Landowner Information

Landowners across Illinois in more than 52 counties have participated in IRAP

The Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) leases private property from landowners throughout Illinois to provide public access for specific outdoor activities. These activities are restricted to specific dates, times and number of persons allowed. All IRAP participants must first register with IDNR, sign a liability waiver, and make a reservation to use a specific site, or a hunter must complete an online application and be assigned a specific hunting area. In exchange for the lease, IRAP pays the landowner a nominal fee, provides liability insurance coverage, and works with the landowner to make a habitat management plan. Landowners also recieve assistance with the implementation of specific habitat practices.

• IRAP leases private property from landowners to provide public access for specific activities. 

• Youth Turkey Hunting (Youth Season, Spring Seasons 3 & 4)

• Adult Turkey Hunting (Spring Seasons 3 & 4)

• Sport Fishing in private impoundments and along stream banks of public waterways (April 1-Sept. 30) Sunrise to Sunset, Fri-Mon

• Archery Deer Hunting (October 1-31) and (December 16-31)

• Waterfowl Hunting (November 1- December 31)

• Upland Game Hunting (Weekends between December 10-31)
  

• Squirrel Hunting (August 1 - September 15)

• Rabbit Hunting (December 10 – 31)
  

• Can sign up for one or more activities as desired.

• Leases are written for 4 years.

• Landowners will receive a yearly stipend for each IRAP activity they enroll in.

• Qualify for a habitat management plan to be written or updated.

• Landowners will be provided liability coverage on their leased property for IRAP activities.

• Landowners receive assistance with habitat improvement projects.

1. Landowner completes and submits an Enrollment form and mails it to IRAP.

2. Once IRAP receives the enrollment form, the landowner will be contacted for additional information about the property and to answer any questions they might have. In most cases, a site visit will be arranged between the landowner and the IRAP Coordinator.

3. Once the property is deemed eligible for enrollment into IRAP, details will be finalized and a lease agreement will be prepared and sent to the landowner.

4. Upon execution of IRAP lease agreement, a copy of lease agreement is mailed to landowner along with summary of liability insurance and any other information necessary.

5. The IRAP leased property will be marked by signage and boundaries marked by purple paint where needed.

6. Landowners are not to use the leased portion of their property during the time periods and activities IDNR has leased the property.

7. Landowners will not be notified when IRAP participants are to be on the property and the names of the participants will not be disclosed to landowners. The landowners’ names will not be disclosed to IRAP participants.

8. If applicable to the lease agreement, a Forest/Wildlife management plan will be developed for the leased property. Once the plan is complete, IRAP may assist in helping to secure funding to implement the plan.

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