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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

Fall Turkey Shotgun Season

October 19 - October 27, 2024

Lottery Application Dates

Lottery 1: May 7, 2024 - July 1, 2024

  • Illinois Residents Only

  • Limit 1 application (online or paper application)

  • Click here to submit an online application (available May 7, 2024)

  • Click here to print and mail a paper application (available May 7, 2024)

  • Group Hunt applications are accepted in Lottery 1

  • Landowner Fall Turkey Shotgun permit applicants/recipients are not eligible to apply - may purchase one additional permit over the counter

Lottery 2: July 12, 2024 - August 19, 2024

  • Illinois residents who did not apply/were not successful in the 1st Lottery Drawing

  • Nonresidents

  • Limit 1 application (online or paper application)

  • Click here to submit an online application (nonresident application, available July 12, 2024)

  • Click here to print and mail a paper application (nonresident application, available July 12, 2024)

  • Group Hunt applications are accepted in Lottery 2

  • Landowner Fall Turkey Shotgun permit applicants/recipients are not eligible to apply - may purchase one additional permit over the counter

Over-the-Counter Permit Sales

Remaining county-specific Fall Turkey Shotgun permits after the Lottery 2 drawing will be available for sale over the counter (OTC) from License Vendors beginning September 16, 2024, on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits will be sold until quotas are exhausted, or until the close of the season, October 27, 2024. Persons may purchase one or more permits during this period, subject to availability, except that no one may exceed the limit of 2 permits in total, including lottery-issued and landowner permits. Special Hunt Area (SHA) permits are only available during the lottery application process and are not sold OTC.  

Fall Turkey Archery Season

October 1, 2024 - January 19, 2025*

*Fall turkey archery season is closed during firearm deer season Nov. 22-24, 2024 & Dec. 5-8, 2024, in counties open to firearm deer hunting. 

How to Purchase a Fall Turkey Archery Permit

Illinois Residents and Non-Residents:  August 1, 2024 - January 19, 2025 - Purchase over the counter at a License Vendor (two-permit maximum).