State of Illinois
11/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/12/2026 10:17
Kickapoo State Recreation Area to host mentored deer hunts
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host a mentored archery deer hunting opportunity for adults and youth at Kickapoo State Recreation Area in Vermilion County Dec. 15 through Jan. 3.
Participating hunters will have access to sections of the site otherwise closed to archery deer hunting. Adult and youth hunters with fewer than three years of deer hunting experience who have not previously been selected for the mentored deer hunt program may apply. IDNR license records will be used to verify eligibility. Hunters may apply for multiple mentored hunts but may participate in only one if selected for more than one.
Hunters selected through the lottery will be assigned to a hunting location and may hunt Tuesday through Sunday during their assigned week. IDNR will determine the hunting locations and distribute them equally between adult and youth hunters.
Hunters may harvest only one deer and must be accompanied by a nonhunting adult mentor who can assist during the hunt. Mentors must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid Illinois hunting license. Hunters must provide their own mentor and hunting equipment. Ground blinds will be provided. Eligible hunters may use an apprentice hunting license for this opportunity.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, IDNR's work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook , YouTube and LinkedIn .
State of Illinois published this content on November 12, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on November 12, 2026 at 16:17 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]