Illinois' wide range of hunting experiences await you! Head out hunting in Illinois for whitetail deer, waterfowl and wild turkey. Search below to find hunting lodges, hunting game preserves and hunting clubs.
Where to Hunt in Illinois
Illinois offers many excellent public hunting spots. To discover where you can publicly hunt, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources "Hunt Planner Tool" featured on the Hunt Illinois website. If you are interested in hunting on private land, you may consider consulting a hunting outfitter (more information on this later in the article).
Hunting Outfitters in Illinois
Want to go on a hunting trip where you don’t just have to bank on getting lucky? Consider a hunting outfitter: a business that aims to enhance the hunting experience by providing experienced guides, private hunting land, lodging, meals, transportation, and knowledge about the best hunting practices for specific game species. Discover the wide variety of top hunting outfitters and lodges that Illinois has to offer!
Explore Hunting Outfitters in West-Central Illinois
Looking for one of the best places to hunt in Illinois? The West-Central region is abundant with vast forests of white-tailed deer, making it a nationally recognized hunting spot. Here you will find experienced hunting outfitters that will allow you to get the most out of your wildlife experience.
Best Deer Hunting Seasons in Illinois
Knowing the prime time for hunting seasons can help ensure that your hunting trip is as successful as possible while also aiding in the preservation of wildlife. For deer, the best times to hunt are as follows:
- Archery: Oct. 1 through the first Sunday after Jan. 13 (closed during firearm deer season except in Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Kane (East of Rt 47) counties)
- Firearm: The Friday, Saturday and Sunday immediately before Thanksgiving and the first four-day weekend (Thursday-Sunday) after Thanksgiving.
- Youth Firearm: The Saturday, Sunday, and Monday that includes the second Monday of October.
- Muzzleloader: The three-day weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) following Thanksgiving. Hunting also allowed during the second firearm deer season.
- Late Winter Antlerless and Special CWD - The first Thursday-Sunday after Dec. 25; and the first Friday-Sunday after Jan. 11.
The Cabins at Starved Rock Lodge
Lodge amongst nature beneath towering pine trees and century old oaks in these cozy cabins.
Located in Starved Rock State Park, experience your own cabin in the woods that are steps away from hiking trails and waterfalls. Starved Rock offers designated hunting areas in woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields according to the season and species being hunted.
Illinois Hunting Cabins & Lodges
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Illinois Xtreme Whitetails Lodge
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Harpole's Heartland Lodge
Harpole's Heartland lodge located in Nebo, IL is perfectly situated overlooking the Mississippi River. Many activities are included in the lodge rate including hay rack… Read more about Harpole's Heartland Lodge -
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Double M Campground / Cabins
Offering 2 cabins and 131 campsites. Enjoy the biking/running trails, bird/eagle watching, hiking, horseback riding trails, hunting, rock climbing, rappelling and the Shawnee National Forests. Read more about Double M Campground / Cabins -
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Willowbrook Cabins
Nestled in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Excellent deer and turkey hunting. Only 6 miles to the Ohio River and Golconda Marina, but still… Read more about Willowbrook Cabins -
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Hayes Canyon Campground and Cabins
A family-owned campground located adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest with access to the Shawnee's extensive trail system for hikers, equestrians, hunters, and nature lovers of… Read more about Hayes Canyon Campground and Cabins -
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Illinois Wildlife Connections
Illinois Wildlife Connections is located in the heart of South-Central Illinois and we currently manage over 5,000 acres for all of your hunting pleasures. Read more about Illinois Wildlife Connections
Best Bird Hunting Seasons in Illinois
Bird hunting in Illinois is a popular and adventurous outdoor activity. For birds, the best seasons to hunt are as follows:
- Crow: Oct. 28 - Feb. 28
- Dove: 90-day season. Split season opens Sept. 1 and runs approximately 75 days; reopens the day after Christmas and runs the remainder of the 90 days.
- Pheasant, Quail and Partridge: North - First Saturday in November through Jan. 8. South - First Saturday in November through Jan. 15.
- Turkey (Fall Gun): The nine days beginning on Saturday of the second complete two-day weekend (Saturday and Sunday) after Oct. 10.
- Turkey (Fall Archery): Oct. 1 through the first Sunday after Jan. 13, except closed during firearm deer seasons.