You will also need to get species-specific permits when hunting other wildlife. Examples of these birds are doves, ducks, and geese. You can hunt migratory game birds, but you must register for the Harvest Information Program. Federal stamps are available in post offices and selected offices. On the other hand, waterfowl hunters need both the federal waterfowl stamp and the electronic state waterfowl stamp. A habitat stamp is a must for those 18 years old and up, except for veterans with disabilities. In most cases, IDNR will require an electronic state habitat stamp aside from a hunting license.

Youth hunting license for young hunters ages 18 and below.

Here are the most common hunting licenses in Illinois: You must get a license and state-issued habitat stamp from the IDNR and accredited vendors by applying online or in person. As a result, the state generated about $31 million in sales. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recorded about 290,000 licensed hunters, with a total of 1.4 million licenses, tags, and permits sold.

You can also study online through a self-study course wherein you can complete chapters at your own pace.

Classes can take at least a day to a couple of days.

You can enroll in traditional classes with the guidance of an instructor.

Illinois has two ways to take the course, with an exam at the end: But the state encourages individuals to attend a bowhunting class known as Bowhunter Education. Taking bowhunting education classes in Illinois is optional compared to states like New York and Idaho. Nevertheless, there are essential things you need to take note of to comply with the state’s archery regulations, as set down by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources: 1.

May it be within their property or on another’s or by joining seasonal bow hunting large or small game. However, Illinois archery laws require you to obtain the necessary license, permits, and electronic state habitat stamps before you can hunt.īow hunting in Illinois is an archery activity that thousands of residents and non-residents enjoy. Do you need a FOID card for a crossbow in Illinois?.Can you shoot a bow in city limits in Illinois?.Aside from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, you can also check or refer to Illinois General Assembly’s website, which contains the state’s bills, resolutions, and other legal matters for your guidance and awareness. Knowing what is legal and illegal in Illinois can help you avoid legal trouble. It is illegal to take or attempt to take any wildlife within or upon another’s land without permission from the owner or the owner’s designee.A purple paint mark on a tree or post on private land can serve as a “no trespassing” sign indicated by the landowner or lessee.Damage or destruction on another person’s property is unlawful while trapping or hunting on their land.Without the owner’s or tenant’s consent, hunting or allowing a dog to hunt within 300 yards of an inhabited structure is unlawful.They also need to describe the specific property. Hunters need to specify the hunting activity, date, and time. Landowners must complete the location of hunting, time, and activities permitted.The department also issues Property Only Hunting permits for Qualified landowners. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources issues a Land Access Permission Card, which requires both the landowner and hunter to complete the document.On the other hand, if you are interested in hunting with your bow on your property in Illinois, you would be glad to know that the state allows you to hunt on your property and others.Įnumerated are a few factors you need to know before you can legally hunt on someone’s property:

Luckily, Illinois archery laws allow archers to practice target shooting with a bow in their backyard. Since laws can get updated and changed from time to time, it would be best to consult and double-check with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources by going thru their official website or contacting them directly. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources handles Illinois archery laws, which means they are the best point of reference regarding questions about bow and arrow use in the state. Like any other state in the country, Illinois also has its governing agency that oversees and is responsible for implementing archery laws. Shooting a bow in your backyard to hone your archery skills is often the most cost-effective option compared to going to and from the archery range. Also, you don’t need a license to own a bow and arrow in Illinois.

No law in Illinois prevents you from shooting your bow in your backyard.

Do you need a license to own a crossbow