Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) says youth taking part in their annual turkey hunt periods have set a record harvesting turkey for the third year in a row.
According to a news release, 2,318 turkey were harvested during the March 28 & 29 and April 4 & 5 periods. The previous record last year was 2,099.
IDNR says participation also set a record, with 7,369 permits being purchased this year, compared to 6,538 the year before. That data, along with a participation rate of 30 percent, “reflect strong youth interest in turkey hunting, excellent hunting opportunities, and a robust statewide turkey population,” said a news release.
The top county in Illinois for youth turkey harvest was Jefferson County at 75. Among harvest totals in the Springfield area counties in 2026 (2025 number in parentheses):
- Sangamon: 23 (20)
- Menard: 12 (18)
- Logan: 7 (4)
- Macon: 3 (1)
- Cass: 19 (24)
- Shelby: 34 (31)
The top five counties in Illinois in 2026 are (2025 in parentheses):
- Jefferson: 75 (72)
- Fayette: 74 (63)
- Marion: 68 (48)
- Adams: 62 (50)
- Clay: 62 (50)
(Source: IDNR)
