Spring turkey 2027

Illinois turkey hunting

Eastern

Draw + over the counter

Home state

Nonresident tags

Draw + over the counter

Nonresident cost

$191.50

For the season · $169.50 for a 5-day trip

Subspecies

Eastern

Next deadline

Jan 11

Spring Turkey Lottery 2 (open to nonresidents)

How nonresidents hunt turkey in Illinois

County-and-season permits by lottery: nonresidents can enter Lotteries 2 and 3, and leftover permits go on sale over the counter March 9, 2027.

Spring 2027 South zone: Apr 5–9, 10–15, 16–21, 22–28, Apr 29 – May 6. North zone: Apr 12–16, 17–22, 23–28, Apr 29 – May 5, May 6–13.

Quick answers

Can nonresidents hunt spring turkey in Illinois?: Yes. County-and-season permits by lottery: nonresidents can enter Lotteries 2 and 3, and leftover permits go on sale over the counter March 9, 2027.
How much is a nonresident turkey license in Illinois?: The cheapest legal combination for the season is $191.50: State Habitat Stamp ($5.50), Nonresident Spring Turkey Permit ($129.00) and Nonresident Hunting License (annual) ($57.00). A 5-day license brings it to $169.50.
When is the Illinois spring turkey season?: Spring 2027 South zone: Apr 5–9, 10–15, 16–21, 22–28, Apr 29 – May 6. North zone: Apr 12–16, 17–22, 23–28, Apr 29 – May 5, May 6–13.
Do I have to apply for a Illinois turkey tag?: Spring Turkey Lottery 2 (open to nonresidents): applications close Jan 11, 2027.
What turkeys live in Illinois?: Eastern.

What a nonresident needs to buy

State Habitat Stamp

Ages 18 and up, for deer, turkey, upland birds, squirrels, rabbits and furbearers; not needed for waterfowl. Price from a secondary source; confirm with IDNR.

Source · checked Sep 23, 2026 ·

$5.50

Nonresident Spring Turkey Permit

Charged when you apply in the lottery (2026 fee). Valid for one county or special hunt area and one season.

Source · checked Sep 28, 2026 ·

$129.00

Hunting license: choose one

Nonresident Hunting License (annual): Excludes vendor and transaction fees.

Nonresident Hunting License (5-day): Excludes vendor and transaction fees.

Source · checked Sep 30, 2026 ·

$57.00

Total for the season

Pick a license above to compare

$191.50

Draws & applications

Jan
11
89 days left
turkey · Open to nonresidents
Spring Turkey Lottery 2 (open to nonresidents)
Applications Dec 11, 2026 – Jan 11, 2027
Lottery 1 (October 6 – December 1, 2026) is for Illinois residents only. Lottery 3 runs January 22 – February 9, 2027; leftovers go on sale over the counter March 9.

No points: pure random draw

How to apply

Apply online at ExploreMoreIL with up to ten county-and-season choices. Groups of up to six may apply together in Lottery 2. The $129 nonresident permit fee is charged with the application.

Source · checked Sep 28, 2026 ·