Section 670.10  Statewide Open Seasons and Counties

 

a)         All regulations set forth in Section 2.26 of the Wildlife Code apply in this Part.

 

b)         For Cook, DuPage and Lake counties, and that portion of Kane County east of State Route 47 – October 1 through the first Sunday after January 13.

 

c)         For all other counties, or parts of counties – October 1 through the first Sunday after January 13, closed during the period when deer hunting with a firearm is permitted as set out in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 650, except Department of Natural Resources owned or managed sites designated in Section 670.60 by an asterisk (*) shall be open to archery deer hunting without regard to firearm deer season (no firearm deer hunting pursuant to 17 Ill. Adm. Code 650 allowed).

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 11791, effective September 2, 2025)

 

Section 670.20  Statewide Deer Permit Requirements

 

a)         All archery deer hunters must have a current, valid Illinois archery deer permit.  Archery deer permits (except landowner/tenant hunting permits and nonresident permits issued to clients of outfitters as detailed in Section 670.20(c)) will authorize the holder to hunt in any of the open counties of the State, on property where permission to hunt has been obtained from the property owner.  Nonresident archery deer permits issued to outfitter clients who received a permit based on the preference given to outfitter clients are valid only on property controlled by the outfitter used to gain preference.

 

b)         Resident Permits

 

1)         Resident archery deer permits are available over-the-counter (OTC) from agents designated by the Department (pursuant to 17 Ill. Adm. Code 2520) as combination permits, each consisting of one either-sex permit and one antlerless-only permit, or as a single antlerless-only permit.  The fee for a resident archery combination permit shall be $25; a resident archery single antlerless-only permit shall be $15.  While there is no limit to the number of archery deer permits that an individual resident may purchase, no one may harvest more deer than allowed by the restrictions prescribed in Section 670.40.  Lifetime licenses issued after August 15, 2006 shall not qualify a nonresident of Illinois for a resident deer permit. 

 

2)         In addition to the permits listed in subsection (b)(1), resident hunters have the option of purchasing a maximum of one resident single either-sex permit for a fee of $15.  Applicants must submit an application to the Permit Office using the official current Resident Single Either-Sex Archery Deer Permit application form by September 1.  Applications are available from the DNR website at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov.  Applications submitted on forms from previous years will be returned.  Applicants must complete all portions of the permit application form.  Incomplete applications and fees will be returned.  Each applicant must submit a personal check or money order with an individual's application.

 

c)         Nonresident Permits

 

1)         A limited number of nonresident archery deer permits is available as combination permits, each consisting of one either-sex permit and one antlerless-only permit.  The fee for the nonresident combination archery deer permit shall be $410.  Nonresident hunters may apply June 1 through June 30 via DNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov.  Applicants may apply for and receive a maximum of one nonresident combination archery deer permit during a license year. (Note:  Receiving nonresident landowner archery deer permits does not preclude the recipient from also applying for and receiving the regular nonresident combination archery deer permit.)  The number of nonresident combination archery deer permits shall be limited to 25,000, with clients of outfitters currently permitted by the Department of Natural Resources given preference in the drawing for the first 7,500.  Clients of permitted outfitters should contact the outfitter prior to applying to receive a certification number to be used in the application process to verify their outfitter client status.  Permits will be allocated using a computerized, random lottery drawing conducted after June 30.  If the number of eligible outfitter clients in the drawing is less than 7,500, all remaining permits will be allocated to the remaining applicants until the quota is reached.  If the number of eligible outfitter clients in the drawing exceeds 7,500, those outfitter clients unsuccessful in obtaining one of the first 7,500 permits will compete against non-client applicants for the remaining permits.  Up to six individuals may apply for nonresident combination archery permits as a group.  Groups must identify a group leader, and all applicants must provide the same group leader information at the time of application.  If applying for permits given preferentially to clients of outfitters, all group applicants must also provide the same outfitter certification number.  Permits available after the lottery will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants who have not previously received a combination permit for the current deer season. 

 

2)         Nonresident single antlerless-only archery deer permits may be purchased as "bonus" permits for a fee of $25 by nonresident hunters who have previously obtained either a nonresident combination archery deer permit or a nonresident landowner archery deer permit.  The bonus nonresident single antlerless-only archery deer permit will be available over-the-counter (OTC) from license vendors for a fee of $25.  Eligible nonresident hunters may purchase these bonus permits without limit.

 

3)         Nonresident hunters who have not previously obtained a permit described in subsection (c)(2) may purchase nonresident single antlerless-only archery deer permits OTC from license vendors for a fee of $100.  Nonresident hunters may purchase these permits without limit.

 

4)         Nonresidents may not purchase a combination archery deer permit after September 30 if they have previously purchased any single antlerless-only archery deer permit for the current deer season.

 

5)         Nonresident youth may purchase a resident archery combination permit OTC for the same fee as resident Illinois hunters ($25).  For purposes of this Section, "youth" is defined as those hunters who have not reached their 18^th birthday prior to the beginning of the current year archery deer season (October 1).

 

d)         Hunters purchasing archery deer permits must supply all necessary applicant information to the license vendor in order to properly complete the permit.

 

e)         Permits are not transferable.  For the purpose of this Section, "transfer" means the modification or changing, by the Department or any other person, individual or group of the name or the location on an issued permit to another person or location.

 

f)         A $3 service fee will be charged for replacement permits issued by DNR, except that there will be no charge for permits lost in the mail.  The procedures for obtaining a replacement license are detailed in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 2520.50.  Monies from this source will be deposited in the Wildlife and Fish Fund.

 

g)         Refunds and Cancellations

 

1)         A refund shall be issued by the Department for a permit that has been granted, or for an application that has been submitted, under the following circumstances:

 

A)        The applicant for a permit was unsuccessful in obtaining a permit in the lottery for which the applicant applied; or

 

B)        Upon the request of the permit holder, a permit was issued due to an error of the Department, the OTC point-of-sale vendor or the applicant.  The permit that was issued in error and the request for a refund must be delivered to the Department before the first day of the season listed on the permit.  Permits shall be considered delivered to the Department if the permit is received or postmarked before the first day of the season listed on the permit; or

 

C)        Upon the return of an issued permit to the Department before the first day of the season listed on the issued permit.  Permits shall be considered delivered to the Department if the permit is received or postmarked before the first day of the season listed on the permit.  No refund shall be issued under this subsection (g)(1)(C) if the permit is returned or postmarked after the first day of the season listed on the permit.

 

2)         A permit shall be cancelled if a refund is approved pursuant to subsection (g)(1)(B) or (C).  Once a permit has been cancelled, the cancelled permit shall not count towards the total number of permits that an applicant may obtain for the hunting season that the cancelled permit was so issued.

 

3)         Upon the request of a permit holder, a refund may be issued by the Department for a permit that has been granted under the following circumstances:

 

A)        A medical condition or death of the permit holder that prevented the permit holder from hunting.  A death certificate or medical documentation showing that the permit holder was unable to or advised not to hunt may be required by the Department before any refund is issued.  Requests must be made before the last day of the season that the permit was issued and must accompany the return of the permit to the Department at its headquarters in Springfield, Illinois.  No refunds shall be issued under this subsection if the request or permit is delivered or postmarked to the Department at its headquarters in Springfield, Illinois after the last day of the season listed on the permit; or

 

B)        The permit holder was unable to travel or use the permit that was issued due to a national or State issued emergency or disaster declaration that resulted in a danger to the health or safety of the permit holder had they attempted to use the issued permit.  Requests must be made within 60 days after the start of the season for which the permit was issued and must accompany the return of the permit to the Department at its headquarters in Springfield, Illinois.  No refund shall be issued under this subsection (g) (3)(B) if the request or permit is delivered or postmarked 60 days after the first day of the season listed on the permit. 

 

C)        A permit that was issued due to an error of the Department, the OTC point-of-sale vendor, or the applicant, if the permit is returned to the Department before the last day of the season for which the permit was issued.

 

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 18703, effective November 2, 2022)

 

Section 670.21  Deer Permit Requirements – Landowner/Tenant Permits

 

Requirements and procedures for obtaining landowner/tenant permits are provided in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 528.

 

(Source:  Amended at 41 Ill. Reg. 8679, effective June 28, 2017)

 

Section 670.30  Statewide Legal Bow and Arrow

 

a)         The only legal hunting devices to take, or attempt to take, deer are:

 

1)         Longbows, recurve bows or compound bows with minimum pull of 30 pounds at some point within a 28-inch draw.  Minimum arrow length is 20 inches.

 

2)         Crossbows shall meet all of the following specifications:

 

A)        use a bowstring to propel the bolt or arrow and have a minimum peak draw weight of 125 pounds;

 

B)        have a minimum length (from butt of stock to front of limbs) of 24 inches;

 

C)        have a working safety; and

 

D)        be used with fletched bolts or arrows of not less than 14 inches in length (not including point).

 

b)         Broadheads must be used for archery deer hunting.  Broadheads may have fixed or expandable cutting surfaces, but they must be a minimum ⅞ inch in diameter when fully opened.  Broadheads with fixed cutting surfaces must be metal or flint-, chert- or obsidian-knapped; broadheads with expandable cutting surfaces must be metal.  Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the possession of arrows with field tips or blunt tips for the purpose of legally taking small game or for target practice during the course of the hunt, but those arrows may not be used in any attempt to take deer.

 

c)         All other hunting devices, including electronic arrow tracking devices utilizing radio telemetry, are illegal.  It is unlawful to carry any firearm or sidearm while hunting deer with a bow and arrow unless in accordance with the Firearm Concealed Carry Act or during the firearm deer season with a valid, unfilled firearm deer permit.

 

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 18703, effective November 2, 2022)

 

Section 670.40  Statewide Deer Hunting Rules

 

a)         The bag limit is one deer per legally authorized either-sex, antlered-only or antlerless-only permit.  All either-sex permits and antlered-only permits are subject to the following restriction:  no hunter, regardless of the quantity or type of permits in his/her possession, may harvest more than 2 antlered deer during a year, including the youth, archery, muzzleloader and firearm seasons.  For purposes of this subsection, deer seasons are considered to be in the same year if their opening dates fall within the same 12-month period that begins on July 1.  A hunter in possession of an either-sex permit after having harvested 2 antlered deer during a year, as defined above, may only use the permit to harvest an antlerless deer. Subject to this restriction, an either-sex permit holder is allowed to take a deer with or without antlers; and an antlered-only permit holder is allowed to take only a deer having at least one antler of a length of 3 or more inches.  An antlerless-only permit holder is allowed to take only a deer without antlers or a deer having antlers less than 3 inches long.

 

b)         The Illinois Restricted Archery Zone shall consist of Champaign, Douglas, Macon and Piatt Counties (except Allerton Park located in Piatt County).  During the period October 1-October 31, only antlered deer may be harvested in the Restricted Archery Zone, regardless of permits in possession.  An antlered deer is defined as a deer having at least one antler of a length of 3 or more inches.  All restrictions listed in subsection (a) also apply in the Restricted Archery Zone.

 

c)         Recipients of any type of Archery Deer Hunting Permit shall record their signature on the permit prior to hunting and must carry it on their person while hunting. 

 

d)         The temporary harvest tag shall be attached and properly sealed immediately upon kill and before the deer is moved, transported or field dressed.  No person shall leave any deer that has been killed without properly attaching the temporary harvest tag to the deer in the manner prescribed on the permit. 

 

e)         Hunters shall not have in their possession, while in the field during archery deer season, any deer permit issued to another person (permits are non-transferable).

 

f)         Permits will not be re-issued in cases involving deer taken which are found to be diseased or spoiled due to previous injury.  Legal disposal of unfit deer taken shall be the responsibility of the hunter.  For those hunters participating in DNR's Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Program, a free permit will be made available (during either the current year or the subsequent year, at the discretion of the hunter) if their tested deer is determined to have chronic wasting disease.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 11791, effective September 2, 2025)

 

Section 670.50  Rejection of Application/Revocation of Permits (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 49 Ill. Reg. 11791, effective September 2, 2025)

 

Section 670.55  Reporting Harvest

 

a)         Successful hunters must register their harvest by 10:00 p.m. on the same calendar day the deer was taken by calling the toll-free telephone check-in system at 1-866-ILCHECK or by accessing the on-line check-in system at www.dnr.illinois.gov.  If a hunter is not able to locate a harvested deer in sufficient time to enable reporting the harvest by 10:00 p.m., the hunter must immediately report the harvest upon retrieving it.  The hunter will be provided with a confirmation number to verify that he or she checked in the harvest.  This number must be written by the hunter onto the temporary harvest tag (leg tag).  If the condition of the tag precludes writing on the tag in the appropriate space (i.e., bloody, etc.), the confirmation number shall be written elsewhere on the tag, or onto a piece of paper and attached to the deer along with the temporary harvest tag.  The deer must remain whole (or field dressed) until it has been checked in.  In instances where deer are checked in while the hunter is still afield, the deer may not be dismembered while afield beyond quartering the animal.  If quartered, all parts of the carcass (except the entrails removed during field dressing) must be transported together and evidence of sex must remain naturally attached to one quarter.  Evidence of sex is:

 

1)         For a buck:  head with antlers attached to carcass, or attached testicle, scrotum, or penis.

 

2)         For a doe:  head attached to carcass, or attached udder (mammary) or vulva.

 

b)         The temporary harvest tag (leg tag) and confirmation number must remain attached to the deer until it is at the legal residence of the person who legally took or possessed the deer, the deer has been checked in, and final processing is completed.  If the head/antlers are delivered to a taxidermist for processing, the confirmation number must be recorded on the "head tag" portion of the permit and both must remain with the deer while at the taxidermist.  If the carcass is taken to a meat processor, the temporary harvest tag (leg tag) with confirmation number must remain with the deer while it is processed, and until it is at the legal residence of the person who legally took or possessed the deer.  Persons delivering deer/parts of deer to a tanner for processing must supply the tanner with either their deer permit number, their confirmation number, or a written certification by the person from whom the deer was received that the specimen was legally taken or obtained.

 

c)         Site specific reporting requirements must be followed in addition to this Section.

 

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 18703, effective November 2, 2022)

 

Section 670.60  Regulations at Various Department-Owned, -Leased or -Managed Sites

 

a)         All the regulations in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510 (General Hunting and Trapping) apply in this Section, unless this Section is more restrictive.

 

b)         To drive deer, or participate in a deer drive, on all Department-owned or -managed properties is prohibited.  A deer drive is defined as a deliberate action by one or more persons (whether armed or unarmed) whose intent is to cause deer to move within archery range of one or more participating hunters.

 

c)         Only one tree stand or ground blind is allowed per deer permit holder.  Tree stands and ground blinds must comply with restrictions listed in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10(c)(3) and (c)(12) and must be portable.  Tree stands and ground blinds must be removed at the end of each day with the exception that they may be left unattended from September 15 through January 31 at those sites listed in this Section that are followed by a (1).  Any tree stand or ground blind left unattended must be legibly marked with the owner's name, address, and telephone number, or site assigned identification number.

 

d)         Check-in, check-out, and reporting of harvest is required at those sites listed in this Section that are followed by a (2).  Sites that require use of windshield cards by hunters as specified in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10 are followed by a (6).

 

e)         Where standby hunters are used to fill quotas, a drawing may be held at sites indicated by a (3).  Notice of any standby drawing modifications will be posted at the site and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10(d)(3) shall apply.

 

f)         Only antlerless deer or antlered deer having at least 4 points on one side may be harvested at those sites listed in this Section that are followed by a (4).

 

g)         Only antlerless deer or antlered deer having at least 5 points on one side may be harvested at those sites listed in this Section that are followed by a (5).

 

h)         Statewide regulations shall apply at the following sites:

 

Alvah Borah State Habitat Area (6)

 

*          Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (2)

 

Annbriar Karst State Natural Area (6)

 

Apple River Canyon State Park – Thompson and Salem Units (6)

 

Argyle Lake State Park (1) (6)

 

*          Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area (statewide hunting hours except during the Central Zone duck season hunting hours 1:00 p.m. until ½ hour after sunset) (1) (2)

 

*          Beall Woods State Park (1) (6)

 

*          Beaver Dam State Park (an antlerless deer must be taken on the site before an antlered deer is harvested) (2)

 

*          Big Bend State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (2)

 

Big Grand Pierre Glade State Natural Area (1) (6)

 

Big River State Forest (1) (6)

 

Bradford Pheasant Habitat Area (October 1-31 only) (6)

 

Buffalo Rock State Park/Blackball Mines Nature Preserve (2)

 

Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area (6)

 

Butterfield Trail State Recreation Area (6)

 

Cache River State Natural Area (1) (2)

 

Campbell Pond State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (6)

 

Cape Bend State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (2)

 

Carlyle Lake Lands and Waters (Corps of Engineers managed lands, except Jim Hawn and East Spillway Areas)

 

*          Carlyle Lake Lands and Waters (Corps of Engineers managed lands – Jim Hawn and East Spillway Areas)

 

Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (except subimpoundment area is closed 7 days prior to and during the regular waterfowl season; lands bounded on the east by "C" levee, south by "D" levee, west by ACOE property line, and including the posted area west of parking lot #2, will be open the entire archery deer hunting season) (6)

 

Castle Rock State Park (submission of all deer heads within 48 hours after harvest on site is required to test for the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease) (1) (6)

 

Cave-In-Rock State Park – Kaegi Tract (1) (6)

 

Cedar Glen State Natural Area (no hunting after December 15) (1) (6)

 

Chauncey Marsh State Natural Area (permit obtained at Red Hills State Park headquarters) (1) (6)

 

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area (6)

 

Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (6)

 

Copperhead Hollow State Wildlife Area (1) (6)

 

Crawford County State Conservation Area (1) (6)

 

Cretaceous Hills State Natural Area (1) (6)

 

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge

 

Cypress Pond State Natural Area (1) (2)

 

Deer Pond State Natural Area (1) (2)

 

Des Plaines Game Propagation Center (closed Saturdays and Sundays in October and Sundays in November, December and January) (2)

 

Des Plaines State Conservation Area (6)

 

Devil's Island State Wildlife Management Area

 

Dixon Springs State Park (1) (6)

 

Dog Island State Wildlife Management Area (1) (6)

 

*          Donnelley State Fish and Wildlife Area – Putnam County Unit (2)

 

Dublin Highlands Pheasant Habitat Area (opens statewide opening date; however, site closes for archery deer hunting at the end of legal shooting hours the day preceding the opening of the North Zone upland season and reopens the day after the close of the North Zone upland season and runs until the statewide season closes; submission of all deer heads within 48 hours after harvest on site is required to test for the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease) (1) (2)

 

Dug Hill State Fish and Wildlife Area (2)

 

*          Eagle Creek State Park (for Corps of Engineers managed lands not managed by DNR, contact Corps of Engineers, Lake Shelbyville office for specific deer hunting policy) (6)

 

Edward R. Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area/James C. Helfrich Wildlife Propagation Center (Illinois resident-only; hunting only in designated areas) (1) (6)

 

Eldon Hazlet State Park (archery hunting is closed in the designated controlled pheasant hunting area on days when the controlled pheasant hunting program is in operation) (6)

 

Embarras River Bottoms State Habitat Area (1) (6)

 

Ferne Clyffe State Park – Cedar/Draper Bluff Hunting Area (1) (2)

 

Ferne Clyffe State Park – Ferne Clyffe Hunting Area (1) (2)

 

Finfrock State Habitat Area (October 1-31) (6)

 

Flag Pond State Natural Area (1)

 

Flatwoods State Natural Area (1) (6)

 

Fort de Chartres State Historic Site (1) (2)

 

*          Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site (opens November 1) (2)

 

Fort Massac State Park (1) (6)

 

Fox Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (6)

 

Fox Ridge State Park (1) (6)

 

Frank Holten State Park (1) (6)

 

Franklin Creek State Natural Area (submission of all deer heads within 48 hours after harvest on site is required to test for the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease) (6)

 

Freeman Mine State Habitat Area (closed on Mondays in November and December) (1) (2)

 

French Bluff State Natural Area (1) (6)

 

George S. Park Memorial Woods State Natural Area (2)

 

Giant City State Park (1) (2)

 

Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area/Heidecke State Fish & Wildlife Area (archery deer hunting is closed during the muzzleloader deer season) (6)

 

Green River State Wildlife Area (1) (6)

 

Guthrie Cave Land and Water Reserve

 

Hackmatack State Natural Area (hunting on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday only; 1 hunter allowed at a time, first-come first-served) (2) (6)

 

Hallsville State Habitat Area (October 1-31) (6)

 

Hamilton County State Conservation Area (1) (6)

 

Hanover Bluff State Natural Area (6)

 

Harry "Babe" Woodyard State Natural Area (6)

 

Henderson Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (6)

 

Henry Allen Gleason State Natural Area (6)

 

Hidden Springs State Forest (1) (6)

 

Hindsboro State Habitat Area (October 1 through October 31 only) (1) (6)

 

Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area – Alexander County (Controlled Hunting Area – open from October 1-31; Public Hunting Area open during statewide season) (1) (2)

 

Ilo Dillin State Habitat Area (hunting allowed during October only) (6)

 

Illinois Caverns State Natural Area (1)

 

Iroquois County State Wildlife Area and Hooper Branch Nature Preserve only (deer archery hunters must wear a cap and outer garment with at least 400 square inches of solid blaze orange or pink between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. in areas where upland game hunting is allowed during the site's controlled hunting season) (1) (6)

 

Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park (statewide regulations apply, except that, on Wednesdays through Sundays of the site's permit pheasant season, hunting only allowed 2:00 p.m. until sunset) (1) (6)

 

Jubilee College State Park (1) (2)

 

*          Kankakee River State Park (deer bow hunters must wear a cap and upper outer garment with at least 400 square inches of solid blaze orange/pink between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on days when upland game hunting is allowed during the site's controlled hunting season; a limited hunting opportunity for persons with disabilities, Class P2A, exists at the Davis Creek Bike Trail Area; disabled hunters must register to hunt at the site office and must sign in and out daily; disabled hunters are required to hunt with a non-disabled partner who may also hunt from predetermined locations during the disabled hunting season (November 1 to the day before the first firearm deer season, except campground blinds will remain open until the close of the archery deer season and do not require a partner to hunt) (6)

 

Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area (the State-owned portion of the defined waterfowl rest area is open until 2 weeks prior to the start of the regular duck season through the close of the regular duck and Canada goose seasons; no hunting within 50 yards of the Baldwin Lake Waterfowl Rest Area's main north-south road) (1) (2 – except south of Highway 154 and north of Highway 13)

 

*          Ken Russell T Lake State Habitat Area (1) (6)

 

Kickapoo State Recreation Area (1) (6)

 

Kidd Lake State Natural Area (1)

 

Kinkaid Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (2)

 

Kishwaukee River State Fish and Wildlife Area (submission of all deer heads within 48 hours after harvest on site is required to test for the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease) (6)

 

Lake Le Aqua Na State Park (submission of all deer heads within 48 hours after harvest on site is required to test for the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease) (6)

 

Larry D. Closson Habitat Area (October 1-31 only) (1)

 

Lincoln Trail State Park (November 1 through the end of statewide season; open to archery deer hunting during statewide firearm deer seasons) (1) (2)

 

Little Rock Creek State Habitat Area (opens statewide opening date; however, site closes for archery deer hunting at the end of legal shooting hours the day preceding the opening of the north zone upland season and reopens the day after the close of the north zone upland season and runs until the statewide season closes) (1) (2)

 

Loda Pheasant Habitat Area (October 1-31 only) (6)

 

Lowden-Miller State Forest (submission of all deer heads within 48 hours after harvest on site is required to test for the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease) (1) (6)

 

Lowden State Park (in October, hunting allowed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only, excluding official State holidays; beginning November 1, archery hunting is allowed 7 days a week) (1) (6)

 

Mackinaw River State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (6)

 

Marseilles State Fish and Wildlife Area (closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October only; no hunting after the first Thursday after January 10; all tree stands must be removed from this area no later than the last day of the season; unauthorized personnel may not be on the site outside of the posted check station operating hours; hunters may enter the site only from designated parking lots) (1) (2)

 

Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (6)

 

Mautino State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (6)

 

Maxine Loy Land and Water Reserve (6)

 

Maytown Pheasant Habitat Area (hunting allowed during October only) (6)

 

Mazonia/Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area (6)

 

Meeker State Habitat Area (1) (6)

 

Mermet Lake State Conservation Area (1) (6)

 

Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (6)

 

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (additional site hunting pass required) (2)

 

Mill Creek State Natural Area (6)

 

Miller-Anderson Woods State Natural Area (2)

 

Mississippi Palisades State Park (closed during the first firearm deer season) (1) (6)

 

Mississippi River Pool 16 (1)

 

Mississippi River Pools 17, 18 (1)

 

Mississippi River Pools 21, 22, 24 (1)

 

Mississippi State Fish and Waterfowl Management Area – Pools 25 and 26 (Batchtown, Crull Hollow and Godar Waterfowl Rest Areas are closed to hunting beginning 14 days before regular duck season; areas reopen to hunting the day after duck season closes; it is unlawful to trespass upon the designated duck hunting areas between sunset of the Sunday immediately preceding opening day of regular duck season through the day before regular duck season as posted at the site; no deer hunting is allowed within 200 yards of an occupied duck blind; during duck season only, deer hunters may not access the designated duck hunting areas by launching a boat at certain specifically posted boat ramps; boat ramps reopen to deer hunters the day after duck season closes; hunting is allowed at Red's Landing and Riprap Landing walk-in areas from 12:00 p.m. to ½ hour after sunset during duck season, statewide hours during remainder of season) (1)

 

Mitchell's Grove State Nature Preserve (antlerless deer only in October; either-sex deer from November 1 until the end of the statewide season; closed during the muzzleloading deer season) (2)

 

Momence Wetlands State Natural Area (1) (6)

 

Moraine View State Park (archery deer hunting closed Wednesday through Sunday during the controlled pheasant season) (1) (6)

 

Morrison Rockwood State Park (opens on the day following the close of the first firearm deer season) (1) (2)

 

*          Mt. Vernon Propagation Center (1) (2)

 

Nauvoo State Park (Max Rowe Unit Only) (6)

 

Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (6)

 

Oakford State Conservation Area

 

Paul C. Burrus State Habitat Area (formerly Hurricane Creek State Habitat Area) (hunter quotas filled by drawing) (1) (6)

 

*          Peabody River King State Fish and Wildlife Area (East subunit closes November 1) (1) (2)

 

*          Pekin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (6)

 

Pere Marquette State Park (1) (6)

 

Prairie Ridge State Natural Area (1) (6)

 

Pyramid State Park – Captain, Denmark, East Conant, Galum and Park Units (4) (6)

 

Rall Woods State Natural Area (6)

 

Ralph Clover State Natural Area

 

*          Ramsey Lake State Park (1) (6)

 

*          Randolph County State Conservation Area (1) (2)

 

Rauchfuss Hill State Recreation Area (1) (6)

 

Ray Norbut State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (6)

 

Ray Norbut State Fish and Wildlife Area – Dutch Creek Unit (1) (6)

 

Ray Norbut State Fish and Wildlife Area – East Hannibal Unit (1) (6)

 

*          Red Hills State Park (1) (6)

 

Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (refuge only (south of site headquarters) from October 1 through October 31; an antlerless deer must be taken on the site before an antlered deer is harvested) (2)

 

Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area and Corps of Engineers managed areas of Rend Lake 

 

Revis Hill Prairie State Natural Area (6)

 

*          Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (statewide hunting hours, except that, during the Central Zone duck season, hunting hours 1:00 p.m. until ½ hour after sunset) (1) (2)

 

Rock Cut State Park (6)

 

*          Rockton Bog State Natural Area (6)

 

Sahara Woods State Recreation Area (1) (6)

 

Saline County State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (6)

 

*          Sam Dale Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (6)

 

*          Sam Parr State Park (1) (2)

 

Sandy Ford State Natural Area (antlerless deer only in October; either-sex deer from November 1 until the end of the statewide season; archery deer hunting is closed during the muzzleloader deer season) (2)

 

Sangamon County State Conservation Area (1)

 

Sanganois State Wildlife Area (Ash Swale Waterfowl Rest Area will be closed to deer hunting during the waterfowl hunting seasons) (1) (6)

 

*          Sangchris Lake State Park (closed to archery deer hunting during the muzzleloader deer season) (1) (4) (6)

 

Sand Ridge State Forest (6)

 

*          Shabbona Lake State Park (submission of all deer heads within 48 hours after harvest on site is required to test for the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease) (6)

 

Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area (for Corps of Engineers managed lands not managed by DNR, contact Corps of Engineers, Lake Shelbyville office for specific deer hunting policy) (1) (6)

 

Sielbeck Forest State Natural Area (1) (6)

 

Siloam Springs State Park (1) (6)

 

Siloam Springs State Park (Fall Creek Unit) (1) (6)

 

Siloam Springs State Park – Buckhorn Unit (resident hunters only) (1) (6)

 

*          Silver Springs State Park (2)

 

Skinner Farm State Habitat Area (1) (2)

 

*          Snakeden Hollow State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (6)

 

*          Sparks Pond State Natural Area (6)

 

Spoon River State Forest (1) (6)

 

*          Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (6)

 

*          Starved Rock State Park/Matthiessen State Park/Margery C. Carlson Nature Preserve (deer bowhunters must wear a cap and upper outer garment with at least 400 square inches of solid blaze orange/pink during the statewide firearm deer seasons; open to archery deer hunting during the statewide firearm deer season only in Zone A) (2)

 

*          Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area (6)

 

Tapley Woods State Natural Area (6)

 

Ten Mile Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (areas designated as refuge are closed to all access during Canada goose season only) (1) (6)

 

Trail of Tears State Forest (1) (2)

 

Turkey Bluffs State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (2)

 

Union County State Fish and Wildlife Area (Firing Line Unit open throughout statewide season; Controlled Public Hunting Area open October 1 through October 31) (1) (2)

 

Vesely Land and Water Reserve/Wilmington Shrub Prairie Nature Preserve (6)

 

Walnut Point State Park (1) (6)

 

Wards Grove State Nature Preserve (closed during firearm deer hunting; antlerless deer only) (6)

 

*          Washington County State Conservation Area (1) (2)

 

Weinberg-King State Park (1) (6)

 

Weinberg-King State Park – Cecil White Unit (6)

 

Weinberg-King State Park − Scripps Unit (resident hunters only) (1) (6)

 

Weinberg-King State Park − Spunky Bottoms Unit (resident hunters only) (1) (6)

 

Weldon Springs State Park – Piatt County Unit (6)

 

Whitefield Pheasant Habitat Area (hunting allowed during October only) (6)

 

*          White Pines Forest State Park (hunting allowed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only – excluding official State holidays in October.  Beginning November 1, archery hunting is allowed 7 days a week, excluding the site's special firearm deer season) (6)

 

Wildcat Hollow State Forest (1) (6)

 

Willow Creek State Habitat Area (hunting permitted October 1-31) (1) (6)

 

Winston Tunnel State Natural Area (6)

 

Wise Ridge State Natural Area (1)

 

Witkowsky State Wildlife Area (opens October 15) (6)

 

Wolf Creek State Park (for Corps of Engineers managed lands not managed by DNR, contact Corps of Engineers, Lake Shelbyville office, for specific deer hunting policy) (6)

 

Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area (opens at the close of duck season) (6)

 

Zoeller State Natural Area (1) (6)

 

i)          Statewide regulations shall apply at the following sites except that hunter quotas shall be filled by lottery drawing, using either mail-in paper applications or online (electronic) applications:

 

Bohm Woods State Nature Preserve (harvest reports are due to the site by January 31; failure to submit report is a violation of this Part) (1)

 

*          Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (hunting in designated areas only; harvest reports due to the site by January 31; failure to report harvest is a violation of this Part) (6)

 

Goode's Woods State Nature Preserve (an antlerless deer must be taken on the site before an antlered deer is harvested; harvest reports are due to the site by January 31; failure to submit report is a violation of this Part) (1)

 

*          Horseshoe Lake State Park (Madison County) (hunting in designated areas only; harvest reports are due to the site by January 31; failure to submit report is a violation of this Part) (1)

 

j)          State regulations shall apply except that hunters must obtain a free permit from the site office.  This permit must be in possession while hunting and must be returned, and harvest reported, to the address indicated on the card before February 15.  Failure to return the permit is a violation of this Part.

 

*         Horseshoe Lake State Park (Madison County – Gaberet, Mosenthein and Chouteau Island Units)

 

k)         Statewide regulations shall apply except that no hunting is permitted on days that the site is open to permit pheasant season.

 

Chain O'Lakes State Park (season opens Monday prior to opening of permit pheasant hunting season and closes before the controlled pheasant clean up hunt; season reopens on December 26 through close of regular season) (3) (6)

 

Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area (no bowhunting during controlled hunts as posted at the site) (2)

 

l)          Statewide regulations shall apply at the following sites except that nonresident hunter quotas shall be filled by lottery drawing, using either mail-in paper applications or online (electronic) applications. Information about specific drawing dates and application procedures will be publicly announced.  Successful applicants will be issued a free permit from the site office.  This permit must be in possession while hunting and must be returned and harvest reported to the address indicated on the card before February 15.  Failure to return the permit is a violation of this Part.

 

Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (Open Unit and West Open Unit closed to archery hunting during the Youth Deer Season) (1) (6)

 

m)        Statewide regulations shall apply at this site except that hunter quotas for specific periods shall be filled by lottery drawing, using either mail-in paper applications or online (electronic) applications.  Only Illinois residents are eligible to apply.  Information about drawing dates and application procedures will be publicly announced.

 

Fox Ridge State Park – Mentored Hunt (limited to designated portions of the State Park otherwise closed to archery deer hunting; beginning the Monday following muzzleloader season; only applicants with less than 3 years of deer hunting experience may apply; hunter quotas will be filled equally with adult and youth hunters; participating hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting, validly licensed (Illinois hunting license) adult who is 21 years of age or older; hunting assigned for one-week periods; if applicable, site issued windshield card must be displayed while hunting)

 

Hennepin Canal State Trail (hunters must stay in their designated zone; an antlerless deer must be taken on the site before an antlered deer may be taken) (1) (6)

 

Illinois Beach State Park, North Dunes Nature Preserve and Illinois Beach Nature Preserve (hunting assigned for two week periods; site-issued windshield card must be displayed while hunting)

 

James Pate Philip State Park and Heron Woods State Habitat Area

 

Kickapoo State Recreation Area – Mentored Hunt (limited to designated portions of the recreation area otherwise closed to archery deer hunting; beginning the Monday following muzzleloader season; only applicants with less than 3 years of deer hunting experience may apply; hunter quotas will be filled equally with adult and youth hunters; participating hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting, validly licensed (Illinois hunting license) adult who is 21 years of age or older; hunting assigned for one-week periods; site-issued windshield card must be displayed while hunting) (6)

 

Moraine Hills State Park

 

Volo Bog State Natural Area

 

Walnut Point State Park – Disabled Hunt (limited to persons with a Class P2A disability; limited to designated areas otherwise closed to archery deer hunting; hunting assigned to one-week periods) (6)

 

William Powers State Recreation Area (1)

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 11791, effective September 2, 2025)