what hunting season is it in illinois

Current Hunting Seasons in Illinois (March 16, 2026) No major hunting seasons are active statewide right now. Late-winter antlerless-only deer hunts ended earlier this month on January 18, 2026.

Deer Seasons Recap

Illinois deer hunting wrapped up its primary phases:

• Youth Firearm Deer : October 11–13, 2025

• Firearm Deer : November 2025 (specific dates vary by zone, typically mid-to-late)

• Special CWD Deer : January 1–4 and 16–18, 2026

• Late Winter Antlerless : January 1–4 and 16–18, 2026 – only antlerless deer allowed, one per permit

Archery season in select counties stretched to January 18, 2026, but that's closed too.

Waterfowl Updates

Waterfowl (ducks, geese) seasons follow zone splits. South Zone for 2026-2030: mid-November start (23 days), 12-day holiday break, then mid-December to late January. By mid-March, these are long over.

Other Seasons

• Turkey: Spring gobbler season typically starts late April.

• Small game (rabbits, squirrels, quail): Mostly fall/winter, closed by now.
• Trapping: Follows similar timelines, per the 2025-2026 Digest (available online/state fair).

Quick Check Tips

Always verify with official IDNR sources – regs can shift yearly based on wildlife data and hunter input.

• Download the 2025-2026 Illinois Hunting and Trapping Digest for full details.
• Check dnr.illinois.gov for site-specific rules, licenses, and youth opportunities.

TL;DR : It's off-season for hunting in Illinois right now – next up is spring turkey around late April. Stay safe and plan ahead! Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.