Applications for the free upland game hunting permit lottery and the controlled pheasant hunting program, run by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), are now open.
The free upland game hunting permit program offers lottery-assigned, no-cost hunting opportunities for wild upland game, including bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasants and cottontail rabbits. The controlled pheasant hunting program is a fee-based program that offers opportunities to hunt pen-reared ring-necked pheasants released at participating state sites.
The upland game hunting permit lottery application period runs August 1 through August 31, 2026.
The Controlled Pheasant Hunting Program includes three lottery drawings followed by a first-come, first-served permit period available August 29 at 8 a.m. until quotas are filled or until 9 a.m. the day before the hunt. The lottery schedule is as follows:
1. First lottery: Applications accepted August 10 at 1 p.m. (Illinois residents only).
2. Second lottery: Applications accepted August 10 at 3 p.m. through August 17 at 1 p.m. (Illinois residents who didn’t apply or were unsuccessful in Lottery 1, plus nonresidents).
3. Third lottery: Applications accepted August 17 at 3 p.m. through August 24 at 1 p.m. (residents and nonresidents seeking a second permit). Applications must be submitted online through the IDNR Upland Game Hunting website.
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