So You Want to Bag a Buck in the Prairie State: The Not-So-Cheap Guide to Non-Resident Illinois Deer Tags
Ah, the allure of the Illinois whitetail deer. Majestic antlers, a prize catch for any hunter. But before you pack your camo and head to the Land of Lincoln, there's a little hurdle to jump: the non-resident deer tag. Fear not, aspiring deer slayer, this guide will break down the cost of your Illinois dream hunt, with a dash of humor to keep things interesting (because let's face it, hunting licenses shouldn't be a snoozefest).
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| How Much Is A Non Resident Deer Tag In Illinois |
The Tag, the Glorious Tag: A Breakdown of Costs
First things first, there's no single price tag for an Illinois non-resident deer tag. It's more like a choose-your-own-adventure situation, with options to fit your hunting style and budget. Here's the lowdown:
The Lottery Ticket to Buck Paradise: The Non-Resident Deer Firearm Lottery Permit Application (Either Sex) will set you back a cool $304.00. This bad boy allows you to hunt for both bucks and does during firearm season. Think of it as the VIP pass to the deer buffet. But there's a catch (isn't there always?): you gotta enter a lottery system, so winning this tag is basically like finding a twenty in your old hunting jacket.
The Early Bird (and Big Spender): If waiting on lottery results makes you sweat more than a nervous buck, there's the Non-Resident Deer Firearm OTC County Permit (Antlerless Only). This one's a guaranteed tag (woohoo!), but it's specifically for hunting does only and comes with a hefty price tag of $100.50. Think of it as the "participation trophy" of deer tags, but hey, at least you get some venison in the freezer!
Splitting the Difference: Now, if you're feeling fancy and want to go for both bucks and does, there's a middle ground. You can snag the Non-Resident Deer Firearm Lottery Permit Application (ES & AO) for $329.00. This option requires you to win the lottery for an Either-Sex (ES) permit first, then you can purchase an Antlerless-Only (AO) tag. It's like a combo meal at the deer tag concession stand.
Important Note: Remember, these are just the tag prices. You'll also need to shell out for a separate Non-Resident Hunting License, which can range from $35.75 for a 5-day pass to $57.75 for the full season.
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
So, How Much is it Really Going to Cost?
Alright, alright, we get it. You just want a straight answer. Here's the deal: the minimum you'll spend is $71.50 (hunting license + doe-only tag), and the max is $386.75 (hunting license + either-sex lottery tag, assuming you win). But hey, the memories (and hopefully, the bragging rights) of that Illinois buck are priceless... right?
FAQ: Your Non-Resident Illinois Deer Tag Questions Answered
1. How to Apply for a Non-Resident Deer Tag in Illinois?
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
Head over to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website (https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting.html) and navigate to the "Deer Permit Applications" section.
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2. When is the Deadline to Apply for the Lottery?
QuickTip: Repeat difficult lines until they’re clear.
The application period for the lottery typically runs from late July to early September. Keep an eye on the IDNR website for specific dates.
3. Can I Use My Out-of-State Hunting License in Illinois?
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
Nope. You'll need to purchase a separate non-resident hunting license specifically for Illinois.
4. What if I Don't Win the Lottery?
There's always next year! In the meantime, you can try for the over-the-counter doe-only tag or consider hunting in a different state.
5. Do I Need Any Other Permits or Licenses to Hunt Deer in Illinois?
You might! Depending on the season and location, you may need additional permits like a Habitat Stamp or a CWD Season Special Hunt Area permit. Check the IDNR website for details.
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