I just did the Illinois Archery non-resident application online for the first time. I noticed that they charged you up front. I guess I was under the impression this was just a lottery application and there was no guarantee at this point that you'd get the permit. So why the charge before you are drawn? Anybody know?

Or is it just on of those things where they take your payment info and only charge you when the lottery drawing is complete?

You Illinois deer hunting pro's out there please enlighten me!!

Thanks!

I could be wrong, but I believe they DO charge you. If you don't draw a permit, then they refund it. That way THEY make the interest on YOUR money while you wait.

I went to Illinois last year but went with an outfitter (Rodhouse).

They took the cost of the lottery entry up front as part of the down payment. I asked them "what if I don't get drawn?" They said that you do get refunded but that it usually does not happen.

I have heard that outfitters get pre-allocated a number of tags, but I have never seen that in "writing."

youwill get refunded if you don't get drawn

It's designed to make sure that only the truly interested are in the lottery....

Another good reason I moved to Illinois. No more of that for me.

Now I only have to worry about lifetime license legislation. Can't see them changing that no matter how greedy they are. They'd have to fight too many of their own residents. Nonresidents are the sitting ducks. Sad the way politics works.

They take all the card information and will charge you if you are successful on the drawing. If they are charging now they must be giving everyone a license. They did not fill all permits last year but that was how it worked.

They will charge everyone before results are posted. Getting charges doesnt mean your getting a permit. It may not show this week on you bill but you will be charged.

Jason

Ok let me get this straight........In bold blinky print it says "Do NOT buy a license" until you have a permit.

Does this mean that FOR NOW I should only pay up front with a credit card for the Non-Resident Archery deer combo for $366 or whatever that price was..........THEN if I get that license I'm home free because I can buy a regular hunting license and habitat stamp at any time??

Why does this crap have to be so confusing?

I was just about to hit submit on the whole shooting match for $443 I think and remember seeing the don't buy a license deal on the home page.

HELP!!
[&o]

Matt, do not buy a license until you find out you have a permit. A license can be purchased over the counter at any sporting goods store or Wally World. No sense in buying a license if you don't get drawn.....which most likely you will.

Also, last time I looked 7,500 permits were allocated for outfitter clients. As someone else stated previously I believe there were permits left over so all who apply should get one unless more than 20,000 permits are applied for. Its really pretty simple compared to many states. Much easier than trying to figure out the units and point systems western states use for big game.[:'(]