Deer Firearm & Muzzleloader Lottery opens 3/3! Spring Turkey Permits available OTC 3/10!

2026 Deer Firearm and Muzzleloader Season Lottery Information:

Lottery 1: March 3, 2026 – April 30, 2026

• Illinois residents only
• Limit 1 application
• Landowner deer firearm permit recipients are not eligible to apply for a firearm permit, but may apply for a muzzleloader permit

Lottery 2: May 11, 2026 – June 30, 2026

• Unsuccessful Illinois residents who applied in the 1st Lottery Drawing but were not awarded a permit, and nonresidents, may apply.
• Limit 1 application.
• Group Hunt applications are accepted in Lottery 2
• Landowner deer firearm permit recipients are not eligible to apply for a firearm permit, but may apply for a muzzleloader permit

Lottery 3: July 13, 2026 – August 21, 2026

• Illinois residents, nonresidents, and landowner deer firearm permit recipients are eligible to apply for firearm and muzzleloader permits
• No application limit
• Group Hunt applications are not accepted in Lottery 3

Click here to submit an online application

Click here to print and mail a paper application

2026 Spring Turkey Leftover County OTC Permits:

Available over-the-counter (OTC) on a first-come-first-served basis until quotas have been met for a particular county at license vendors March 10^th through May 14^th. A list of permits available after the 3rd lottery will be posted to this webpage.