2026 Spring Turkey Hunting

Season Dates

Lottery 1: October 7, 2025 through December 1, 2025

Illinois resident hunters may apply for one permit
Group Hunt applications are accepted in Lottery 1 (up to 6 individuals may apply to hunt as a group)
Landowner Spring Turkey permit applicants/recipients are not eligible to apply in Lottery 1

Lottery 2: December 12, 2025 through January 12, 2026

All hunters are eligible to apply for one permit
Group Hunt applications are accepted in Lottery 2 (up to 6 individuals may apply to hunt as a group)
Landowner Spring Turkey permit applicants/recipients may apply in Lottery 2

Lottery 3: January 23, 2026 through February 9, 2026

All hunters are eligible to apply. No applicant may apply for or receive more than three permits in total for Spring Turkey hunting, including lottery-drawn, OTC, youth and Landowner permits.
Group Hunt applications are not accepted in Lottery 3
Landowner Spring Turkey permit applicants/recipients may apply in Lottery 3

County-specific Spring Turkey permits remaining after the Lottery 3 Drawing will be available for sale over the counter from License Vendors beginning March 10, 2026. Special Hunt Area permits are available only during the Lottery application period and are not sold over the counter.
Permits will be sold until quotas are exhausted, or until the close of the specific turkey season segment (i.e., of seasons 1 through 5) in the Zone (north vs. south) for which the permit is being requested. Hunters may purchase one or more permits during this period, subject to availability, except that no one may exceed the limit of three permits in total for spring turkey hunting, including lottery-drawn, OTC, youth and landowner permits.