Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) says youth taking part in their annual turkey hunt periods have set a record harvesting turkey for the third year in a row.

According to a news release, 2,318 turkey were harvested during the March 28 & 29 and April 4 & 5 periods.  The previous record last year was 2,099.

IDNR says participation also set a record, with 7,369 permits being purchased this year, compared to 6,538 the year before.  That data, along with a participation rate of 30 percent, “reflect strong youth interest in turkey hunting, excellent hunting opportunities, and a robust statewide turkey population,” said a news release.

The top county in Illinois for youth turkey harvest was Jefferson County at 75.  Among harvest totals in the Springfield area counties in 2026 (2025 number in parentheses):

  • Sangamon:  23 (20)
  • Menard:  12 (18)
  • Logan:  7 (4)
  • Macon:  3 (1)
  • Cass:  19 (24)
  • Shelby:  34 (31)

The top five counties in Illinois in 2026 are (2025 in parentheses):

  • Jefferson:  75 (72)
  • Fayette:  74 (63)
  • Marion:  68 (48)
  • Adams:  62 (50)
  • Clay:  62 (50)

(Source:  IDNR)