Free Dove Hunting Permits
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) manages fields at several sites across the state, which they open for controlled hunts during the first five days of dove season and for the Youth or Youth/Adult Hunt on opening day. These fields are usually planted with crops to attract doves. By drawing a spot during the first five days, you are more likely to get good action on the fields than if you go later in the season.
To participate in these hunts, you must apply for the Free Dove Hunting Permit and select either the Open Ages Site-Specific Dove Permit or the Youth and Youth/Adult Site-Specific Dove Permit option. Not every IDNR site is managed for dove hunting or included in this program, so be sure to research the sites you’re interested in before applying. A list of sites, as well as nearly everything else you need to know about the Free Dove Hunting Permit, can be found in this document from IDNR. IDNR also has a Free Dove Permit One Stop page that you may find useful, where you can view the number of remaining permits available for each site.
What to Expect on Hunt Day
If you are selected in the lottery, you will be informed of the site and dates you have been assigned. Upon arrival, you will check in — typically between 9 and 11 a.m. — and go through a brief safety talk. You will also learn about the field layout and receive a back patch associated with your name, which you will pin to your back.
Afterward, you will go to your assigned field and set up at marked locations. Shooting hours for these sites usually begin at noon and go until 5 p.m., though official dove hours run from sunrise to sunset. When you finish hunting, you must return your back patch, check out at the site office, and report your harvest.
Different sites have their own procedures, so check your site directory to understand what is expected. For example, if you check in too late, your permit may become void. Be sure to read through the dove-specific permit and non-permit regulations for your chosen IDNR site.
Where the Permit Applies
The Free Dove Permit is only required at certain IDNR sites during the first five days of dove season. After that, even managed sites return to non-permit regulations and hours. Always check with your specific site, as regulations may vary.
See the example from Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area, which illustrates some of the differences between hunting doves with and without a permit. Ensure you have your hunting license, state habitat stamp, HIP certification, and — if required by your site — your windshield card.