Prairie State Wire

Illinois youth turkey hunters achieved a new record during the 2024 season, harvesting a preliminary total of 2,006 birds. This surpasses the previous record of 1,733 set in 2020. The season took place over two weekends: March 30-31 and April 6-7.

This year saw an increase in issued permits, with 6,001 compared to last year's 5,283. In the previous year, hunters harvested a total of 1,297 turkeys.

Randolph County led the harvest with 71 turkeys taken. Other top counties included Fayette with 66, Jefferson with 63, Marion with 62, and Pike with 54. Public land accounted for about eight percent of the harvest, yielding approximately 160 wild turkeys.

The data shows significant increases in several counties compared to last year. For example, Fayette County's harvest increased from 26 to 66 turkeys and Effingham County's numbers rose from ten to thirty-four.

This information highlights both a successful hunting season and a growing interest among young hunters in Illinois.