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Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

Governor JB Pritzker Illinois.gov Contact IDNR DNR A to Z

Welcome to Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Managing, conserving and protecting Illinois' natural, recreational and cultural resources, furthering the public's understanding and appreciation of those resources, and promoting the education, science and public safety of Illinois' natural resources for present and future generations.

Join the IDNR team!

Explore job opportunities with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in your area of the state.
Get ready for hunting season

Everything Illinois hunters need to know about season dates, lottery deadlines, licenses and permits, guidelines, species-specific information, and more. 
Investing in state parks and historic sites

Visit our searchable online tool to find out if IDNR is making improvements at a state park, historic site or facility near you.
Explore the Illinois fall colors guide

Discover fall adventures at state parks and other sites with the interactive fall color tracker, brought to you by Enjoy Illinois and IDNR. Check in weekly for updated reports on where to find the best autumn colors in Illinois.

I want to...

Search DNR Site by Topic (A to Z)
Deal with wildlife on my property
Take a Hunters Safety Course
Make Camping / Shelter reservations
Report an Incident - Target IL Poachers
Contact a local Conservation Police Officer
Find my License or Permit
Find DNR procurement opportunities
Register/Renew my watercraft in Illinois
Buy a hunting or fishing license
Claim a road kill deer
Facilities and River Closures
Find all Permits/Licenses/Privileges
Read recent DNR press releases
Buy Licenses Online

To purchase hunting and fishing licenses, to register a watercraft or snowmobile, or to obtain a license for any outdoor activities.
Upcoming Events

Annual and new events at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources parks, natural areas and historic sites.
Safety Courses

Visitors can learn about taking boating, hunting and snowmobile courses.
Teachers and Kids

Information about educational materials for classroom use. grant oppurtunities, and workshops.    
Hunt Illinois

Comprehensive resource for IDNR hunting site information, planning your hunt, license requirements, and much more.
Hunting and Trapping Regulations

Here is your comprehensive digest for all hunting and trapping material.
Our Conservation Police Officers at Work

To serve, protect, and educate.
Report An Incident

Target Illinois Poachers -  Report violations or call 1-877-2DNRLAW
State Parks and Recreation

Pick-a-park-reserve a campsite, shelter, or cabin. Find an activity or plan a trip.
The Illinois State Museums

Illinois State Museum-Research and Collection Center, Dickson Mounds and Lockport Gallery.        
Historic Sites

Visit the many historic sites from the "Land of Lincoln" to an ancient city at "Cahokia Mounds".
Wildlife Illinois

Solve wildlife issues, prevent problems, report unusal wildlife and more.    
Conservation Inclusive Construction and Development Archive

Visit CICADA for information, guidance, and more related to wildlife friendly development prcatices.
Grants and Procurements

Instructions for applying for a grant or for vendors wishing to do business with IDNR.
Inside Illinois DNR Newsletter

Monthly newsletter with a message from Director Natalie Phelps Finnie.
IDNR En Español

Información general sobre nuestro Departamento, incluyendo parques y sitios históricos, servicios y programas, oportunidades de trabajo, obtención de licencias de pesca y caza, registro de embarcaciones y más.