Welcome to the Illinois Hunting Seasons page. Updated US Hunting Seasons for 2024-2023.
As part of our comprehensive guide to US Hunting Seasons By State on this page you will find out “When Is Hunting Season for Illinois?”
There is also general information on the different hunting seasons for a wide range of wild game species. You will find links to the relevant State Authority so you can make sure you have all the correct legal obligations in place before you start your hunt.
The Director of Illinois hunting season website describes the hunting improvements in this State as follows:
” I am very familiar with Illinois’ tremendous hunting heritage.Because Illinois is a great place to spend time outdoors, we are working to improve hunting opportunities, recruit new hunters and trappers and expand public access. Hunters and trappers are our most important partners in managing wildlife in Illinois, and we appreciate the input we receive from you on ways to improve outdoor opportunities in the state.”
IMPORTANT. All care has been taking in preparing this hunting season information for you. Please check the relevant State Authority’s Website for further information and any changes to current US Hunting Season Regulations. We have provided a link to each States hunting season website for your convenience.
Illinois Deer Hunting Season
Hunting Category |
Hunting Season 2024-2023* |
|---|---|
| Firearms (Rifle, Muzzleloader, Hand gun) | Nov 22-24 & Dec 5-8 |
| Muzzleloader Only | Dec 5-8 & Dec 13-15 |
| Bow | Oct 1-Jan 19 |
| Late Season | Dec 26-29 & Jan 17-19 |
| Youth Hunt (Firearms) | Oct 12-14 |
* Season dates may vary by zone. Please check the relevant State Authority Website.
Illinois Turkey Hunting Season
Hunting Category |
Hunting Season 2024-2023* |
|---|---|
| Spring | April 6- May 14 |
| Spring (Youth) | Mar 28-29 & April 4-5 |
| Fall (Firearms) | Oct 19-27 |
| Fall (Bow) | Oct 1-Jan 19 |
* Season dates may vary by zone. Please check the relevant State Authority Website. Note Bow season in Fall is closed during Firearm season.
Illinois Small Game Hunting Season
Illinois has a variety of small game species for the hunter during hunting season.
Hunting Category |
Hunting Season 2024-2023* |
|---|---|
| Rabbits | Nov 2-Feb 15 |
| Squirrel | Aug 1-Feb 15 |
| Bobcat | Nov 10-Feb 15 |
| Fox | Nov 10-Feb 15 |
| Opossum & Raccoon | Nov 10-Feb 15 |
| Beaver & Otter | Nov 10-Feb 15 |
* Season dates may vary by zone. Please check the relevant State Authority Website.
Illinois Game Bird Hunting Season
Illinois has a variety of wild game bird species for the hunter during hunting season.
Hunting Category |
Hunting Season 2024-2023* |
|---|---|
| Ducks | Oct 19-Jan 26 |
| Canada Geese | Sept 1-Jan 31 |
| Doves | Sept 1-Jan 9 |
| Pheasant | Nov 2-Jan 15 |
| Quail | Nov 2-Jan 15 |
| Partridge | Nov 2-Jan 15 |
* Season dates may vary by zone. Please check the relevant State Authority Website.
Some Waterfowl also has special early season dates for hunting.
I hope you have found this State hunting season information helpful in planning your next great hunting adventure. Please feel free to share this page with your hunting buddies. In addition to these US Hunting Seasons by State pages, you may be interested in these posts.
11 Of The Best States For Hog Hunting
Good Luck!!