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Turkey Management
The restoration of the wild turkey is one of the greatest success stories in wildlife conservation. Once completely extirpated in Illinois, wild turkeys now occur in robust numbers in every county. To rebuild the state’s population, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) conducted trap and release efforts beginning in the 1950s, concluding the program in the early 2000s. Today, the Forest Wildlife Program at IDNR manages wild turkeys and their habitat to maintain these healthy populations.
- 2023 Illinois Spring Turkey Annual Report
- 2022 Illinois Spring Turkey Annual Report
- 2021 Illinois Spring Turkey Annual Report
- 2020 Illinois Spring Turkey Annual Report
- 2019 Illinois Spring Turkey Annual Report
- 2018 Illinois Spring Turkey Annual Report
- 2017 Illinois Spring Turkey Annual Report
- 2016 Illinois Spring Turkey Annual Report
- 2015 Illinois Spring Turkey Annual Report
Other Resources
Find more information about the three wild turkey hunting seasons available to wild turkey hunters in Illinois: Spring, Fall Gun and Fall Archery.
Description and identification of Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
Find interesting facts about wild turkey in Illinois.
ICF Pins - Proceeds go to support IDNR youth programs and events.
If you mistakenly put the wrong information, applied twice and/or need to cancel an application.
Print My First Turkey Certificate
Fill out and print a certificate to always remember your first turkey hunt.
Public Access Turkey Hunting Sites - IRAP
The Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) has leased 15,000 acres for turkey hunting from private landowners in 39 Illinois counties. Apply today.
Find your previous turkey or deer harvest reports.
Find summaries for each state-owned property that describes the types of hunting that are offered, as well as any special regulations and restrictions that may be in effect.
Illinois Wildlife Action Plan - Forest and Woodland Campaign
Find out how we maintain and enhance the composition of Illinois' existing forested habitats and to increase distribution of those habitats in identified priority areas and statewide with many conservation partners.
National Wild Turkey Federation
Learn more about how the NWTF enhances wild turkey populations, hunting and wildlife habitat.
United Bow Hunters of America
An organization of traditional bowhunters that represent the interests of Illinois bowhunters while promoting outdoor ethics and values.