Illinois Regulations
Hunting and fishing regulations, seasons, species information, and public access resources for the state of Illinois.
Overview
Illinois offers strong outdoor opportunities across farmland, river valleys, wetlands, and hardwood forests.
Below are quick links to seasons, species, licensing, and access information.
Season Information
- Whitetail deer (archery, firearm, muzzleloader, late-winter)
- Turkey seasons (spring & fall)
- Small game (squirrel, rabbit, dove, pheasant, quail)
- Waterfowl (duck, goose — Mississippi Flyway)
- Furbearer seasons (coyote, fox, raccoon)
- Fishing seasons (bass, catfish, crappie, trout)
Licensing
Illinois requires appropriate licenses for hunting and fishing activities.
- Hunting license (resident & non-resident)
- Fishing license (annual, 24-hour, combo)
- Deer & turkey permits
- Waterfowl stamps (state & federal)
- Harvest reporting (mandatory for deer & turkey)
Key Species
- Whitetail Deer
- Eastern Turkey
- Pheasant & Quail
- Bass, Crappie, Catfish
- Trout (stocked streams & lakes)
- Waterfowl (Mississippi Flyway)
Public Land & Access
Illinois offers public land access through state parks, wildlife areas, and major river systems.
- State Fish & Wildlife Areas (FWAs)
- Shawnee National Forest
- State parks & natural areas
- Illinois River & Mississippi River access
- Controlled hunts & special permits