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Over-the-counter deer firearm permit sales begin on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Due to recent software updates beyond IDNR’s control, some vendors may have limited availability to print permits and licenses. IDNR is working closely with the license system provider to quickly address the issue for those vendors. To locate unaffected vendors, use the agent locator at https://www.exploremoreil.com/agentlocator.

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Deer Permit Applications

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ATTENTION 2026 DEER LOTTERY PERMIT APPLICANTS: 

The 2026 Deer Firearm and Muzzleloader Lottery Application Periods Are:

Lottery 1:  March 3 - April 30, 2026 (Illinois residents only)

Lottery 2:  May 11 - June 30, 2026 (Illinois residents who did not apply/were not successful in the first lottery drawing and nonresidents)

Lottery 3:  July 13 - August 21, 2026 (Illinois residents and nonresidents) 

ATTENTION RESIDENT LANDOWNER APPLICANTS:  

To receive 2026 Deer/Fall Turkey Landowner Permits, the Resident Landowner application - and all required documents - must be received in our office, and eligibility approved, no later than September 1, 2026.  Applications received in our office after the September 1 deadline date will not be processed for the 2026 fall hunting seasons.   

ATTENTION NON-RESIDENT LANDOWNER APPLICANTS:

To be eligible to purchase 2026 Deer/Fall Turkey Landowner Permits, the 2026 Nonresident Landowner Eligibility Application - and all required documents - must be received in our office, and eligibility approved, no later than September 1, 2026.  Applications received in our office after the September 1 deadline date will be denied and returned to the applicant.  

Deer Permits - Applications

Name                          Fee Available Online Available thru Vendors Paper Application Available Application(s)/Permit(s) Available on License/Permit Type Residency