Illinois Youth Turkey Hunters Set New State Record With 2,091 Birds Harvested

ROCHELLE – Youth turkey hunters in Illinois harvested a record 2,091 birds during the 2025 youth season, surpassing the previous record of 2,010 set in 2024. The season took place over two weekends, March 29–30 and April 5–6. A total of 6,573 permits were issued, up slightly from 6,541 last year. Jefferson and Pike counties led the state with 69 birds each, followed by Randolph with 67, Fayette with 62 and Macoupin with 60. Local totals included 27 birds in Ogle County, 14 in Lee County and none in DeKalb County.