Illinois Department of Natural Resources announces October events, seasons

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has released its list of seasonal news and events for October, ranging from hunting seasons to historic reenactments and educational programs across the state.

Hunting seasons

Archery deer season runs Oct. 1 through Jan. 18. It closes Nov. 21-23 and Dec. 4-7 in counties with a firearms season and in Kane County west of Illinois 47. In Cook, DuPage, Lake and Kane counties east of Illinois 47, the season remains open Oct. 1 through Jan. 18.

Archery fall turkey season follows the same schedule and county restrictions.

Fall turkey shotgun season runs Oct. 18-26. Over-the-counter permits are available until quotas are filled.

Youth firearm deer season runs Oct. 11-13 for hunters under 18 with the proper license and hunter education certification.

Spring turkey lottery applications open Oct. 7 through Dec. 1 for Illinois residents.

Deer firearm and muzzleloader over-the-counter permit sales begin Oct. 21 at designated agents.

Duck and goose hunting permits become available Oct. 1 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Outdoor events

Tot Time: Bat Bonanza, Oct. 2, at Dickson Mounds Museum in Fulton County.

Candlelight Walks, Oct. 3-5, 10-12 and 17-19, at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site in Menard County.

Fall Color Hikes, Oct. 4, at Argyle Lake State Park in McDonough County.

Star Party, Oct. 5, at Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey County with the St. Louis Astronomical Society.

Pumpkin Party, Oct. 14, at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield.

Explore Southern Illinois Outdoors, Oct. 14, at Giant City State Park in Jackson County.

Fort Massac Encampment, Oct. 18-19, at Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis, featuring 18th-century reenactments, mock battles and traditional music.

Additional opportunities

Wingshooting clinics will be held throughout October in Clinton, DeWitt and Logan counties.

Hunting, trapping, boating and snowmobile safety education courses are available statewide throughout the year.

A full list of hunting regulations and seasonal events can be found on the IDNR website at Illinois Department of Natural Resources.