Springfield, IL – Illinois hunters planning to pursue pheasants, quail and rabbits this fall can now apply for two state hunting programs, but the first deadline arrives at 1 p.m. Monday.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, applications are open for the 2026 free upland game hunting permit lottery and the controlled pheasant hunting program at participating state sites across Illinois.
The free upland game program provides lottery-assigned permits at no cost for hunting wild bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasants and cottontail rabbits. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 31.
Hunters applying for free permits can select as many as six hunting areas and four dates for each area. IDNR says applicants may list the same area multiple times to increase their chances of securing preferred dates.
The separate controlled pheasant hunting program provides opportunities to hunt pen-reared ring-necked pheasants released at 11 participating Illinois state parks.
The first lottery is limited to Illinois residents, with applications due by 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10.
A second lottery opens at 3 p.m. Monday and continues through 1 p.m. Aug. 17. It is available to Illinois residents who did not apply or were unsuccessful in the first drawing, as well as nonresidents.
A third lottery runs from 3 p.m. Aug. 17 through 1 p.m. Aug. 24 for residents and nonresidents seeking a second permit.
First-come, first-served permits become available at 8 a.m. Aug. 29 and continue until quotas are filled or applicable hunt deadlines are reached.
Controlled pheasant permits cost $35 for Illinois residents and $40 for nonresidents. IDNR said youth permits will primarily be offered during the first-come, first-served period, with additional wingshooting clinics planned for select youth hunts.
Applications and participating site information are available through IDNR’s Upland Game Hunting and Controlled Pheasant Hunting webpages.
