Springfield, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is inviting new and apprentice hunters to apply for its annual mentored archery deer hunts at Kickapoo State Recreation Area in Vermilion County and Fox Ridge State Park in Coles County.
The program, running Dec. 15, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026, gives adults and youth with fewer than three years of deer hunting experience the opportunity to hunt in special sections of state parks not typically open to archery hunting.
According to the IDNR, selected participants will be paired with an experienced, non-hunting mentor and allowed to hunt Tuesday through Sunday during their assigned week. Ground blinds will be provided, and hunters must supply their own archery gear.
Hunters may apply for one or both locations but will only be selected for one if drawn. Those 21 and older with valid Illinois hunting licenses may serve as mentors. An apprentice hunting license is accepted for eligible new hunters.
Applications will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, via the IDNR online portal:
👉 https://illinois.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Szluo036xT63qu
