Hunting Bag Limits
What Are the Bag Limits in Illinois?
Planning to hunt doves, whitetail deer, or turkeys this season? It’s important to know the bag limits for each species to stay within Illinois hunting laws and ensure responsible, sustainable harvests.
Bag limits vary by species, season, and sometimes by zone or permit type — so be sure to review them carefully before heading into the field.
Check out the overview below, and don’t forget to consult the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
| Species | Limits |
|---|---|
| Deer | 1 deer per permit |
| Turkey | 1 tom, jake, or bearded hen per permit (3 max spring permits) 1 either-sex per permit (2 max fall permits) |
| Dove | 15 per day (45 in possession) |
| Squirrel | 5 per day (10 in possession) |
| Woodcock | 3 per day (9 in possession) |
| Crow | No limits |
| Pheasant | 2 males per day (6 in possession) |
| Quail | 8 per day (20 in possession) |
| Partridge | 2 per day (6 in possession) |
| Rabbit | 4 per day (10 in possession) |
| Teal | 6 per day (18 in possession) |
| Rail | 25 per day (75 in possession) |
| Snipe | 8 per day (24 in possession) |
| Ducks | 6 per day (18 in possession) |
| Canada Geese (Early Season) | 5 per day, 15 in possession (North and Central) 2 per day, 6 in possession (South Central and South) |
| Canada Geese | 3 per day (9 in possession) |
| Merganser | 5 per day (15 in possession) |
| Coot | 15 per day (45 in possession) |
| Scaup | 2 per day, 6 in possession (1st segment) 1 per day, 3 in possession (2nd segment) |
| Light Geese | 20 per day (unlimited in possession) |
| Light Geese (Conservation Order) | Unlimited |
| Brant | 1 per day (3 in possession) |
| White-Fronted Geese | 2 per day (6 in possession) |
| Youth Waterfowl | Same as regular duck, goose, and coot |
| Coyote | Unlimited |
