The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is offering youth hunters a chance to participate in a managed deer hunt this fall. A lottery drawing will take place on August 26, 2025, for young hunters to earn a spot in the youth firearm deer season, which is scheduled for October 11 through October 13.

The hunt will be held at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (JEPC) in Cass County and the Sangamon County State Conservation Area.

To enter the lottery, applicants must mail a postcard that includes their name, contact information, and preferred hunting site. Entries must be received by the JEPC office by the close of business on August 25. Selected participants will be notified and may purchase a youth either-sex deer permit from any Illinois hunting license vendor starting August 5.

Youth hunters must be under 18 years old as of the start of the season. Only designated open units are available for hunting. Restricted areas, including the controlled and quail management units at JEPC, will be closed.

All participants must have a valid youth deer permit, along with either a youth or apprentice hunting license or proof of completing a certified hunter education course. Youth hunters using an apprentice or youth license must be accompanied by a non-hunting parent, guardian, or grandparent with a valid hunting license. All other participants must be supervised by a non-hunting adult who holds either a hunting license or a FOID card.

Postcards should be sent to:

Youth Deer Hunt

JEPC

10149 County Highway 11

Chandlerville, IL 62627

For more information, call 217-452-7741.