YOUTH TURKEY HUNT

4/10/25

Illinois youth turkey hunters harvested a preliminary record total of 2,091 birds during the 2025 youth turkey season, breaking the previous harvest record of 2,010 set in 2024.

The dates for this year's season were March 29th and 30th and April 5th and 6th.  In Clay County youth hunters harvested 49 turkeys, the same as last year.  In our area the largest harvest increase was in Wayne County where hunters harvested 9 more birds than last year, for a total of 50.  Followed closely by Effingham County with 7 more for a total of 42 this year.  The largest decrease was in Jasper County where only 29 turkey were harvested down 13 from last year.

The top 5 counties for harvest during this year's youth season were Jefferson and Pike with 69; Randolph with 67; Fayette with 62 and Macoupin with 60.

A total of 6,573 youth turkey permits were issued this year, compared to 6,541 in 2024.