Hunters can now apply for two popular Illinois Department of Natural Resources programs that offer access to upland game this season.
The free upland game hunting permit lottery gives successful applicants no-cost opportunities to pursue wild bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasants, and cottontail rabbits. Separately, the controlled pheasant hunting program is a paid option that provides hunts for pen-reared ring-necked pheasants released at participating state sites.
Applications for the free upland game permit lottery are being accepted from August 1 through August 31, 2026.
The Controlled Pheasant Hunting Program will hold three lottery drawings, followed by a first-come, first-served period that begins August 29 at 8 a.m. and runs until quotas are filled or until 9 a.m. the day before the scheduled hunt. The lottery schedule is as follows:
- First lottery: Applications accepted August 10 at 1 p.m. (Illinois residents only).
- 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).
- Third lottery: Applications accepted August 17 at 3 p.m. through August 24 at 1 p.m. (residents and nonresidents seeking a second permit).
All applications must be submitted online through the IDNR Upland Game Hunting website.
