Illinois Hunting Season Dates
Complete hunting calendar for Illinois including deer, elk, turkey, and more.
Illinois Hunting Season Calendar
Find all hunting season dates for Illinois including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.
Coming Up in Illinois
Seasons opening in the next 60 days
Apr 6 - May 8, 2026
Opens in 34 days
Complete Season Calendar
All Illinois hunting seasons organized by species
Deer 4 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Oct 1, 2025 - Jan 19, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Extended archery in some counties | |
| Shotgun | Nov 21 - Dec 1, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | First firearm season | |
| Shotgun | Dec 4-7, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Second firearm season | |
| Muzzleloader | Dec 12-14, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Muzzleloader only | |
Turkey 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Apr 6 - May 8, 2026 | Statewide | Upcoming | Five seasons - zone dependent | |
Waterfowl 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Oct 18, 2025 - Jan 17, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Zone-specific dates | |
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Illinois Hunting Regulations
License year, species, and agency information
- License Year
- Apr 1, 2025 - Mar 31, 2026
- Available Species
-
- Deer
- Turkey
- Waterfowl
- Hunting Methods
-
- Archery
- Shotgun
- Muzzleloader
- Any Legal Method
- 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
Important Note for Illinois
Illinois is shotgun/muzzleloader only for deer. No rifles allowed.
Hunting Method Legend
Illinois Hunting FAQ
Common questions about hunting seasons in Illinois
What are the hunting season dates for Illinois?
Illinois offers hunting seasons for Deer, Turkey, Waterfowl. The license year runs from Apr 1, 2025 to Mar 31, 2026. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.
When does deer season start in Illinois?
Deer season in Illinois typically begins with archery season starting Oct 1, 2025.
Does Illinois require a draw for hunting?
Illinois offers general season licenses for some species and may require draws for others like elk, moose, or pronghorn. Check specific requirements for your target species.
What hunting seasons are open now in Illinois?
The next season to open is Turkey starting Apr 6, 2026.
What should I know about hunting in Illinois?
Illinois is shotgun/muzzleloader only for deer. No rifles allowed.
Other States
Compare hunting seasons across states
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