Hey guys, it looks like I might have a chance at hunting illinois this fall. Can anyone tell me the license requirements, such as is it a draw for archery, can anyone use a crossbow and etc. I tried to look some of this up on Google but either I was getting the wrong info or it was just too millennial for me! Thanks. Sent from my SM-T500 using Tapatalk
it's damn spendy for a NR, I can tell you that. Crossbows are legal across the board. I think some public land areas are draw or at least first come/serve sign in on a quota. I am pretty sure you have to have had hunter's ed as a NR (not positive on that one.)
You will need a non-resident hunting license ($57.75), NR archery deer archery combo permit ($410), and a habitat stamp ($5.50). "Technically" we have a draw system, but the DNR issues so many tags there are always leftovers that can be purchased over the counter when you get here. The official application happens from 6/1 - 6/30. Crossbows are legal for anyone with an archery permit. Nothing special needed.
Dang Illinois, how many tags does that get you? In Arkansas, NR license is $385 for six tags, with two being bucks. Missouri is $225 for one buck and one doe with unlimited archery antlerless tags available at $25.
That gets you two archery tags - one either sex and one antlerless-only. Our cost is on par with most other Midwest states with "trophy" potential. Iowa cost me over $600 as a non-resident, Kansas, and Kentucky are both in the $500 range if memory serves.
The actual dollar price is not bad if a "trophy" is the point of the trip for a NR. However, there are better cost to tag ratios for people more interested in opportunity than trophy. Not saying I wouldn't do it, but states with NR tag systems like that are more of a "one and done" experience than a place I would look to as an annual or semi-annual NR destination.
My annual nonresident Ohio hunting license and deer tag sets me back about $260 each year. That is an either sex tag. The thing that really bites about this is that I used to be able to purchase a bonus tag over there for $15 dollars. But a couple of years ago they changed that bonus tag price to the regular nonresident deer tag, which makes it about $75. Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Other than the cost, it's a an easy system, Justin listed the requirements. The public spots I hunt you need to download a windshield card and make sure it's visible...hence, Windshield https://dnr2.illinois.gov/windshieldcard/ Fill it out every time you are hunting, you must report it by??? February? or your access to that spot is suspended. I hunt Southern Illinois, never had any issues and the land managers I've dealt with are super easy to talk to if you have issues or need info.
Very true, but, turkeys are in the grocery store too. I have no interest in shooting a turkey unless it just happens to come in range while deer hunting.
good excuse to do spring scouting though. I never really had the turkey bug but watching the THP guys run around the woods in the springtime with their shotguns looks like a lot of fun and a good way to familiarize yourself with a new out-of-state hunting area.
My first trip to KS was a combo deer scouting/turkey hunting trip. We had a blast and I would definitely recommend doing something like that. If you're going to head out to do some Spring scouting, may as well try to kill something while you're at it.
Justin is right on the money. Hunted IL last season. Missed the deadline to apply for the bow tag and contacted the DNR there. Was told they never sell out of bow tags and not to worry. Had a great trip and will be ack again.
we put in for the lottery every june , never have not gotten picked. get your permit first then you can buy your license and habitat stamp. once you go you be hooked
we go every year same week and have only had one bad trip, when the weather was in the 80 for most of the week . do homework and go its a beautiful place to hunt!!!
