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TURKEY HUNTING

Landowner Program Applications

2026 Spring Turkey Lottery Applications 

Application Type 2026 Lotteries Now Complete 2026 Lotteries Now Complete

Apply online at ExploreMoreIL

Illinois Resident Paper Application 

Nonresident Paper Application

Go to ExploreMoreIL™ and select the blue Log In To My Account button.

  • Navigate to your Customer Homepage.  Scroll down the page and select the Purchase History button.  
  • On the Purchase History page, if you were issued a 2026 Lottery 3 Spring Turkey permit, you will see Priv Code 1653-26 Resident/Non-Resident Spring Turkey 2026 Permit - Lottery 3. 

Lottery 1 Spring Turkey permits will be mailed to successful applicants in mid-January.

Lottery 2 Spring Turkey permits will be mailed to successful applicants in early February.

Lottery 3 Spring Turkey permits will be mailed to successful applicants in early March.

Unsuccessful lottery applicants will receive a refund check from the Illinois Comptroller's Office.  

 

2026 Fall Turkey Shotgun Lottery Applications 

Application Type 2026 Lottery 1 Application Opens 2026 Lottery 1 Application Closes

Apply Online at ExploreMoreIL 

05/05/2026

07/06/2026

Paper Application 

  • Buy a Turkey Pin
     ICF Pins - Proceeds go to support IDNR youth programs and events.

  • 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.

  • Season Dates - Rules of Thumb
     Many hunters need to plan vacations and hunting trips in advance of the annual distribution of the Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations. For such planning purposes, here are the general rules of thumb used for setting annual season dates.

  • Wild Turkey Management
     Find information on how the Forest Wildlife Program at IDNR manages the wild turkey population in Illinois, Annual Turkey Harvest Reports, and more.

  • Wildlife Management
     Find information on how the IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources manages wildlife populations and their habitats, meet the division, contact your local District Wildlife Biologist, and more.

  • Public Hunting Areas Reports
     The Public Hunting Areas Report provides both hunting and trapping efforts and wildlife harvest information on Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) owned, leased or managed public hunting sites.

  • Illinois Licensed Wild Turkey and Deer Outfitters
     List of all licensed outfitters in Illinois. These individuals are experienced outdoorsmen and woman who can guide clients on their hunting trips.

  • 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.