i live in illinois and to first start hunting you need a hunter safety course, after you graduate and get a hunter safety card, you can put a order in with the state for FOID fire arm identification card. this allows you to legally carry firearms. you can purchase your general hunting license at walmart or gander mountion etc. to buya hunting license you need your hunter safety card. and money of course. with the general hunting license small game is covered. but to hunt BIG GAME deer antelope etc etc you need permits along with the hunting license. good luck this is all true for illinois, check with you DNR for all rules or regulations