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The 2026-27 Digest, IDNR pages and 17 Ill. Adm. Code
Illinois Hunting Laws
What the Illinois Digest says about game and protected wildlife, the weapons legal in each season, shot size, deer rifles, turkey calling and decoys, trespass, dwellings and drones, bait and feeding, hunter orange and the penalties the sources spell out: 16 method rules and 3 penalty rows. The Wildlife Code itself could not be read, so no statute section is cited and no fine amount is quoted.
Photo: U.S. Geological Survey (CC0 1.0)
What IDNR prints on legal wildlife by group
Illinois game falls into big game, upland birds, game mammals, migratory small game, waterfowl and furbearers. Chukar is named as a game bird but has no season in the tables, hen pheasants are legal only on controlled hunting areas, and gray fox seasons are closed.
| Group | Species | Note |
|---|---|---|
| big game | white-tailed deer, wild turkey | Deer and turkey by permit; deer total limit two antlered deer per year. No elk, bear or other big game season. |
| upland game birds | ring-necked pheasant (roosters only), bobwhite quail, Hungarian partridge | Chukar partridge is defined as a game bird in the Digest but has no season in the season tables; hen pheasants illegal except on controlled hunting areas. |
| game mammals | eastern cottontail and swamp rabbit, gray squirrel and fox squirrel, woodchuck (groundhog) | |
| small game (migratory) | mourning and white-winged dove, woodcock, crow | HIP certification required for doves and woodcock, not crows. |
| migratory waterfowl | ducks, mergansers, coots, teal (early season), Canada goose, light geese (snow and Ross's), white-fronted goose, brant, rails (sora and Virginia), Wilson's snipe | |
| furbearers | raccoon, opossum, red fox, coyote, striped skunk, bobcat (by permit), badger, mink, muskrat, weasel (least and long-tailed), beaver, river otter, woodchuck | Gray fox hunting and trapping seasons are closed. |
Sources: 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 29; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 38; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 7. Checked: rows compared with the source on November 13, 2026.
Illinois protected wildlife, from the Digest
Hawks, eagles and owls, all wild birds not listed as game, flying squirrels and bats are protected year-round. Black bear, gray wolf and mountain lion have no breeding population in Illinois, and the Digest names exceptions only for narrow circumstances.
hawks, eagles and owls
May not be harvested, molested or disturbed (including feathers, nests and eggs) at any time, except as provided by falconry regulations.
wild birds not listed as game
All wild birds (except house sparrow, European starling, domestic pigeon, Eurasian-collared dove and ringed turtle dove) and their nests and eggs are protected; wild turkey, purple swamphen, muscovy duck and game birds listed in the Digest are legal to harvest.
flying squirrel, red squirrel, white squirrel, eastern woodrat, golden mouse, rice rat, bats
Protected throughout the year and cannot legally be harvested (Digest text also lists gray/timber wolf, mountain lion and black bear).
black bear, gray wolf, mountain lion
No breeding populations in Illinois. Under Wildlife Code 520 ILCS 5/2.2b these may be taken only under certain circumstances; gray wolves are federally and state Endangered and may not be taken except in defense of life.
trumpeter swan
Protected species (shown in the Digest waterfowl identification section).
gray fox
Hunting and trapping seasons are closed (population decline); the season can be reopened by administrative rule.
piebald deer
Piebald deer are legal to harvest (exception noted in the Digest to the protected status of deer outside seasons).
Sources: 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 11; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 37; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 45; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 50. Checked: rows compared with the source on November 13, 2026.
Illinois Weapons season by season, line by line
A deer hunter chooses among a slug shotgun, a muzzleloader, a centerfire handgun, a single-shot centerfire rifle and archery gear, each with its own caliber and energy rules. Turkey hunters use shotguns with No 4 shot or smaller, and waterfowl hunters are limited to three shells and non-toxic shot.
| Season | Legal | Not legal |
|---|---|---|
| all game (statewide) | Shotgun no larger than 10 gauge, barrel at least 18 inches and overall length at least 26 inches; shot no larger than lead BB, steel T or BBB other non-toxic (shot size unrestricted for furbearers; slugs only for deer and furbearers). | Shotgun holding more than three shells in magazine and chamber combined unless plugged (not applicable on licensed hunting preserves except for migratory birds, nor during the light goose Conservation Order); rifle, handgun or airgun for game birds or migratory birds; discharging a rifle, handgun or airgun on, over or into water or ice; guns with silencers. |
| deer firearm – single-shot centerfire rifle | Single-shot centerfire rifle (one round in magazine and chamber combined; manufactured or modified single shot; no magazine in possession or close proximity that would let the rifle hold more than one round) in a bottleneck centerfire cartridge .30 caliber or larger with a case length not exceeding 1.4 inches, or a straight-walled centerfire cartridge .30 caliber or larger, both with a factory load showing at least 500 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle; soft point or expanding bullets only. | Full metal jacket or non-expanding military-style bullets for deer; any other firearm or ammunition in the field while hunting deer except as listed. IDNR rifle page also states centerfire handguns (non-revolver) and centerfire rifles may not hold more than 3 rounds in magazine and chamber combined from January 1, 2027. |
| deer firearm – shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader | Shotgun 10 to 20 gauge loaded with slugs only (minimum projectile .44 caliber; not capable of firing more than three consecutive slugs); single or double barreled muzzleloading rifle at least .45 caliber with a barrel at least 16 inches shooting a single projectile; centerfire handgun .30 caliber or larger (case-length and 500 ft-lb rules as for rifles; revolver or single-shot handgun with barrel at least 4 inches); only blackpowder or approved substitute (smokeless only in muzzleloaders designed for it). | Breech-loaded projectiles in a muzzleloader. |
| deer archery | Long, recurve or compound bow with minimum pull of 30 pounds within a 28-inch draw and arrow at least 20 inches; crossbow with minimum draw weight 125 pounds, overall length 24 inches, working safety, bolts at least 14 inches; broadheads at least 7/8 inch when open. Archery equipment is legal on private land during firearm season only with a valid county Firearm Deer Permit. | Electronic arrow-tracking systems using radio telemetry; any firearm in possession while bowhunting deer (except concealed carry handguns per statewide rules). |
| turkey – shotgun | .410 to 10 gauge shotguns; No 4 shot is the largest shot allowed. | Any other firearm for the purpose of hunting wild turkeys (except under concealed carry rules); live or electronic decoys, dogs, recorded calls; nets or traps. |
| turkey – archery | Long, recurve or compound bow (30 pounds at 28 inches, arrows 20 inches); crossbow 125 pounds, 24 inches long, working safety, bolts 14 inches; broadheads at least 7/8 inch open. Hunters may carry a shotgun and bow during spring season. | Electronic arrow-tracking systems; any firearm in possession while archery turkey hunting in fall season. |
| migratory waterfowl | Shotgun no larger than 10 gauge holding no more than three shells (non-toxic shot). | Trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, punt gun, battery gun, machine gun, fishhook, poison, drug, explosive or stupefying substance; hunting by driving or chasing waterfowl with motorized conveyance. |
Sources: 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 17; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 19; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 20; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 26; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 36; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 8; IDNR rifle FAQ. Checked: rows compared with the source on November 13, 2026.
Illinois the two rifle statements, from the Digest
The Digest and the Hunt Illinois deer page require a single-shot centerfire rifle for deer: one round in the magazine and chamber combined. The IDNR rifle page repeats that and adds a separate statement that centerfire rifles and centerfire handguns other than revolvers may not hold more than three rounds in the magazine and chamber combined from January 1, 2027. Neither source announces a change to the deer rule for 2026-27, and the two pages word capacity differently, so read the current IDNR page before you carry a rifle afield.
Sources: 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 17; IDNR rifle FAQ; Hunt Illinois. Checked: rows compared with the source on November 13, 2026.
Illinois method rules, from the Digest
Whatever the season, these hold. They include written permission from the landowner, 300 yards from an inhabited dwelling unless the owner agrees, no drone that interferes with another hunter, and a separate bag for each hunter.
- Landowner permissionIt is unlawful to take or attempt to take wildlife, or let a dog hunt, on land or waters of another, or knowingly shoot a gun or bow at wildlife on or flying over another person's property, without permission from the owner or the owner's designee (written authorization with notarized signature). Purple paint on trees or posts marks no-trespassing land. Illinois law does not grant a right of trespass to retrieve wounded wildlife.
- DogsA dog may not be allowed to chase, harass or kill deer or turkey. Dogs may be used for hunting other species. Competitive dog events require an IDNR permit applied for 4 weeks ahead.
- Hunting near inhabited dwellingsNo hunting or letting a dog hunt within 300 yards of an inhabited dwelling without the owner or tenant's permission; the restriction is 100 yards when trapping, bowhunting, hunting with a shotgun using shotshells only, on licensed hunting preserves, on federally owned and managed lands, and on IDNR-owned, managed, leased or controlled lands.
- Hunter interference and dronesMay not interfere with or disturb another person lawfully taking wildlife with intent to prevent the taking, and may not use a drone in a way that interferes with another person's lawful taking.
- Wanton wasteMust make a reasonable effort to retrieve and include killed or crippled limited species in the bag; may not wantonly waste the usable meat (breast of a bird; hind ham and front shoulders of a mammal) or dump carcasses on a right-of-way or property without permission.
- Possession limits and bagsMay not possess game or furbearers over the daily or possession limit; each hunter must keep a separate bag; wildlife of another person must be tagged with name, address, species count and date unless in a home.
- Sale of wildlifeMay not buy, sell or offer to sell or barter game birds, migratory game birds or parts (including feathers, nests, eggs and wild turkey parts) or the edible parts of game mammals except under specific permits.
- Hunting hoursHunting only during the hours specified for each species relative to official sunrise-sunset times; some IDNR sites are more restrictive.
- Baiting and feeding deerMay not feed deer at any time or take deer by the use or aid of bait of any kind; baited area stays baited for 10 consecutive days after removal.
- Ground blinds on IDNR landDuring firearm deer seasons a ground blind on IDNR-owned or managed land needs at least 400 square inches of solid blaze orange or pink on the uppermost portion, visible for 360 degrees; tree stands may not be built or used with nails, screws or devices piercing the bark on IDNR sites, and only one tree stand or ground blind per hunter on IDNR sites.
- Turkey methodsNo live or electronic decoys, dogs or recorded calls; no nets or traps; no baiting; may not shoot a turkey in a tree before 7 a.m.
- Turkey calling before spring seasonNo turkey calling in the field in the Southern Zone from 15 March (Northern Zone from 22 March) through the day before spring turkey season (not applicable during the youth season; owl and crow locator calls allowed).
- Windshield cardsFree windshield cards are required at many Illinois public hunting sites; hunters return to record harvest before February 15.
- Waterfowl devicesShotguns may hold no more than three shells; nets, rifles, pistols, swivel, punt, battery and machine guns, hooks, poison, drugs, explosives are illegal; no hunting by driving or chasing with motorized conveyance.
- Releasing and possessing live wildlifeMay not release captive wildlife except as authorized, bring in live protected wildlife taken outside Illinois without IDNR permission, or retain wildlife alive except as provided in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 970.
- Deer tagging and reportingDeer permits must be signed and in possession; attach the temporary harvest tag immediately and before moving or field dressing; report by 10 p.m. the day of harvest by phone (1-866-452-4325) or online; mandatory check-station rule in 18 CWD counties during the first two firearm seasons.
Sources: 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 10; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 11; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 16; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 17; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 18; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 26; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 28; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 36; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 7; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 8. Checked: rows compared with the source on November 13, 2026.
Illinois rules on clothing, days and attractants
Illinois bans feeding deer at any time and baiting of any kind for deer or turkey. Blaze orange or pink is required on the cap and the upper garment during firearm deer seasons, and a ground blind on IDNR land must show blaze on its top, visible all the way around. Scent-only products that cannot be eaten are not baiting.
Hunter orange
A solid blaze orange or blaze pink cap/hat and an upper outer garment displaying at least 400 square inches of solid blaze orange or blaze pink must be worn to hunt deer during all firearm deer seasons in counties open for firearm deer seasons.
Blinds on state ground
On IDNR-owned or managed land during any firearm deer season, a ground blind must carry at least 400 square inches of solid blaze orange or blaze pink on the uppermost portion, visible for 360 degrees. Camouflage orange or pink does not meet the clothing or blind requirement.
Turkey and orange
Not required for turkey; blaze orange or pink hat or vest encouraged when not actively hunting.
Sundays
The sources we read state no Sunday rule. This guide claims nothing either way.
Deer bait and feeding
You cannot legally feed deer at any time and/or take deer by the use or aid of bait or baiting of any kind. Store-bought deer baits and attractants are illegal at any time except for licensed captive cervid owners feeding captive animals. An area is considered baited during the presence of and for 10 consecutive days following removal of the bait. Standing-crop manipulation, food plots, normal agricultural practices and scent-only products not capable of ingestion are not baiting.
Turkey bait
You cannot legally harvest wild turkeys by the use or aid of bait or baiting of any kind; an area is baited during the presence of and for 10 consecutive days following removal of the bait.
Migratory birds and bait
Federal baiting regulations apply (50 CFR Part 20): no taking migratory game birds by aid of baiting or over a baited area.
CWD and the antlered limit
Deer taken in the Special CWD season do not count toward the antlered-deer limit.
Sources: 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 17; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 20; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 18. Checked: rows compared with the source on November 13, 2026.
Illinois What the sources say about penalties, line by line
The Digest does not state criminal fines or jail terms, and the Wildlife Code sections that set them could not be reached, so none are listed here. Two things are stated: a false turkey application voids the permit and the fees, and a suspension in a compact state counts in Illinois too.
| Offense or rule | What the source says | Law |
|---|---|---|
| False turkey permit applications | Providing false or deceptive information on a turkey permit application, in addition to criminal charges, results in rejected applications, revoked permit and forfeited fees (17 Ill. Adm. Code 710.10(k)(4)). | 17 Ill. Adm. Code 710 |
| Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact | A wildlife privilege suspension in a compact state is also a suspension in Illinois for the duration; a violator who fails to comply with a citation in a participating state may have home-state privileges suspended until the terms are met. | Not retrieved |
| Statutory fines and jail terms | The Digest does not state criminal penalty amounts. The Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5) penalty sections were not retrieved (ilga.gov unreachable), so no fines or terms are listed. | Not retrieved |
Sources: 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 11; 17 Ill. Adm. Code (LII mirror, unofficial). Checked: rows compared with the source on November 13, 2026.
Illinois access rules by landowner
A license opens state and federal ground under their own rules and private land only with the owner's permission, which Illinois asks to be written and notarized when it comes from a designee. Purple paint on a tree or post marks land closed to trespass, and the law gives no right to enter to retrieve a wounded animal.
Private land
It is unlawful to take or attempt to take wildlife, or let a dog hunt, on land or waters of another, or knowingly shoot a gun or bow at wildlife on or flying over another person's property, without permission from the owner or the owner's designee (written authorization with notarized signature). Purple paint on trees or posts marks no-trespassing land. Illinois law does not grant a right of trespass to retrieve wounded wildlife.
Inhabited dwellings
No hunting or letting a dog hunt within 300 yards of an inhabited dwelling without the owner or tenant's permission; the restriction is 100 yards when trapping, bowhunting, hunting with a shotgun using shotshells only, on licensed hunting preserves, on federally owned and managed lands, and on IDNR-owned, managed, leased or controlled lands.
Hunter interference and drones
May not interfere with or disturb another person lawfully taking wildlife with intent to prevent the taking, and may not use a drone in a way that interferes with another person's lawful taking.
Dogs
A dog may not be allowed to chase, harass or kill deer or turkey. Dogs may be used for hunting other species. Competitive dog events require an IDNR permit applied for 4 weeks ahead.
Turkey methods
No live or electronic decoys, dogs or recorded calls; no nets or traps; no baiting; may not shoot a turkey in a tree before 7 a.m.
Calling before the spring season
No turkey calling in the field in the Southern Zone from 15 March (Northern Zone from 22 March) through the day before spring turkey season (not applicable during the youth season; owl and crow locator calls allowed).
Wanton waste
Must make a reasonable effort to retrieve and include killed or crippled limited species in the bag; may not wantonly waste the usable meat (breast of a bird; hind ham and front shoulders of a mammal) or dump carcasses on a right-of-way or property without permission.
Report poaching
The Digest points hunters to Target Illinois Poachers, run by IDNR law enforcement, for reports of violations.
Sources: 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 10; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 26; 2026-27 Digest, PDF page 11. Checked: rows compared with the source on November 13, 2026.
Illinois hunting law questions
What are the fines for hunting violations in Illinois?
The Digest does not state criminal penalty amounts. The Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5) penalty sections were not retrieved (ilga.gov unreachable), so no fines or terms are listed.
How many shells may a shotgun hold for Illinois waterfowl?
Shotgun no larger than 10 gauge holding no more than three shells (non-toxic shot).
Is hunting legal on Sundays in Illinois?
The sources we read state no Sunday rule, so this guide cannot say either way. Check the current Digest and the rules of any public site before you go.
Is blaze orange required for grown hunters?
A solid blaze orange or blaze pink cap/hat and an upper outer garment displaying at least 400 square inches of solid blaze orange or blaze pink must be worn to hunt deer during all firearm deer seasons in counties open for firearm deer seasons.
What gun may I use for deer in Illinois?
Shotgun 10 to 20 gauge loaded with slugs only (minimum projectile .44 caliber; not capable of firing more than three consecutive slugs); single or double barreled muzzleloading rifle at least .45 caliber with a barrel at least 16 inches shooting a single projectile; centerfire handgun .30 caliber or larger (case-length and 500 ft-lb rules as for rifles; revolver or single-shot handgun with barrel at least 4 inches); only blackpowder or approved substitute (smokeless only in muzzleloaders designed for it). Single-shot centerfire rifle (one round in magazine and chamber combined; manufactured or modified single shot; no magazine in possession or close proximity that would let the rifle hold more than one round) in a bottleneck centerfire cartridge .30 caliber or larger with a case length not exceeding 1.4 inches, or a straight-walled centerfire cartridge .30 caliber or larger, both with a factory load showing at least 500 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle; soft point or expanding bullets only.
May a deer be hunted over a bait pile?
You cannot legally feed deer at any time and/or take deer by the use or aid of bait or baiting of any kind. Store-bought deer baits and attractants are illegal at any time except for licensed captive cervid owners feeding captive animals. An area is considered baited during the presence of and for 10 consecutive days following removal of the bait. Standing-crop manipulation, food plots, normal agricultural practices and scent-only products not capable of ingestion are not baiting.
Can I use a dog to hunt deer or turkey in Illinois?
A dog may not be allowed to chase, harass or kill deer or turkey. Dogs may be used for hunting other species. Competitive dog events require an IDNR permit applied for 4 weeks ahead.
How close to a house may I hunt in Illinois?
No hunting or letting a dog hunt within 300 yards of an inhabited dwelling without the owner or tenant's permission; the restriction is 100 yards when trapping, bowhunting, hunting with a shotgun using shotshells only, on licensed hunting preserves, on federally owned and managed lands, and on IDNR-owned, managed, leased or controlled lands.
Are electronic decoys or recorded calls legal for Illinois turkey?
No live or electronic decoys, dogs or recorded calls; no nets or traps; no baiting; may not shoot a turkey in a tree before 7 a.m.
Straight from IDNR
IDNR folds every season, permit and zone into one annual Digest, and its own wording wins wherever a summary on this site reads differently.
Other photos on this page: NPS Photo (Public domain); Mike Budd (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region) (Public Domain Mark 1.0); fishhawk (CC BY 2.0); ShenandoahNPS (Public domain); cuatrok77 (CC BY-SA 2.0).