Skip to main content

Possible online services disruption due to Internet related outage

A worldwide technology outage is causing disruption to some State of Illinois online systems.  We are aware of this issue and are diligently working on restoration.

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

Press Releases

View More
No Data

IDNR announces extended season for controlled pheasant hunting program

Press Release - Tuesday, December 19, 2023

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is extending the controlled pheasant hunting program for the 2023-2024 season.

Some sites will be extended by one to two weeks in different areas of the state. Hunters should check the permit calendar on the controlled pheasant hunting website for permit availability. Sites with extended opportunities include:
  • Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area, Will County
  • Silver Springs State Park, Kendall County
  • Iroquois County State Fish and Wildlife Area
  • Kankakee River State Park, Kankakee County
  • Moraine View State Park, McLean County
  • Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, Cass County
  • Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park (Rend Lake), Franklin County
  • Eldon Hazlet State Park (Carlyle Lake), Clinton County
Pheasant hunters will need to acquire a Reserved Controlled Pheasant Hunting Permit to hunt on controlled pheasant hunting sites. Permits can be acquired through the online reservation system.

To make acquiring a reserved permit more convenient, hunters will be able to reserve a permit until 9 a.m. the day before a hunt date. On IDNR-operated sites, the daily fee for permits acquired online for controlled pheasant hunting is $34 for resident hunters and $39 for nonresident hunters. The daily permit fee applies to each individual hunter. Hunters are required to pay for permits acquired online over a secure system using a major credit card. A $1 transaction fee for a single hunter or 2.25 percent of the permit fee for multiple hunters will be assessed for each permit.

Please note: Non-toxic shotshells are required when hunting at Des Plaines, Jim Edgar Panther Creek, Silver Springs, Eldon Hazlet, and Wayne Fitzgerrell. Hunters are reminded that when hunting at any of these sites only non-toxic shotshells may in possession.

Press Releases

View More
No Data