Illinois hunters harvest 257 wild turkeys during fall firearm season

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) – Illinois hunters harvested a preliminary total of 257 wild turkeys during the 2026 fall firearm season, a slight increase from the 255 harvested in 2025, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The nine-day season ran from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1.

According to IDNR, 1,911 regular fall firearm turkey permits were sold this year, compared with 1,763 in 2025. An additional 20,154 landowner permits were issued, up from 19,370 last year.

Several southern Illinois counties ranked among the state’s highest for turkey harvests.

Jo Daviess County recorded the most turkeys harvested with 21, followed by Jackson County with 19, Jefferson County with 17, Union County with 15 and Williamson County with 13.

Jackson County saw one of the largest increases in the region, with its harvest rising from six turkeys in 2025 to 19 in 2026.

Williamson County also reported an increase, from seven turkeys last year to 13 this year. Union County’s harvest increased from 11 to 15, while Jefferson County rose from 16 to 17.

Other southern Illinois counties reported the following harvest totals:

– Alexander County: 8
– Franklin County: 5
– Gallatin County: 5
– Johnson County: 3
– Massac County: 2
– Perry County: 4
– Pope County: 7
– Pulaski County: 2
– Randolph County: 3
– Saline County: 6

Statewide, preliminary reports identified 138 female turkeys, accounting for 54% of the harvest, and 116 male turkeys, accounting for 46%. The sex of three birds was not reported.

IDNR said the harvest numbers are preliminary.