Illinois

Illinois Muzzleloader Hunting Season – Landscape diversity provides ample opportunities for hunting or trapping a variety of species in Illinois. From hunting ducks along a Mississippi River backwater slough to bow hunting deer in the forests of the Shawnee, Illinois has a variety of opportunities and experiences available. Hunting and trapping play important roles in the ecology and conservation of Illinois’ game species.

Illinois Muzzleloader Hunting Season 2025-2026

• First Firearm Deer Season:  November 21-23, 2025
• Second Firearm Deer Season:  December 4-7, 2025
• Muzzleloader-Only Deer Season:  December 12-14, 2025 – Hunters may also use a muzzleloader permit with a muzzleloading rifle during Second Firearm Season December 4-7, 2025 
• Late-Winter Antlerless-only: January 1-4, 2026 & January 16-18, 2026

One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset each day.

**No hunter, regardless of the quantity or type of permits in his/her possession, may harvest more than two antlered deer during a year, including the youth, archery, muzzleloader and firearm seasons. For the purpose of this harvest limit, deer seasons are considered to be in the same year if their opening dates are within the same 12-month period that begins July 1

Illinois Muzzleloader Hunting Season Regulations

Single or double-barreled muzzleloading rifles of at least .45 caliber shooting a single projectile through a barrel of at least sixteen inches in length. A muzzleloading firearm is defined as a firearm that is incapable of being loaded from the breech end. Only black powder or a black powder substitute such as Pyrodex may be used. Modern smokeless powders are an approved black powder substitute only in muzzleloading firearms that are specifically designed for their use. Percussion caps (shotgun primers are legal), wheel-lock, matchlock or flint type ignition only may be used, except the Connecticut Valley Arms electronic ignition shall be legal to use.

This information is subject to change, for more information CLICK HERE.

Additional Links

DEER HUNTING SEASON
MUZZLELOADER HUNTING INFORMATION

Knight Rifles, America’s Muzzleloader!