Dates & Limits
| SEASON | DATES (inclusive) | ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (shotgun) | 23-31 Oct 2021 | See map of fall firearm turkey hunting |
| Fall (archery) | 1 Oct 2021–16 Jan 2022 | Season closed during firearm deer season in counties open to firearm deer hunting |
When can you hunt for turkeys?
2021 Spring Dates: General Season – 23 consecutive days beginning on the Saturday closest to April 15; Youth-Only Season – Two consecutive days beginning on the first Saturday in April. 2021 Spring Bag Limit: A hunter may take a male turkey or a turkey with a visible beard.
What are the dates for the Illinois spring turkey season?
Spring Turkey Application & Season Dates
| SEASON | NORTH ZONE | SOUTH ZONE |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Season | April 10-14 | April 3-7 |
| 2nd season | April 15-20 | April 8-13 |
| 3rd Season | April 21-26 | April 14-19 |
| 4th Season | April 27-May 3 | April 20-26 |
Can you hunt wild turkey in Illinois?
Today, the Forest Wildlife Program at IDNR manages wild turkeys and their habitat to maintain these healthy populations. There are three hunting seasons available to wild turkey hunters in Illinois: Spring, Fall Gun, and Fall Archery.
How many wild turkeys are in Illinois?
150,000 wild turkey
There are approximately 150,000 wild turkey in Illinois. The largest populations of this non-migratory bird occur in the southern, western, and northwestern counties. Wild turkeys in Illinois breed in April. The average adult male (gobbler or tom) stands 3 to 3.5 feet tall and weighs 18 to 24 pounds.
How do I get a turkey tag in Illinois?
Lottery Application Periods
- Illinois resident hunters may apply for one permit.
- Click here to submit an online application OR here to print and mail a paper application (available October 5, 2021)
- Group Hunt applications are accepted in Lottery 1 (up to 6 individuals may apply to hunt as a group)
Can you turkey hunt with a 410 in Illinois?
All other bows and arrows, including electronic arrow tracking devices utilizing radio telemetry, are illegal; 3) Shotgun (20 gauge to 10 gauge only, no . 410 or .
Can you hunt female turkeys in Illinois?
Bag Limit: One male turkey (gobbler); or one hen with a visible beard per permit, with a maximum of 3 permits.
Are wild turkeys protected in Illinois?
Please note, because wild turkeys are protected by the Illinois Wildlife Code, it is illegal to kill or remove wild turkeys or to destroy their nests or eggs without specific permits and licenses.
How many turkeys can you shoot in Illinois?
Bag Limit: One male turkey (gobbler); or one hen with a visible beard per permit, with a maximum of 3 permits. Once you have your limit, you may not further participate with a weapon in any turkey hunting party.
How can I get my child into turkey hunting?
Youth turkey hunts are a great way to get kids involved in hunting. Our spring turkey hunts are normally very successful, providing a positive experience for a youth hunter. For more information on our youth hunts, go to our Guided Youth Turkey Hunts page.
How do I get a turkey hunting license in Illinois?
For all turkey tags you need to contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Please call 217-782-7305 to have the application sent to you, or visit them online at Youth turkey hunts are a great way to get kids involved in hunting.
Where can I hunt big eastern turkeys in Illinois?
Enjoy hunting big Eastern turkeys in beautiful Pike and Calhoun County, Illinois. An abundance of CRP fields mixed with mature hardwoods and food plots of milo and clover produces some of the best habitat ideal for turkey hunting.
How big does a youth Turkey Hunt have to be?
For more information on our youth hunts, go to our Guided Youth Turkey Hunts page. Most mature gobblers weigh between 20-24 lbs. and have 3/4″- 1 1/2″ spurs and beard lengths of 8″-12″. Illinois turkey hunts are for the “Eastern” Sub-species and 100% wild. Legal shooting time requires us to quit hunting at 1:00 p.m.
