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Phillips district
Pope County, Illinois Hunting
What a Pope County hunter needs before opening day: permit status, zone flags, check station rules, sites to hunt and a county harvest record back to 2016.
Photo: Forest Service, Eastern Region (Public Domain Mark 1.0)
Getting oriented in Pope County
For the Hunt Illinois site list, this county counts as South region country: the Shawnee Hills, the Ohio and Wabash river counties and the Cache and Kaskaskia bottoms. Golconda anchors a county of 3,703 people by the 2024 Census estimate, 1.7% down from the 2020 base of 3,768. The Census gazetteer measures 369 square miles of land and 6 of water, the 82nd largest land area of the 102.
Illinois neighbours are Hardin County, Johnson County, Massac County and Saline County, and across the state line it meets Livingston County (KY), where a different agency sets the rules. IDNR assigns Pope County to the Phillips district, where Adam Phillips is the biologist of record.
County facts from the Census Bureau (2024 estimates and Gazetteer), IDNR wildlife districts and the 2026-27 Illinois Hunting and Trapping Digest (Illinois Department of Natural Resources); key dates for this county, checked November 13, 2026.
; biologist contacts https://wildlifeillinois.org/idnr-district-wildlife-biologist/){kind=link}
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Pope County
Deer in Pope County: permits and gun rules
Firearm deer hunting is open in Pope County: the first season runs November 20 to November 22, 2026 and the second December 3 to December 6, 2026. Bow season closes during each firearm period, leaving three windows that end on November 19, December 2 and January 17. After Lottery 3, IDNR still had 2,324 firearm permits unsold for Pope County: 2,324 either-sex and 0 antlerless.
| Permit type | Either-sex left | Antlerless left | Total left |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm | 2,324 | 0 | 2,324 |
| Muzzleloader | 231 | 0 | 231 |
Only 16 firearm counties had more permits left over after Lottery 3. For the December muzzleloader weekend, 231 permits were unsold, 231 either-sex plus 0 antlerless. Residents had first crack in Lottery 1; whatever remained after Lottery 3 is what this table counts. Each permit tags one deer, and a hunter may not exceed two antlered deer in a year, Special CWD excepted.
Pope County deer rules at a glance
| Rule | In this county |
|---|---|
| Firearm deer | Open |
| Archery deer | Split season |
| Check station | Not required |
| Leftover permits | 2,324 |
| Hunter orange | Gun seasons |
| Bait or feed deer | Illegal |
| Antlered limit | Two per year |
| Harvest report | By 10 p.m. |
Firearm and archery rules from the 2026-27 Digest (Illinois Department of Natural Resources); Restricted Archery Zone from IDNR; leftover permits from the IDNR deer permit inquiry system (counts after Lottery 3, checked November 13, 2026); hunter orange from the Digest; baiting from the Digest.
Disease rules and turkey dates for Pope County
IDNR has not confirmed CWD in Pope County; the confirmed list covers 28 other counties. IDNR did not put Pope County on either the late-winter or the Special CWD county list. Spring turkey hunters in Pope County follow the South Zone calendar, opening April 5 and closing May 6, 2027. Two youth weekends open the spring, then five segments follow, and shooting stops at 1 p.m. each day.
| Flag | Status |
|---|---|
| Confirmed CWD | No |
| Special CWD season | No |
| Late-winter antlerless | No |
| Firearm check station | Not required |
| Spring turkey zone | South |
| Restricted Archery Zone | No |
| Segment | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring turkey 1 | Apr 5, 2027 | Apr 9, 2027 |
| Spring turkey 2 | Apr 10, 2027 | Apr 15, 2027 |
| Spring turkey 3 | Apr 16, 2027 | Apr 21, 2027 |
| Spring turkey 4 | Apr 22, 2027 | Apr 28, 2027 |
| Spring turkey 5 | Apr 29, 2027 | May 6, 2027 |
| Youth weekends | Mar 27, 2027 | Apr 4, 2027 |
Head drop-off near Pope County
Kaskaskia River Lock and Dam Parking Area
Harry "Babe" Woodyard State Natural Area
Drop-off stations take adult deer heads for CWD testing: fill out a sample submission card and leave the head.
From the 2026-27 Digest CWD section, confirmed county list, Special CWD information, late-winter information, check station counties, the CWD annual report and 17 IAC 710.10 (LII mirror, unofficial) (Illinois Department of Natural Resources); checked November 13, 2026.
Pope County deer and turkey harvest figures
Hunters took 2,070 deer in Pope County during 2025-26 by IDNR county figures, 1,281 of them male. A rank of 31st statewide goes with a density of roughly 5.6 deer harvested per square mile. Statewide the harvest was 174,006, so this county accounts for 1.2% of it.
| Season | Deer taken | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | 831 | 40% |
| Firearm | 1,160 | 56% |
| Muzzleloader | 38 | 2% |
| Youth | 41 | 2% |
| Late-winter and Special CWD | 0 | 0% |
Against an earlier average of 2,344 deer a season, the most recent total is below the pattern. Season by season the leader is firearm, which produced 56% of the deer.
In the 2026 spring season the county gave up 389 turkeys, and about 20.7% of permit holders tagged out. Youth hunters accounted for 38 of those birds, and the first segment yielded 132.
IDNR county deer harvest report (harvest by county), spring turkey county tables (turkey harvest by county) and the CWD annual report (Illinois Department of Natural Resources). Figures are county totals as reported, not public-land results; checked November 13, 2026.
When each Pope County hunt starts and stops
55 season lines for 25 species reach Pope County this year, and the last column checks each against today's date.
| Animal | Window | Buy | Covers | Begins | Ends | Open? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | Archery | Deer permit | Firearm counties | Oct 1, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth Firearm | Deer permit | Youth counties | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearm – first season | Deer permit | Firearm counties | Nov 20, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearm – second season | Deer permit | Firearm counties | Dec 3, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Muzzleloader | Deer permit | Firearm counties | Dec 11, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall archery | Archery turkey permit | Statewide | Oct 1, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall shotgun | Turkey permit | Map counties | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring youth | Turkey permit | Statewide | Mar 27, 2027 | Apr 4, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey 1 | Turkey permit | South Zone | Apr 5, 2027 | Apr 9, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey 2 | Turkey permit | South Zone | Apr 10, 2027 | Apr 15, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey 3 | Turkey permit | South Zone | Apr 16, 2027 | Apr 21, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey 4 | Turkey permit | South Zone | Apr 22, 2027 | Apr 28, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey 5 | Turkey permit | South Zone | Apr 29, 2027 | May 6, 2027 | |
| Ring-necked pheasant | Upland bird | License | North Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 8, 2027 | |
| Ring-necked pheasant | Upland bird | License | South Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| Bobwhite quail | Upland bird | License | North Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 8, 2027 | |
| Bobwhite quail | Upland bird | License | South Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| Hungarian partridge | Upland bird | License | North Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 8, 2027 | |
| Hungarian partridge | Upland bird | License | South Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| Rabbit | Rabbit | License | Statewide | Nov 7, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Gray and fox squirrel | Squirrel | License | Statewide | Aug 1, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Teal | Early teal | Waterfowl stamps | Statewide | Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | |
| Ducks, mergansers and coots | Regular duck season | Waterfowl stamps | North Zone | Oct 24, 2026 | Dec 27, 2026 | |
| Ducks, mergansers and coots | Regular duck season | Waterfowl stamps | Central Zone | Oct 31, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| Ducks, mergansers and coots | Regular duck season | Waterfowl stamps | South Zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Jan 24, 2027 | |
| Ducks, mergansers and coots | Scaup | Waterfowl stamps | North Zone | Oct 24, 2026 | Dec 27, 2026 | |
| Ducks, mergansers and coots | Scaup | Waterfowl stamps | Central Zone | Oct 31, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| Ducks, mergansers and coots | Scaup | Waterfowl stamps | South Zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Jan 24, 2027 | |
| Youth waterfowl days | Youth waterfowl | Waterfowl stamps | North Zone | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Youth waterfowl days | Youth waterfowl | Waterfowl stamps | Central Zone | Oct 24, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | |
| Youth waterfowl days | Youth waterfowl | Waterfowl stamps | South Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 30, 2027 | |
| Canada goose | Early season | Waterfowl stamps | North and Central Zones | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 15, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | Early season | Waterfowl stamps | South Zone | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 15, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | Regular season | Waterfowl stamps | North Zone | Oct 24, 2026 | Jan 26, 2027 | |
| Canada goose | Regular season | Waterfowl stamps | Central Zone | Oct 31, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Canada goose | Regular season | Waterfowl stamps | South Zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Light geese | Regular season | HIP and license | North Zone | Oct 24, 2026 | Jan 26, 2027 | |
| Light geese | Regular season | HIP and license | Central Zone | Oct 31, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Light geese | Regular season | HIP and license | South Zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Light geese | Conservation Order | HIP and license | North Zone | Jan 27, 2027 | Apr 30, 2027 | |
| Light geese | Conservation Order | HIP and license | Central and South Zones | Feb 1, 2027 | Apr 30, 2027 | |
| White-fronted goose | Regular season | Waterfowl stamps | Central Zone | Oct 31, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| White-fronted goose | Regular season | Waterfowl stamps | North Zone | Oct 31, 2026 | Jan 26, 2027 | |
| White-fronted goose | Regular season | Waterfowl stamps | South Zone | Nov 14, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Brant | Regular season | HIP and license | All zones | Oct 24, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Rails | Rails | HIP and license | Statewide | Sep 5, 2026 | Nov 13, 2026 | |
| Wilson's snipe | Snipe | HIP and license | Statewide | Sep 5, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 | |
| Mourning and white-winged dove | Dove | HIP and license | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Jan 9, 2027 | |
| American woodcock | Woodcock | HIP and license | Statewide | Oct 17, 2026 | Nov 30, 2026 | |
| American crow | Crow | License | Statewide | Oct 28, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Hunting | License | Statewide | Nov 10, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Opossum | Hunting | License | Statewide | Nov 10, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Red fox | Hunting | License | Statewide | Nov 10, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Hunting | License | Statewide (except closed zone) | Nov 10, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Woodchuck | Hunting | License | Statewide | Jun 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 |
From the 2026-27 Illinois Hunting and Trapping Digest (Illinois Department of Natural Resources), checked November 13, 2026.
Pope County state and federal hunting areas
457,868 acres across 7 public sites make up the listed hunting ground in Pope County. Shawnee National Forest is the biggest, at 286,498 acres of national forest.
| Site | Kind | Acres | Quota hunt | Trips 2025-26 | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Island | Wildlife area | 221 | No | 47 | white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ducks |
| Shawnee National Forest | National forest | 286,498 | No | — | white-tailed deer, wild turkey |
| Hidden Springs Ranger District | Ranger district | 169,222 | No | — | white-tailed deer, wild turkey |
| Rauchfuss Hill | Recreation area | 70 | No | 24 | white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel |
| Cedar/Draper Bluff Hunting Area | State park | 1,275 | No | 94 | white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel |
| Big Grand Pierre Glade | Natural area | 318 | No | 2 | white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel |
| Cretaceous Hills | Natural area | 264 | No | 54 | white-tailed deer, wild turkey, rabbit |
Permit hunts are common on state fish and wildlife areas, while many state parks open only a few species.
Pope hunters also look here
Not open for hunting here: Lusk Creek Canyon, Gibbons Creek Barrens and Round Pond.
From Hunt Illinois site fact sheets, the 2025-26 Public Hunting Areas Report and IDNR and FWS pages (Illinois Department of Natural Resources); acres are fact-sheet huntable acres, not polygon areas; checked November 13, 2026.
Supplies, meat processing and contacts for Pope County
Pope County holds 2 Census places; Golconda and Eddyville lead in population.
| Town | Kind | People 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Golconda | City | 623 |
| Eddyville | Village | 97 |
2 listed hunting businesss sit inside Pope County, and the cards below add the closest ones from nearby counties.
Biologist and headquarters
Towns and population from the Census Bureau (2024); services from IDNR outfitter and CWD station lists, Hunters Feeding Illinois and Yellow Pages listings (not individually verified); biologist from the IDNR district biologist page; checked November 13, 2026.
Where Pope County hunters confirm a rifle or slug zero
Mermet Lake (IDNR site) is the closest listed range to Pope County, 20 miles from its centre.
Massac Gun & Bow Club is the rifle range nearest Pope County, 20 miles away; check its access line first.
Ranges from the IDNR archery and hand-trap page, the Sparta complex pages, club sites and directory listings, checked November 13, 2026.
Pope County hunting hours by date
The Digest sets deer hours at half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset, so the window around Pope County below comes from the NOAA solar formula for this spot.
| Date | Season point | Sunrise | Sunset | Antlered or not | Blind hours | Spring hunt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2026 | Bow season opens | 6:48 a.m. | 6:39 p.m. | 6:18 a.m. to 7:09 p.m. | 6:18 a.m. to 6:39 p.m. | Not in season |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Youth deer weekend | 6:56 a.m. | 6:26 p.m. | 6:26 a.m. to 6:56 p.m. | 6:26 a.m. to 6:26 p.m. | Not in season |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Pheasant and quail | 6:24 a.m. | 4:52 p.m. | 5:54 a.m. to 5:22 p.m. | 5:54 a.m. to 4:52 p.m. | Not in season |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Shotgun deer opens | 6:38 a.m. | 4:42 p.m. | 6:08 a.m. to 5:12 p.m. | 6:08 a.m. to 4:42 p.m. | Not in season |
| Dec 11, 2026 | Muzzleloader weekend | 6:58 a.m. | 4:37 p.m. | 6:28 a.m. to 5:07 p.m. | 6:28 a.m. to 4:37 p.m. | Not in season |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Year's shortest day | 7:05 a.m. | 4:39 p.m. | 6:35 a.m. to 5:09 p.m. | 6:35 a.m. to 4:39 p.m. | Not in season |
| Apr 5, 2027 | Spring turkey opens | 6:35 a.m. | 7:19 p.m. | 6:05 a.m. to 7:49 p.m. | 6:05 a.m. to 7:19 p.m. | 6:05 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. |
Hours rules from the 2026-27 Illinois Hunting and Trapping Digest (Illinois Department of Natural Resources); sunrise and sunset worked out for this location with the NOAA solar formula on Central Time; checked November 13, 2026. Legal hours for every county.
Pope County gear picks
Four items that suit an Illinois year, from October bow hunts to January rabbits.
Amazon links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Hang-on stand
Cornfield edges give little cover, so most hunters climb into a hardwood draw.
Fall lily pads and misty forest at Lake Glendale in the Shawnee National ForestPhoto: Curtis Abert (CC BY 2.0)
Burden Falls splashing down a sandstone ledge in the Shawnee National ForestPhoto: Joseph Gage (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mossy boulders and spring woods in the Burden Creek valleyPhoto: Joseph Gage (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Pope County: common questions
Are Sundays open for deer in Pope County?
Season dates are listed as date ranges; the Digest does not say anything we could read about Sunday restrictions.
When does legal deer shooting light end in Pope County?
One-half hour after sunset: 5:12 p.m. on opening day of firearm season, November 20, 2026.
Can I hunt waterfowl in Pope County?
Yes, with the hunting license, habitat stamp, state and federal waterfowl stamps, and attention to site rules; public waterfowl sites are drawn by lottery.
Are there taxidermists in Pope County?
No taxidermist is listed in Pope County; check the services section for neighbours.
When can I buy leftover deer permits for Pope County?
Over the counter from October 20, 2026. Check the IDNR permit inquiry page for the live count, which began at 2,324 firearm permits for Pope County after Lottery 3.
Should Pope County hunters worry about chronic wasting disease?
It has not been confirmed in the county, but IDNR samples deer statewide and neighbouring counties may be on the confirmed list.
Do Special CWD deer count against my limit in Pope County?
The question does not arise in Pope County, which has no Special CWD season; elsewhere those deer do not count toward the antlered limit.
Is Pope County in the North or South turkey zone?
IDNR lists it in the South Zone (34 counties), so the spring dates start April 5.
Does Pope County have a state fish and wildlife area?
None is listed inside the county.
How many archery deer are taken in Pope County?
831 in 2025-26, 40% of the county total.
Can I report a deer online in Pope County?
Yes, through the IDNR harvest reporting site, or by phone at 1-866-452-4325.
How long after removing bait can I hunt in Pope County?
An area is considered baited for 10 consecutive days after the bait is gone.
What license do I need to hunt in Pope County?
A hunting license (resident $12.00 base price), the State Habitat Stamp ($5.00), the right permits, and waterfowl stamps if you hunt ducks or geese.
Who needs hunter orange in Pope County?
Anyone hunting deer in firearm seasons in open counties, with a solid blaze orange or pink cap and an upper garment showing at least 400 square inches.
From the 2026-27 Digest (Illinois Department of Natural Resources), hunter orange, baiting, Sunday statement, harvest reporting, CWD rules, license fees and the county data above. Checked November 13, 2026.