The Illinois Hunting License is a legal or regulatory framework that governs hunting in Illinois. Illinois hunting licenses, normally issued by the state Illinois Department of Natural Resources, might be in the form of a card or a certificate, or both in some cases. This hunting License helps reduce the number of irregular kills of wildlife and helps the Department of Natural Resources Illinois to check how wildlife animals are killed.

Your hunting license confirms that you have completed a hunter safety education course and allows you to buy hunting tags and enter draws.

Reasons for a Hunting License in Illinois 

The conservation of natural treasures: 

The Department of Natural Resources in Illinois takes responsibility for wildlife conservation, and no animal is permitted to be killed without a license because the Law protects them. 

For instance, the Law prohibits a full-white deer from being killed.

Public Safety:

A hunting license makes it possible for hunters in Illinois to have a hunter’s education and basic training that would make it impossible for them to misfire, endangering the lives of children, bystanders, and onlookers.

Revenue Generation:

 The Illinois Department of Natural Resources generates revenue on Hunting License and uses it for the sovereign state. Illinois uses the money generated on hunting to run her internal affairs.

Types of Hunting License and their prices.

In getting a hunting license, you must pass through a series of hunter training or education before you are certified to hunt games. The hunting license only permits users to use shotguns and arrows to kill games.

These hunting licenses are so cheap that every household should consider having them. One can even pay for a lifetime license to shoot games throughout life!

Illinois Resident Hunting License: 

Every resident of Illinois from age 18 must possess a hunting license. Residents are also required to have a Firearm Owner identity card. The price for a resident-hunting License is $12.50, which lasts for a year, while for a lifetime license $360.

Non-Resident Hunting License:

 Every non-resident of Illinois is mandated to have a non-resident hunting license. The state-habitat permit and species-specific stamps could also be mandated. The price for a non-resident-hunting License is $57.

Youth Hunting License:

 From the age of 17, youths may buy the Youth Hunting License and must be under strict supervision until they are 21-years old.

Senior Hunting License: 

Residents above 65 are qualified to have a senior hunting License. The price for a senior resident-hunting License has a discount, and it is sold for$6.50.

Migratory Waterfowl license: 

Every Hunter must purchase a license to hunt migratory waterfowl such as ducks, geese, etc.

Disabled Hunters License: disabled people who wish to hunt games can now hunt legally when they purchase their license.

License Vendor

Illinois Hunting License can be purchased from the Department of Natural Resources. There are two categories of license;

Yearly LicenseLifetime License

Who can hunt in Illinois?

Residents and non-residents of Illinois alike can go hunting in Illinois. Young adults, elders, and disabled hunters have unique hunting privileges. 

For first-time hunters, Illinois offers an Apprentice License. A Youth-Hunting License is available to residents under 18 with strict supervision of hunters over the age of 21.

What animal can be hunted?

Below are the animals that can be hunted in Illinois with a hunter license; Birds, Rabbits, Deers, river otter, waterfowls, Badger, gray fox, mink, muskrat, raccoon, opossum, weasel, red fox, striped, skunk, woodchuck, coyote, bobcat, and Beaver.

Types of equipment allowed for hunting

Illinois hunting licenses only allow users to use arrows, rifles, shotguns, and revolvers to kill animals. 

Hunting areas

Every licensed Hunter must take a permit from IDNR to hunt in public hunting areas, and private lands are also hunted on, provided the permit is taken from Landowners.

It’s illegal to hunt without a license; once arrested, you can get severely punished or even go to jail. 

Conclusion

Illinois hunting License is a legal way for people in Illinois to hunt games for sport and also for sale. The license allows people who desire to be hunters to fulfill their passions by having a real fire experience of game kills.

1 How long does a Hunting License in Illinois last?

A typical hunting license in Illinois lasts for a year, renewable after that. However, some licenses last for a lifetime. 

Using an expired hunting license can put you in trouble.

2 Can an underage hunt or trap?

Yes, The regulation guiding hunting in Illinois recognizes underage hunting. People younger than 17 years of age must first have a youth hunting license and must be strictly under the supervision of another hunter above the age of 21.

  1. Can I hunt on my land without a license?;

Before they can hunt on their property, tenants or Landowners must have a permit from IDNR, a Land Access permission card, to be able to carry out any hunt. It is illegal to shoot any animal found on your property without this permit, and the Law of Illinois well guides the animals.

4 Do I need to get a license for Gun hunting of animals?

Yes, Illinois requires that hunters who desire to hunt using guns must get a Firearm Owner Identity Card (FOID), and you must meet the requirements of the type of guns to use. Otherwise, it would be illegal, and you could get arrested.