Illinois youth turkey hunters have set a new record, harvesting a preliminary total of 2,318 birds during the 2025 Illinois youth season. This figure surpasses last year’s record of 2,099 birds and marks the third consecutive year of record-setting youth turkey harvests in the state.
Wayne County hunters harvested 52 birds, four more than last year. In Clay County, youth hunters took 62 birds—12 more than last year—ranking fifth in the state. Fayette County hunters finished second statewide with 74 birds, an increase of 11 from last year. Marion County ranked third with 68 birds, twenty more than last year’s total. Effingham County youth matched last year’s total with 42 birds, while Jasper County hunters took 30 birds, two more than last year. Richland County saw a decline, with only eight birds harvested—nine less than last year.
This year’s youth season was held on March 28th and 29th, and April 4th and 5th. The top five counties for youth harvest were Jefferson (75), Fayette (74), Marion (68), Adams (62), and Clay (62).
Participation also reached an all-time high this spring, as youth hunters purchased a record 7,369 permits in 2026, surpassing the previous record of 6,538 sold in 2025. With a success rate of over 30% for the third consecutive year, these increasing totals reflect strong youth interest in turkey hunting, excellent hunting opportunities, and a robust statewide turkey population.