Illinois provides land-based hunting permits starting in January 2027

Illinois will provide free deer and turkey permits to eligible resident landowners and farm tenants. Residents generally need at least 40 acres. Resident landowners can qualify for deer permits with at least 20 acres in counties with confirmed chronic wasting disease, a deer disease. Hunters must hunt on the land covered by their permits and carry their permits and proof of eligibility. Eligible ownership includes certain trust beneficiaries and business owners who meet the section's ownership requirements. Each person is limited to one permit for either-sex deer and one for antlerless deer in each firearm and archery season. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Landowners living outside Illinois will pay fees set through wildlife agency rules for permits to hunt on their Illinois land. The 40-acre provision covers direct landowners, eligible trust income beneficiaries, corporate shareholders, and limited liability company members. The disease-county deer provision requires at least 20 acres. These permits require hunting only on the owner's land. Wildlife agency rules set the fees and application process. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Illinois wildlife officials may issue guest deer permits requested by eligible landowners. Each 240 acres can support one guest permit for either-sex deer and one for antlerless deer. No more than five guests may receive permits, regardless of acreage. Owners must name guests on the application. Guests must meet hunting eligibility rules and pay required fees, including nonresident fees when applicable. Guest permits match the owner's season and hunting method. They cannot be resold or transferred. Guests must carry their permits and proof that they are hunting on covered land. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Businesses buying, selling, or processing covered game for food must obtain a wildlife dealer license, with an exception for Section 3.23 permit holders. The law prohibits selling carcasses or parts of wild game birds, migratory game birds, or game mammals for people to eat. Covered animals are game birds and mammals born, bred, raised, or held in captivity, plus legally taken fur-bearing animals. Restaurants and other prepared-food sellers are included. Each separate business location and sales vehicle needs a displayed permit. A dealer permit does not authorize taking or selling wildlife contrary to other Wildlife Code rules. The law takes effect January 1, 2027. Dealer permits expire each March 31.