Illinois Hunting License - Steps to Buy in IL

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a Illinois hunting license:


IL Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Illinois Department of Natural Resources for use in Illinois for IL residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Illinois), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your Illinois Hunting License

Illinois offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences, in compliance with state regulations.

The state habitat stamp and species-specific permits may be required.

Below is an overview of the primary license types available:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person who has lived in Illinois for at least 30 days. Active-duty military members are considered residents. All Illinois residents must have a resident hunting license. If using firearms, they must also have a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) Card.

  • Resident Hunting License Required for Illinois residents aged 16 and older to hunt. Does not include deer or turkey permits, stamps, or waterfowl endorsements.
  • Resident Sportsmen's Combination Hunting/Fishing License Provides both hunting and inland fishing privileges in one license for residents.
  • Resident Super Senior Hunting License Available to residents aged 75 and older at a reduced fee.
  • Resident Veteran Hunting License Available to qualifying veterans who are Illinois residents.
  • Resident Lifetime Hunting License Provides lifetime hunting privileges for residents; separate stamps and species-specific permits still required.

Non-Resident Hunting Licenses

  • Non-Resident Hunting License Required for non-residents aged 16 and older to hunt in Illinois. Does not include species-specific permits or stamps.
  • Non-Resident 5-Day Hunting License Short-term license valid for five consecutive days, commonly used for small game or waterfowl hunting trips.
  • Non-Resident Lifetime Hunting License Offers non-residents lifetime hunting privileges in Illinois.

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Youth Hunting and Trapping License Available to individuals under age 18. Allows hunting and trapping under the supervision of a licensed adult age 21 or older. Supervision may not be required if the youth has completed an approved hunter safety course.

Senior Licenses & Discounts

  • Resident Senior Hunting License Available to residents aged 65 and older at a discounted rate.
  • Resident Super Senior Hunting License For residents aged 75 and older, with additional discounting.

Lifetime Licenses (Residents Only)

  • Resident Lifetime Hunting License Grants lifetime privileges to hunt. Hunters still need to acquire applicable species permits and stamps.
  • Resident Lifetime Sportsmen's Combination License Grants lifetime hunting and fishing privileges. Does not include deer or turkey permits or stamps.

Disability & Military Licenses

  • Disabled Resident Hunting License Issued to Illinois residents with a certified permanent disability. Allows hunting of legal game species without an annual license, though tags and stamps may still be required.
  • Active-Duty Military Exemption Illinois residents on active military leave may hunt without a license while on official leave, provided they entered service from Illinois and carry appropriate documentation.

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • State Habitat Stamp Required for anyone aged 18 or older hunting deer, turkey, upland birds, rabbits, squirrels, or furbearers. Exemptions apply to disabled veterans and former POWs.
  • State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Required for hunters aged 18 and over pursuing migratory waterfowl. Exemptions apply for some disabled individuals.
  • Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) Required for all hunters aged 16 and older who hunt migratory waterfowl. Must be signed in ink across the face to be valid.
  • Deer and Turkey Permits Required for hunting deer and turkey during their respective firearm and archery seasons. Separate permits are issued for each species and season.

All hunting licenses and stamps are effective from date of purchase through March 31 of the following year. Illinois residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.


Where to buy your Illinois Hunting License

To hunt in Illinois, you can purchase your license either online through the official licensing platform ExploreMoreIL or in person at an authorized licensing agent, especially after completing an online hunter education course in Illinois like ours. A comprehensive list of in-person agents is available here: ExploreMoreIL Agent Locator.

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in the state of Illinois: