When is Turkey Season in Illinois? A Guide to Spring and Fall Hunting Opportunities

For hunters in the Land of Lincoln, turkey season offers exciting chances to pursue wild gobblers in spring and fall But when exactly are the turkey hunting seasons in Illinois? This guide covers everything you need to know about dates, regulations, tips and top areas to target turkeys

Overview of Illinois Turkey Seasons

Illinois turkey hunters can take to the field during both a generous spring season and a more limited fall season annually

The spring turkey season is most popular, with separate segments offered in the North and South Zones. It spans over 5 weeks from early April into May.

The fall shotgun turkey season is much shorter, typically only open for 1-2 weeks in October. An extended fall archery season is also available from October through mid-January.

Spring Turkey Hunting Season Dates

The 2024 spring turkey season in Illinois will run from April 8 through May 16 divided between the North and South Zones:

South Zone:

• Season 1 – April 8-12
• Season 2 – April 13-18
• Season 3 – April 19-24
• Season 4 – April 25-May 1
• Season 5 – May 2-9

North Zone:

• Season 1 – April 15-19
• Season 2 – April 20-25
• Season 3 – April 26-May 1
• Season 4 – May 2-8
• Season 5 – May 9-16

There is also a special youth turkey season open statewide on March 30-31 and April 6-7, 2024 allowing hunters under 16 to hunt prior to the regular opener.

Spring is the prime time to hunt wild turkeys in Illinois when winter flocks have broken up and breeding activity peaks. Hunt success is often best very early in the season.

Fall Turkey Hunting Season

In 2024, the Illinois fall shotgun turkey season will open on October 19 and run through October 27. Hunting hours are half an hour before sunrise to sunset.

The fall archery turkey season is much longer, opening on October 1, 2024 and remaining open through January 19, 2025. This allows additional hunting pressure on the birds during the fall months.

Fall turkey hunting can be productive as flocks re-form, though the birds are less likely to respond to calling compared to spring. Focus on food sources and patterns.

Applying for Spring Turkey Permits

To hunt turkeys in spring or fall in Illinois, hunters must apply for and receive a permit through the lottery draw system. There are three lottery application periods for spring turkey:

• Lottery 1 – October 3-December 1, 2023
• Lottery 2 – December 11, 2023-January 11, 2024
• Lottery 3 – January 22-February 9, 2024

No one may obtain more than 3 spring turkey permits total. Apply online through the IDNR website once permits become available. Group applications are allowed in Lottery 1 and 2.

Leftover permits are sold over the counter on a first come, first served basis beginning in March. Act quickly to improve your chances of getting one.

Top Turkey Hunting Zones and Tips

Some of the best public land areas to target turkeys in Illinois include:

• Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois

• Sangchris Lake State Park and Recreation Area

• Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area

• Hidden Springs State Forest

• Chain O’Lakes State Park

Look for habitat near open oak woodlands that provide feeding, nesting cover and openings for breeding activity. Scout ahead of the season to pattern birds.

Use owl hoots, soft clucks and yelps rather than loud, aggressive calling to draw in spring toms. Decoys can be effective but should be used sparingly. Be sure to review regulations for details on legal methods of take.

Illinois Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations

When preparing for your Illinois spring turkey hunt, be sure you understand the rules:

• Valid hunting license and turkey permit required

• Blaze orange/pink must be worn if hunting public land

• Legal shooting hours are half an hour before sunrise to 1 PM Central Time

• Bag limit is one bearded turkey per permit

• All turkeys must be checked in by 10pm on day of harvest

• No electronic calls permitted

Following regulations ensures an ethical, legal hunt and helps maintain turkey numbers into the future.

With generous spring seasons and growing turkey populations, Illinois offers fantastic turkey hunting opportunities. The key is scouting pre-season, having reliable camo and playing the wind right. Apply for spring permits as soon as possible. Good luck tagging a longbeard this year!