Hunt for Turkey in Illinois

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Explore private land to Hunt Turkey in Illinois

Turkey Hunt

200 Acres at Southern Illinois Hunting in Barnhill, IL

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What are the seasons and regulations for hunting turkey in Illinois?

The state has two primary seasons for turkey hunting: Spring and Fall. The Spring Wild Turkey Season typically begins in early April and runs through mid-May, divided into five separate segments to provide hunters with a variety of options. During this season, only bearded turkeys are legal game, ensuring the protection of hens during their nesting period. On the other hand, the Fall Shotgun Turkey season usually takes place over five days in October, allowing hunters to take either sex turkey. As far as regulations go, it's crucial to know that Illinois requires a Wild Turkey Hunting Permit for both spring and fall seasons. Hunters are also limited to one turkey per permit but can have up to three permits for spring and two for fall season. Hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to 1 p.m. for spring season and a half-hour before sunrise until sunset for fall season. The use of electronic calling devices or live decoys is prohibited in Illinois, but manually operated calls and decoys are allowed. It's important to remember that all harvested turkeys must be tagged immediately with the hunter's permit and reported by 10 p.m. on the same calendar day.

What are popular counties to hunt turkey in Illinois?

Jo Daviess County in the northwest corner of Illinois is a top destination, offering diverse terrain and an abundance of wild turkeys. Pike County, known for its high-quality deer hunting, also offers excellent turkey hunting opportunities due to its extensive woodland areas. Union County in southern Illinois is another prime location, with its rolling hills and lush forests providing ideal habitats for wild turkeys. Throughout these counties, hunters can expect to encounter Eastern Wild Turkeys - the most wide-spread subspecies in the U.S., known for their challenging behavior and impressive size. Turkey hunting season in Illinois traditionally begins in April and extends into May, with specific dates varying by zone. It's important to note that regulations require hunters to obtain a Wild Turkey Hunting Permit and adhere to bag limits - typically one bearded turkey per permit during spring season.

What are popular hunting methods and the required gear to hunt turkey in Illinois?

The most popular method is calling, where hunters mimic the sounds of a hen to lure in gobblers. This requires a good quality turkey call; box calls and slate calls are both widely used. Another method is spot-and-stalk, which involves identifying turkey signs like droppings or feathers, then quietly tracking the birds. Camouflage clothing is essential for this method as turkeys have excellent eyesight. Hunters also often use decoys to attract turkeys, setting them up in clearings where gobblers are likely to see them. Decoys should be used in combination with calling for maximum effectiveness. As for gear, aside from your hunting license and habitat stamp, you'll need a shotgun or bow (crossbows are allowed during fall season), as rifles are not permitted for turkey hunting in Illinois. Shot size should be between No. 4 and No. 6. Weather-wise, springtime in Illinois can be quite variable so layered clothing is recommended. Also consider bringing a lightweight, portable blind for concealment and protection against rain showers that can occur without warning. As you prepare for your Illinois turkey hunt, remember that understanding the bird's behavior and habitat preferences will greatly enhance your chances of success. Turkeys typically roost in trees at night and feed in fields during early morning and late afternoon, so plan your hunting strategy accordingly.

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