Illinois Hunters Harvest a Record Number of Turkeys During Spring Season

Illinois hunters harvested a preliminary record total of 20,821 wild turkeys during the 2026 spring turkey season, according to newly released state figures, marking the highest spring harvest total ever recorded in the state.

Record-Breaking Turkey Season Across Illinois

The new record surpasses the previous high of 18,189 birds harvested during the 2025 season, signaling continued growth in both hunter participation and turkey populations across Illinois.

State data show hunters purchased 94,704 permits this year, a notable increase from 89,580 in 2025. Approximately 22 percent of all permits sold resulted in a harvested bird, up from 20.3 percent last year.

Southern and Northern Illinois Counties Lead Harvest Totals

The highest turkey harvest numbers came from both southern and northern Illinois counties. Jefferson County and Jo Daviess County tied for the statewide lead with 646 birds harvested each.

Marion County followed with 530 birds, while Pike County recorded 525 and Wayne County reported 464 harvested turkeys.

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The strong numbers highlight the widespread success of turkey populations throughout Illinois, where spring turkey hunting was open in 100 of the state's 102 counties.

Youth Hunters Also Set New Illinois Record

Illinois also created a new youth spring turnkey season harvest record in 2026. Young hunters harvested 2,326 birds during the statewide youth season, surpassing the previous record of 2,099 set in 2025.

A total of 70,158 individual hunters purchased permits for the spring season. The regular turkey season ran April 6 through May 7 in the south zone and April 13 through May 14 in the north zone, while the youth season took place March 28-29 and April 4-5 statewide.