. Highway (right-of-way) means the entire width between the boundary lines of every public road. Roadway means the portion of the public road that is improved or ordinarily used for vehicle travel, excluding the berm or shoulder.

You cannot legally hunt adjacent to or near any peat, grass, brush or other flammable substance when it is burning.

You cannot legally:

• have or carry a shotgun, rifle, handgun or airgun in or on any vehi-cle, conveyance or aircraft unless the firearm or airgun is unloaded and completely enclosed in a case except as noted in the Blinds section of Waterfowl Hunting in this digest. Also see Hunting From Vehicles and Boats and “FAQs” hereafter.

• carry a bow or bow and arrow device in or on a vehicle, conveyance or aircraft unless it is unstrung or enclosed in a case, or otherwise made inoperable.

dnr.illinois.gov

Hunting from Roads

Hunting From Vehicles, Boats, and Use of Drones

Hunting Near Fires

You cannot legally place, carry, possess or transport a shotgun on a boat of any type in an area under the jurisdiction of IDNR from 1 Feb to 31 May inclusive, except a person having a valid, unfilled turkey permit and licensed or authorized hunters legally hunting wildlife in season.

For questions involving Concealed Carry, please reference Public Safety Code (430 ILCS 66/ Firearm Concealed Carry Act).

THANK YOU!

To all of you who have completed and returned surveys about your harvest and hunting and trapping activities in Illinois, we thank you. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has partnered with the Illinois Natural History Survey for 30 years to gather important input on hunting and wildlife management in Illinois. Information from you and your fellow hunters and trappers helps guide the management of Illinois’ wildlife resources and evaluate changes to hunting and trapping regulations.

Michael Wefer Chief, Wildlife Resources Division Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Transporting Shotguns on Boats

Transporting Firearms and Bow and Arrow Devices in Vehicles

Concealed Carry

Night Hunting with Lights, Shining Wildlife http://www.dnr.illinois.gov

Outfitter Regulation Information

Falconry

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Property Laws

Taxidermy Laws

Possession of Captive-Reared Game Mammals and Birds

Field Trial and Dog Training

Feeding Wildlife

Purple Paint Law Landowners or lessees can mark trees or posts on private land with purple paint as a “no trespassing” notice. See Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5/21-3) for further information.

Damaging Property while Hunting You cannot legally damage or destroy another person’s property while hunting or trapping on his/her land.

Private Land Permission and Access It is unlawful for any person to take (see definition of “take”) or attempt to take any species of wildlife or parts thereof or allow a dog to hunt, within or upon the land of another, or upon waters flowing over or standing on the land of another, or to knowingly shoot a gun or bow and arrow device at any wildlife physically on or flying over the property of another without first obtaining permission from the owner or the owner’s designee. For the purposes of this law, the owner’s designee means anyone whom the owner designates in a written authorization and the authorization must contain (i) the legal or common description of property, (ii) the extent that the owner’s designee is authorized to make decisions regarding who is allowed to take or attempt to take any species of wildlife or parts thereof, and (iii) the owner’s notarized signature.

Illinois law does not grant the right of trespass for the purpose of retrieving wounded or crippled wildlife or hunting dogs. Secure permission from the landowner or tenant before entering any property. Your conduct while hunting and trapping can influence the landowner’s decision to allow future hunting or trapping. Note:

Railroad rights-of-way are private property and permission from the owner is needed before hunting or trapping.

You cannot legally hold, possess or engage in the raising of game mammals, game birds or migratory game birds without obtaining a Class A Noncommercial or Class B Commercial Game and Game Bird Breeders Permit. Permit holders must keep detailed records of the acquisition and disposal of each species. Class B permit holders must keep records of sales. Records must be available for inspection by IDNR and peace officers. See Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5/3.23) for complete regulations.

Any person who engages in the business of taxidermy must obtain an IDNR permit. Persons taking animals to a taxidermist must be able to prove that the animal was legally harvested. Taxidermists are required to keep written records of all animals received. All animals in their possession must be properly tagged or labeled. For further information contact an IDNR office.

The development of outfitter regulations was initiated by concerned hunters and outfitters. Their interests were to ensure hunters utilizing outfitters were provided the proper services and treatment, to strengthen the reputation of the outfitting industry in Illinois, and to ensure the proper management of the state’s deer herd, wild turkey flock, and waterfowl resource. To apply for an Outfitter Permit or obtain a complete copy of the regulations contained in 17 Ill.

Admin. Code. 640 go to dnr.illinois.gov or contact the Office of Law Enforcement (217) 782-6431.

You cannot legally allow your dog to chase, harass or kill deer or turkey. Dogs may be used for hunting, except for deer and turkey.

See section “Hunting Deer with Dogs, Horses, Vehicles, Boats and Aircraft.”

If using live birds in training area, the operator must obtain a wild game breeder’s permit (217-785-3423) and dog training area permit (217-785-8129) from IDNR. Complete information about field trials and dog training is available at dnr.illinois.gov.

You cannot legally:

• hold a field trial, organized night hunt, water race or other competitive event involving sporting dogs without first obtaining a IDNR permit. Applications must be submitted 4 weeks prior to the event.

• possess any firearm or ammunition other than a pistol loaded with blank cartridges while training dogs when hunting seasons are closed, except on an authorized field trial or dog training area.

When training dogs from sunset to sunrise, no person in, along with, or accompanying the dog training party shall be in possession of a firearm or live ammunition, except pistols capable of firing only blank cartridges, unless in accordance with the Firearm Concealed Carry Act.

State falconry permits, issued in accordance with federal regulations 50 CFR 21.29, are required to take, possess and transport hawks, falcons and great horned owls for falconry purposes. Call the Office of Law Enforcement for details at (217) 782-6431 or email Brian.

Clark@illinois.gov.

You cannot legally make available food, salt, mineral blocks or other products for ingestion by wild deer or other wildlife. An area is considered as baited during the presence of and for 10 consecutive days following the removal of the bait.

Except:

• elevated bird/squirrel feeders providing seed, grain, fruit, worms or suet for birds or squirrels located within 100 feet of a dwelling devoted to human occupancy.

reasonable attempt is made to clean up unconsumed food.

• feeders for wildlife other than deer so long as deer are excluded from the feed in and around the feeder by fencing or other barriers.

• grain or other feed scattered or distributed solely as a result of normal agricultural, gardening or soil stabilization practices.

• standing, flooded or manipulated natural vegetation or food/seed deposited by natural vegetation.

• grain or other feed distributed or scattered solely as the result of manipulation of an agricultural crop or other feed on the land where grown, for purposes of dove hunting.

• food material placed for capturing or killing wildlife pursuant to Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5/1.3, 2.30, and 2.37).

• scientific permits issued pursuant to 17 Ill. Adm. Code 520 that allow food to attract wildlife.

• any other special permits issued by IDNR that require the attraction of wildlife for purposes of management, research or control.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Photo: Lexi Hoffman

Dogs - Deer and Turkey https://dnr.illinois.gov/ https://dnr.illinois.gov/ mailto:%20Brian.Clark%40illinois.gov?subject= mailto:%20Brian.Clark%40illinois.gov?subject=

Releasing Wildlife and Possessing Live Wildlife

Duty to Report Hunting and Trapping Accidents

Hawks, Eagles, and Owls Protected You cannot legally harvest, or attempt to harvest, molest or disturb any hawk, eagle, or owl or parts thereof (including feather, nests, and eggs), at any time, except as provided by falconry regulations.

If You Find an Injured or Orphaned Animal

Protection and Care of Wildlife

Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact

STATEW

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Authority of Conservation Police Officers (CPOs) dnr.illinois.gov

You cannot legally:

• release from captivity any wildlife except as authorized by IDNR or as authorized by permits for a field trial, dog training area, game breeding and hunting preserve area, or wild game and bird breeder permits.

• carry into this state alive or possess alive any species of protected wildlife taken outside of this state without first obtaining IDNR permission, except licensed game breeders, as permitted by Wildlife Code (520 ILCS/5).

• take wildlife and retain it alive (except as provided in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 970).

• Most wild birds and mammals in Illinois are considered a protected species and picking up or possessing the animal outside of a legal hunting season is unlawful.

• If you suspect an animal is injured or orphaned, do not attempt to rescue the animal, call a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.

• Go to: wildlifeillinois.org/list-of-licensed-wildlife-rehabilitators/ for a rehabilitator in your area.

• Stay calm and quiet when you are around the animal and leave it alone to minimize stress.

• Do not feed or provide fluids to the animal.

• All wild birds (except the house sparrow, European starling, domestic pigeon, Eurasian-collared dove and ringed turtle dove) and parts thereof (their nests and eggs) are protected. Wild turkey, purple swamphen, muscovy duck and game birds listed in this digest are legal to harvest.

• Wild mammals and parts thereof, including their green hides, are protected except as authorized by a hunting or trapping season, and include: woodchuck, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, eastern cottontail rabbit, swamp rabbit, white-tailed deer, muskrat, beaver, raccoon, opossum, least weasel, long-tailed weasel, mink, striped skunk, red fox, river otter, bobcat, badger and coyote.

• All white white-tailed deer, grey/timber wolves, flying squirrel, red squirrel, white squirrel, eastern woodrat, golden mouse, rice rat, bats, mountain lion and black bear and parts thereof, including their green hides, are protected throughout the year and cannot legally be harvested. Note: piebald deer are legal to harvest.

• You cannot legally take, possess, sell or offer for sale any such wild birds (dead or alive) and parts thereof (including their nests and eggs), or such wild mammals (dead or alive) and parts thereof, including their green hides, contrary to the provisions of the Wildlife Code (520

ILCS/5).

• You cannot legally bring into Illinois for the purpose of holding, releasing, propagating or selling any other living wild animal not listed as a protected species in Wildlife Code (520 ILCS/5) without first obtaining an IDNR permit. Contact the Division of Wildlife Resources at

(217) 782-6384 for more information.

Every hunting or trapping accident involving serious personal injury including falls from elevated tree stands or a gunshot or archery wound must be reported to IDNR within 5 days. Persons involved in a hunting or trapping accident must render assistance to persons affected by the accident provided they can do so without serious danger to themselves and others. Accidents must be reported on forms obtained from the Safety Education Section at 1-800-832-2599 or dnr.illinois.gov/safety/ incidentreportsummaries

All Conservation Police Officers are empowered, pursuant to law, to enter all lands and waters to enforce the provisions of the Illinois Wildlife Code and Administrative Rules.

Serving Since 1885 Illinois Conservation Police

To be a vigilant guardian of the natural resources, public safety and homeland security of Illinois.

The Illinois Conservation Police would like to thank YOU, the sportsmen and women of Illinois, for your continued support over the last 140 years. It’s your passion for conservation that has enabled us to protect the natural resources of this great state while providing a safe place to enjoy the outdoors. Our unique partnership will continue to provide future generations with lifelong outdoor recreational opportunities.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Law Enforcement developed the Target Illinois Poachers program to encourage any concerned citizen who witnesses a poaching offense to report the violation, such as poaching or polluting.

Good law enforcement is everybody’s responsibility. If you see a violation, report it. Let’s Target Illinois’ Poachers and Polluters!

Internet:

dnr.illinois.gov/lawenforcement/target-poachers

REPORT VIOLATIONS TO:

1-877-2DNRLAW (236-7529)

Operates 24 hrs./day, 7 days a week.

Contact a CPO at: dnr.illinois.gov/lawenforcement/contact-cpo.html or Ameritech Relay 1-800-526-0644 for the deaf and hearing impaired. For all other requests for an Illinois Conservation Police Officer after regular business hours, contact your Illinois State Police district HQ dispatch center.

Contacting a Conservation Police Officer

Illinois is a participating member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

How the IWVC works:

compact state will also be suspended in Illinois for the duration of the out of state suspension.

• A violator who fails to comply with the terms of a citation issued in a participating state faces the possibility of the suspension of his/her privileges in his/her home state until the terms of the citation are met.

• The Compact provides for the reciprocal recognition of the suspension of license privileges by participating states. (Illinois has recognized suspensions imposed by other states for several years. Membership in the Compact allows other states to recognize Illinois’ suspensions.)

• The Compact provides that information on convictions in participating states may be forwarded to the home state of the violator.

• IWVC not only assures equal treatment of residents and nonresidents of participating states, but also enhances the law enforcement services and deterrent value of time spent patrolling by uniformed officers. The reciprocal recognition of suspensions between states is intended to address the problems associated with the mobility of many violators.

https://dnr.illinois.gov/ http://dnr.illinois.gov https://www.wildlifeillinois.org/list-of-licensed-wildlife-rehabilitators/ https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/safety/Pages/IncidentReportSummaries.aspx https://dnr.illinois.gov/safety/incidentreportsummaries.html https://dnr.illinois.gov/safety/incidentreportsummaries.html https://dnr.illinois.gov/lawenforcement/target-poachers.html https://dnr.illinois.gov/lawenforcement.html

Wildlife Illinois is a collaborative effort of people and institutions led by the National Great Rivers Research and

Education Center in Illinois. Other organizations include the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Division of Wildlife Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration. Funding for Wildlife Illinois was made available through Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project W-147-T.

Wildlife IllinoisWildlife

■ Get Help with Wildlife

Identification

■ Control & Prevent Damage

■ Find Wildlife Control Operators & Wildlife Rehabilitators

■ Learn About Seasonal Behaviors

■ Report Sightings

■ Request Permits wildlifeillinois.org livingwithwildlifeillinois outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org OutdoorIllinois Journal is a collaborative effort of people and institutions led by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center in Illinois. Other organizations include the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration. Funding for OutdoorIllinois Journal was made available through Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project W-147-T and the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund.

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IRAP is available to Illinois residents and non‐residents. A par�cipant must have an IRAP site permit and reserva�on prior to using any site.

Par�cipants must follow all laws and obtain necessary permits and licenses as outlined in the Illinois Digest of Hun�ng and Trapping and Fishing Regula�ons.

Applications/addi�onal informa�on can be found online at: dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/irap, by emailing DNR.IRAP@illinois.gov or by calling 217‐782‐0137.

Ac�vity Who Can Apply How When to Apply IRAP Ac�vity Date Addi�onal Informa�on

Youth TURKEY Hun�ng Licensed youth hunters age 17 and under Complete online applica�on Online applica�on available November 20 Youth Spring Turkey Season Must hunt with a non‐hun�ng adult

Spring TURKEY Seasons 3 & 4

Any licensed hunter Complete online applica�on Online applica�on available November 20 North/South zones 3rd and

4th spring seasons

SPORTFISHING Any licensed angler Register and reserve a site online Online reserva�ons available March 25

April 1—September 30 Friday—Monday

Bank Fishing Only

SQUIRREL Hun�ng Any licensed hunter Register and reserve a site online Online reserva�ons available July 25 August ‐ September 15 Up to 4 in hun�ng group

Youth Firearm DEER hun�ng

Licensed youth hunters age 17 and under

Complete online applica�on

Online applica�on available July 1

Saturday through Monday of Columbus

Day Weekend

Must hunt with a non‐hun�ng adult

Archery DEER Hun�ng Any licensed hunter Complete online applica�on Online applica�on available July 1 Month of October and

December 16‐31

WATERFOWL Hun�ng Any licensed hunter Complete online applica�on Online applica�on available August 15 November 1 ‐ December 31

Blinds or stakes on site;

Dogs allowed; up to 4 in hun�ng group

UPLAND GAME with RABBIT Hun�ng Any licensed hunter

Complete online applica�on

Online applica�on available October 1

December 10-31

2-day weekend hunts

Dogs allowed; Up to 4 in hun�ng group

RABBIT Hun�ng Any licensed hunter Register and reserve a site online Online reserva�ons available November 25 December 10‐31 Dogs Allowed; up to 4 in hun�ng group

IRAP is funded by the NRCS Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incen�ve Program. IRAP leases private land for semi‐controlled public access ac�vi�es.

Public Access on Private Property with the

ILLINOIS

RECREATIONAL

ACCESS

PROGRAM

https://dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/irap.html

Partnership Counties Illinois Extension

Access Illinois Outdoors

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