Turkey Hunters Log Record Harvest

Illinois hunters have set a new milestone in the 2026 spring turkey season, harvesting a preliminary record of 20,821 wild turkeys. This surpasses last year’s record of 18,189 birds. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reports that Jefferson and Jo Daviess counties topped the charts, each accounting for 646 turkeys. Marion County followed with 530, while Pike County reported 525. Permit sales rose to 94,704, up from 89,580 in 2025, reflecting growing interest from hunters across the state. This surge marks a significant achievement for Illinois’ hunting community and wildlife management efforts.