Illinois Bag Limits
Complete daily limits, possession limits, and season limits for hunting and fishing in Illinois.
Illinois Bag Limits
Complete guide to daily limits, possession limits, season limits, and size restrictions for hunting and fishing in Illinois. Updated for the current season.
Big Game
1 species
Game Birds
6 species
Fish Species
5 species
Total Species
14
Big Game
1 species in Illinois
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | 1 | - | Per permit held | County-specific permits; archery liberal |
Upland Birds
4 species in Illinois
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | 1 | - | 2 per year | Spring only; county permits |
| Pheasant | 2 | 4 | - | Cocks only; southern and central IL |
| Quail | 8 | 16 | - | - |
| Dove | 15 | 45 | - | - |
Fish
5 species in Illinois
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Size Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 6 | - | - | 14" minimum | - |
| Smallmouth Bass | 6 | - | - | 12" minimum | - |
| Channel Catfish | 6 | - | - | - | - |
| Walleye | 6 | - | - | No minimum | - |
| Bluegill | 25 | - | - | - | - |
Illinois Special Notes
Illinois deer hunting requires county-specific permits. Apply early for desired counties.
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Illinois Regulations Overview
State wildlife agency and regulations information
- Species Covered
- 14 species with regulations
- Big Game Species
-
- White-tailed Deer
- Wildlife Agency
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Illinois Bag Limits FAQ
Common questions about harvest limits in Illinois
What is the deer bag limit in Illinois?
In Illinois, the daily deer limit is 1 with a season limit of Per permit held. County-specific permits; archery liberal
What is the difference between daily and possession limits?
Daily limit is the maximum you can harvest in one day. Possession limit is the maximum you can have at any time, typically 2-3 times the daily limit. In Illinois, possession limits help ensure hunters don't stockpile beyond reasonable personal use.
What are the fishing limits in Illinois?
Illinois fishing limits include: Largemouth Bass: 6/day (14" minimum); Smallmouth Bass: 6/day (12" minimum); Channel Catfish: 6/day; Walleye: 6/day (No minimum). Water-specific regulations may override general limits.
Where can I find official Illinois bag limits?
For official and current bag limits, check your Illinois wildlife agency website. Regulations can change annually, and specific areas may have different rules. Always carry current regulations while hunting.
Are there special regulations I should know about in Illinois?
Illinois deer hunting requires county-specific permits. Apply early for desired counties.
Other States
View bag limits for more states
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