Outdoor & Hunting
Resources & Organizations
We’re not the only organization helping people learn to hunt in Illinois, but we are unique in focusing on adult hunter recruitment, retention, and reengagement. If you’re looking for additional programs or organizations to support your journey as a hunter, explore the options below.
Outdoor & Hunting Resources
Hunt Illinois
Hunt Illinois is your go-to source for planning your next hunt. Find details on specific sites, buy credentials, report harvests, or review species-specific safety and hunting information. Their calendars provide overviews of all species seasons, lottery dates, and upcoming hunting-related events in Illinois.
Hunter and Trapper Safety Education Courses
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1980, must complete an Illinois hunter safety education course before buying a hunting license. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, must complete a trapper education course before buying a trapping license. Courses are available online and in person. Bowhunter and treestand safety courses are optional but recommended.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Wingshooting Clinics
IDNR, with partner organizations, offers wingshooting clinics throughout Illinois. There are three main types:
- Introductory clinics
- Youth and women clinics
- Hunter clinics
Clinics are conducted on weekends from spring through early fall each year.
Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW)
BOW is a three-day program introducing women to outdoor recreation, shooting sports, and hands-on outdoor skills. Workshops combine practical classes and outdoor crafts in a supportive learning environment.
Illinois Conservation Foundation
The Illinois Conservation Foundation preserves and enhances the state’s natural and cultural heritage through education and outdoor recreation, benefiting all people. ICF inspires youth by supporting quality outdoor education and conservation programs across Illinois.
Outdoor & Hunting Organizations
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
Get involved in the Illinois Chapter of BHA to protect and grow Illinois’ public land and water access.
Delta Waterfowl
If you’re interested in protecting waterfowl hunting, ducks, and prairie wetland habitat, then joining a local Delta Waterfowl chapter might be something you’re interested in!
Ducks Unlimited
If wetland management, restoration, and conservation for the benefit of waterfowl and other wildlife is of interest to you, check out Ducks Unlimited.
Furtakers of America
FTA is an organization for trappers and furbearer hunters who want to protect and promote trapping while promoting ethics, outreach, and education.
Illinois Trappers Association
The Illinois Trappers Association is a group for those who wish to protect and promote the right to trap in Illinois while also promoting sound wildlife management decisions and being heavily involved in education and outreach.
National Deer Association
The NDA works to create quality deer habitat, populations, hunting, and mentorship opportunities while promoting land and wildlife stewardship and conservation values, focusing on education and outreach opportunities, and advocating for pro-hunting and pro-science policy.
National Trappers Association
The NTA is a group dedicated to protecting and promoting the ethical harvest of furbearing mammals, as well as the conservation of their habitats.
National Wild Turkey Federation
If you’re interested in wild turkeys and their conservation, the preservation of wild turkey hunting, and the development of suitable habitat, then NWTF is the group for you!
Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever
Join your local chapter of Pheasants Forever or Quail Forever to participate in:
- Introductory shooting and clay events
- Women’s and youth hunts
- Habitat cleanups
- Programs like Women on the Wing and No Child Left Indoors
Whitetails Unlimited
Whitetails Unlimited is a group dedicated to the conservation and management of white-tailed deer and their habitat though research, habitat initiatives, hunter safety education programs, and more.