Agencies
Services
Deer Lottery Application Status
IDNR will mail successful applicants their permit(s) prior to the start of the hunting season. Unsuccessful lottery applicants will receive a refund check from the Illinois Comptroller's Office.
Remaining Lottery Permit Quotas - 2026
Muzzleloader
Firearm
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Permit Sales - 2026
The remaining county-specific firearm and muzzleloader permit quotas after Lottery 3 are the starting quotas for over-the-counter (OTC) permit sales.
OTC permit sales begin October 20, 2026, at Department-designated agents. Permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits will be sold until quotas are exhausted, or until the close of the respective deer season, whichever occurs first. Persons may purchase one or more permits during this period, subject to availability.
OTC permits are sold in person only; no online or phone sales available.
Special Hunt Area permits were only available during the lottery application period and are not sold over the counter.
