Illinois Turkey Hunting: Your Guide to Bagging a Bird in 2024

Calling all turkey hunters! Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure in the rolling hills and lush forests of Illinois? The 2024 Illinois turkey hunting season is just around the corner, and this comprehensive guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to bag a delicious wild turkey.

So, grab your shotgun, dust off your camo gear, and let’s dive into the thrilling world of Illinois turkey hunting!

When Can You Hunt Turkeys in Illinois?

Mark your calendars, folks! The 2024 Illinois turkey hunting season is divided into two distinct periods:

Spring Season:

• Dates:
  • North Zone: April 15th-19th, April 20th-25th, April 26th-May 1st, May 2nd-8th, and May 9th-16th
  • South Zone: April 8th-12th, April 13th-18th, April 19th-24th, April 25th-May 1st, and May 2nd-9th
• Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1 pm
• Bag Limit: One tom, jake, or bearded hen per permit, with a maximum of 3 spring permits per hunter
• Additional Regulations: Refer to the map of turkey hunting zones for specific season segments in each zone

Fall Season:

• Shotgun Season: October 21st-29th, 2023
• Archery Season: October 1st, 2023 – January 14th, 2024
• Hours:
  • Shotgun: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
  • Archery: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
• Bag Limit: One either-sex turkey per permit, with a maximum of 2 fall permits per hunter
• Additional Regulations:
  • Shotgun season closed during firearm deer season in counties open to firearm deer hunting
  • Archery season closed during firearm deer and muzzleloader deer seasons in counties open to firearm and muzzleloader deer hunting

Youth Spring Season:

• Dates: March 30th-31st and April 6th-7th, 2024
• Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1 pm
• Bag Limit: One tom, jake, or bearded hen per permit, counts toward the maximum of 3 spring permits
• Additional Regulations: One permit per year allowed, valid for individual counties or IDNR sites during season dates

Where Can You Hunt Turkeys in Illinois?

Illinois boasts a diverse landscape, offering a variety of turkey hunting opportunities. Every hunter can find the ideal location, whether it be in the verdant forests of central Illinois or the undulating hills of the Shawnee National Forest.

Here’s a quick rundown of the different turkey hunting zones in Illinois:

• North Zone: Includes the northern two-thirds of the state, offering a mix of public and private hunting lands.
• South Zone: Covers the southern third of the state, known for its rolling hills and abundant turkey populations.

Make sure to visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website for precise information on hunting zones and rules.

What Permits and Licenses Do You Need?

Before you hit the fields, make sure you’ve secured the necessary permits and licenses. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Hunting License: All hunters aged 16 and older require a valid Illinois hunting license.
• Turkey Hunting Permit: A turkey hunting permit is mandatory for all turkey hunting seasons.
• Harvest Report Card: After bagging a turkey, you must complete a harvest report card within 48 hours.

You can purchase licenses and permits online through the IDNR website or at licensed vendors across the state.

Additional Tips for a Successful Turkey Hunt

• Do your research: Familiarize yourself with the specific regulations for the zone you plan to hunt.
• Scout the area: Spend time observing turkey activity and identifying potential hunting spots.
• Use proper camouflage: Blend in with your surroundings to avoid spooking the birds.
• Be patient: Turkey hunting requires patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
• Practice your calling: Mastering turkey calls can significantly increase your chances of success.
• Respect the land and wildlife: Always follow ethical hunting practices and leave the environment undisturbed.

If you are prepared and knowledgeable, you can have a memorable time going turkey hunting in Illinois. Remember to prioritize safety, follow regulations, and respect the land and wildlife. Now, get out there and bag yourself a delicious, wild-caught turkey!.