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.
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 are the headline fishing limits in Illinois?
Top species in Illinois: Largemouth Bass 6/day (14" minimum); Smallmouth Bass 6/day (12" minimum); Channel Catfish 6/day; Walleye 6/day (No minimum). Water-body-specific regs can override the statewide line.
Are there Illinois-specific regulations to flag?
Illinois deer hunting requires county-specific permits. Apply early for desired counties.
Other States
View bag limits for more states
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