Where to Hunt in Illinois
Deciding between private and public land affects everything from the type of permit to the species you can hunt. Use the sections below to choose the one that best suits you and plan your next steps.
For some species and seasons, private land has slightly different regulations, but you still must:
- Be licensed
- Have the appropriate permits
- Follow IDNR regulations
See IDNR’s Hunt Digest or Hunt Illinois for more information.
Private Land
Illinois is mostly private land. If you own — or have permission to use — huntable property, this is often the best way to get started, especially where public land is limited or species access is restricted.
You can request permission from local landowners, but many are wary due to liability concerns and the high volume of deer hunting requests. Asking to hunt or trap other species — which may be considered pests — can improve your chances and build a relationship that may enable you to hunt deer on the site at a later point.
For deer-specific private-land information, see White-tailed Deer Illinois.
Land Access Permission Card (IDNR)
You can present the Land Access Permission Card, issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, as proof of an agreement between the hunter and the landowner. It serves as an agreement that the hunter will follow landowner rules, obey all laws, use safe/ethical practices, and waive any claim against the landowner for personal injury. The agreement is nullified if money is exchanged for hunting privileges. Both parties keep a signed copy of the card, which serves as proof of permission and helps landowners track who has access, when, and for which activities and species.
General Tips for Obtaining Hunting Permission on Private Land
- Ask in person. Dress professionally and be polite.
- Complement the property and offer assistance. Volunteer a few weekends each year.
- Bring the IDNR Land Access Form. This shows preparedness and eases liability concerns.
- Start small. Begin with squirrels and rabbits to build the relationship, since many landowners already have someone hunting deer and turkey on their property.
- Share the harvest. Offer a portion to maintain goodwill and build the relationship.
Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP)
IDNR’s Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) leases private land for public access using resources from the USDA’s NRCS Voluntary Public Access-Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). The program encourages landowners to participate by offering comprehensive habitat/forestry management plans. They may also be eligible for assistance for habitat restoration projects.
Not every county or region offers every species, so check back as the program expands.
- To participate, see the IRAP site and FAQ.
- Find IRAP sites by county.
- Landowners can learn more about enrolling property on the IRAP site.
- For a deeper overview of the program, watch our IRAP webinar.
Public Land
Public options include IDNR-managed sites, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges, and U.S. Forest Service land (National Forests and National Prairies). Rules, regulations, and seasons vary by site, even those managed by the same agencies. Review site-specific regulations, confirm required licenses, permits, and tags for the species you intend to hunt, and call site staff or conservation officers with questions.
Pros and Cons of Hunting on Public Land
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accessibility for anyone with proper licenses. | Competition and pressure may occur during peak seasons. |
| Varied habitats and terrains that allow vast spaces to hunt. | More complex regulations that vary by site. |
| Community and tradition among hunters. | Wildlife wariness due to hunting pressure. |
| No lease fees beyond licenses and permits. | Access challenges that sometimes require hiking and boating. |
| Limited control over nearby hunters, leading to safety concerns and disruption. |
Where Do I Go to Find a New Site?
IDNR Hunting Sites
IDNR public land is divided into five regions: Northwest, Northeast, West-Central, East-Central, and South.
Tip: Check out the latest Public Hunting Areas Report for recent harvest numbers. A site that allows a species isn’t always productive.
To find sites, visit:
- Hunt Illinois Hunt Map Application: Visualize site locations and determine which sites permit specific types of hunting. Use the directory to learn more about specific sites.
- Hunt Illinois Hunting Site Directory: Site-specific regulations and seasons, rules about available species, maps, and site supervisor contact information.
- IDNR Hunter Fact Sheets: Choose a region and view site lists in the area.
Tip: In the Hunt Map, if you go to the “Small Game” tab and uncheck “Check Stations and Blinds” and “IDNR Site Boundaries” and then check “Squirrel,” you can easily visualize areas near you with that type of hunting. You can do this for any species.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Hunting Sites in Illinois
- Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge
- Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
- Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
- Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
- Great River National Wildlife Refuge
- Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge
- Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area
- Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge (Fishing only; no hunting)
- Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge
- Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge
- Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge
- Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
View U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hunting sites in Illinois and nationwide.
USDA Forest Service Hunting Sites in Illinois
View USDA Forest Service hunting sites in Illinois and nationwide (select the magnifying glass icon at the top and select your state).
Public Land Sites We Recommend
Shawnee National Forest
Administered by the USDA Forest Service, the Shawnee National Forest is the state’s largest public landowner. This fact, combined with its diversity of habitats, offers sports enthusiasts a range of hunting opportunities. Stretching across over 280,000 acres of dense woodlands, rolling hills, and pristine waterways, the Shawnee National Forest offers immense opportunity for Illinois public land hunters.
Hunters in the Shawnee National Forest can expect a true wilderness experience, with ample opportunities for both archery and firearm hunting. For those seeking a more primitive hunting experience, the forest’s vast stretches of rugged backcountry provide the perfect backdrop for a multi-day hunting trip. Camping under the stars, with the distant call of owls and the rustling of leaves as your soundtrack, adds to the experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started, the Shawnee National Forest promises an unforgettable adventure, blending the thrill of the hunt with the serene beauty of Illinois’ natural heritage.
For regulations and specifics, visit the USDA’s Shawnee National Forest site.
