Illinois youth hunters set record turkey harvest for third straight year

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — Illinois youth turkey hunters set a new harvest record during the 2026 season, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Officials said young hunters harvested a preliminary total of 2,318 birds, surpassing the previous record of 2,099 set in 2025. It marks the third consecutive year of record-setting youth harvests in the state.

Participation also reached a record level, with 7,369 permits sold in 2026 compared to 6,538 in 2025. Officials said the continued growth reflects strong interest among young hunters and a healthy turkey population.

This year’s youth season took place March 28–29 and April 4–5. The top counties for harvest were Jefferson with 75 birds, Fayette with 74, Marion with 68, Adams with 62 and Clay with 62.

Officials said youth hunters have maintained a success rate of more than 30% for the third straight year.