SPRINGFIELD — Illinois youth turkey hunters set a new record with a preliminary total of 2,318 birds during the 2026 season, surpassing the previous record of 2,099 set in 2025 and marking the third straight year of record harvest. Participation also reached a record with 7,369 permits sold in 2026 compared to 6,538 in 2025, with a success rate above 30 percent for the third consecutive year. Locally, results were mixed as Lee County recorded 10 birds in 2026, down from 14 in 2025 and Ogle County reported 21 birds, down from 27.
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