Public Hunting Land in Illinois

llinois is often associated with private land whitetail hunting, but the state also offers over 200 public hunting areas for deer, turkey, waterfowl, and upland game. These state-managed properties provide solid opportunities for DIY hunters looking for accessible and legal places to hunt.

Types of Public Land Available in Illinois:

• State Fish & Wildlife Areas (SFWA): Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), many allow archery, shotgun, or muzzleloader hunting.

• State Parks & Conservation Areas: Some offer limited hunting access with additional site-specific rules.

• Federal Lands: Corps of Engineers lands around reservoirs and rivers are often open to seasonal hunting.

• Walk-In Access Program (IRAP): The Illinois Recreational Access Program provides limited access to private land for youth and adult hunters through sign-up.

Seasons & Access Info

Illinois hunting is regulated statewide, but many public areas require site-specific permits, check-ins, or drawings for firearm seasons.

Key Resources:

• Hunting Seasons & Regulations

• Public Hunting Area Info & Permits

• IRAP Access Program Details

Pro Tip: Many public areas offer longer seasons and less pressure for archery deer hunters than firearm-only zones.

Explore Illinois Hunting Areas

Use these tools to scout public hunting sites, download maps, and understand the rules for each property:

• Illinois Public Hunting Area Directory

• Statewide Hunting Area Locator Map

• Site-Specific Regulations

With careful planning and awareness of property-specific rules, Illinois hunters can find quality opportunities on public lands statewide.