Locked And Loaded: Fall Hunting Permits Available

Deer, duck, pheasant, geese, turkey, whatever the game, hunting season is just around the corner. Today is the deadline to apply for the second lottery for a permit to hunt deer with a firearm. 

Below is the information from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources about what permits are available, where to find them, costs and deadlines.

Firearm Deer Permits

The deadline is Aug. 15 to apply for the second lottery drawing for 2011 Illinois firearm and muzzleloader deer permits.  For details, check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

Resident Archery Deer and Fall Turkey Permits

Resident combination archery deer permits, resident antlerless-only archery deer permits, and resident archery fall turkey hunting permits are available over-the-counter from the Department of Natural Resources Direct license and permit vendors. Find a vendor near you at this link.

Non-Resident ARchery Deer and Fall Turkey Permits

The remaining non-resident 2011 Illinois combination archery deer permits, non-resident antlerless-only archery deer permits, non-resident archery fall turkey permits are available over-the-counter from the Department of Natural Resources Direct license and permit vendors by phone at 1-888-673-7648 (1-888-6PERMIT), or online through Aug. 31. The over-the-counter permits are only available after Aug. 31.

Youth Deer Permits

Resident and on-resident Illinois Youth Firearm Deer permits are available over-the-counter from the Department of Natural Resouces Direct license and permit vendors by phone at 1-888-673-7648 (1-888-6PERMIT), or online through Aug. 31. The over-the-counter are only after Aug. 31.

Upland Game Permits

Hunters may apply through Aug. 31 for the Illinois 2011 Free Upland Game Hunt Permit program. Applications must be made online.

Controlled Pheasant Permits

Information is now available online fro hutners to apply for the 2011-12 Illinois controlled pheasant hunting opportunities available at 19 Department of Natural Resources sites. Fifteen of the sites are operated by the department, while four others are managed by concessionaire T. Miller, INc. For application information, check here or here.

Public Duck and Goose Hunting Area Permits

Resident hunters may apply online from Aug. 16-30 for the first lottery. The second lottery deadline is Sept. 13 for residents and non-residents. All initial applications must be made online here or here.