The 2025 Illinois spring turkey hunting season has set a new statewide record with hunters harvesting a preliminary total of 18,189 wild turkeys, surpassing the previous record of 17,208 turkeys harvested in 2024.
A total of 89,687 permits were sold this season, a noticeable increase from 86,083 permits issued the previous year, indicating growing interest and participation in turkey hunting across the state.
Marion County emerged as one of the leading counties in Illinois, recording the fourth highest turkey harvest in the state with 428 turkeys. Only Jo Daviess (628), Jefferson (518), and Pike (468) reported higher numbers. Pope County rounded out the top five with 425 turkeys. Wayne County reported 404 turkeys harvested.
Neighboring counties also contributed significantly to the spring harvest totals. Here’s a breakdown of the wild turkeys harvested in surrounding counties:
Fayette: 386
Clay: 293
Washington: 220
Clinton: 160
Besides Wayne , other area counties accounted for 2,409 turkeys, which is approximately 13.2% of the total statewide harvest.
Comments