Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

OK, Here's the deal for the first time, I'll be able to hunt gun in IL and I want to hunt with a muzzleloader. I know from the regs that the season is definitely Dec 4,5,6,7 and Dec 12,13,14. Of course, there is also Shotgun on Nov 21,22,23, which the regs say you can also hunt with a muzzleloader or any legal weapon during those days. What I can't clearly determine from the regs is this: Can you hunt with a muzzleloader only permit on Nov 21,22,23 or must you also have a firearms permit to hunt all 3 seasons?

I think I know the answer, but I'm not 100% sure so I'm asking the IL guys who know. Thanks!!!

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

You cannot use your muzzleloader permit on nov 21, 22 and 23. You have to have a firearm permit for 1st gun season. You can use the muzzleloader permit for 2nd gun and muzzleloader seasons.

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

That was also my interpretation, though it didn't come out very clear to me in the regs.

Being a non-resident, I can't afford both licenses, so I suppose I have to pick which 7 days I want to hunt now.

Thanks for the clarification!

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

I've been looking into the same senario. I was under the impression that non-residents could not get a tag for the first firearm season?

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

First season is always the best.... To me its more in the rut..but don't take my word!!

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

Non-residents can apply for 1st gun season. I have had non-residents hunting with me for 8 years and never seen a rejected permit for 1st season in the counties I hunt..

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

Ok a stupid question then! Can I apply for the 1st season as a first choice, and the 2nd season as a second choice? Meaning that if I don't draw a first season tag I will have a chance at being drawn for the second season. Thanks guys

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

116BUCK,

The answer is Yes, It will give you the option

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

116 I think what you are thinking of (I could be wrong) is non residents cannot apply for a permit during the first lottery. You can apply for any season you choose to but you just have to wait for the second lottery. There is a second season option if the full season tags are not available. The second option is usually for a different county or hunt area. And as said above, you can use a muzzle loader during all firearms season but a muzzle loader permit is only valid for the second firearm and muzzleloader seasons.

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

formula1, which outfitter are you using and what county will you be in?

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

BowHunterCop,

I am not using an outfitter. I am actually on a lease in Union/Johnson Counties. I bowhunt on this lease and also a farm in Scott Co. This is the first time I'm going tomuzzleloader hunt in IL.

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

same here we lease over 2000 acres in Brown & Pike Counties

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

Sounds like you have a great place. How often do you travel from NJ to IL and how long is your drive?

I try to go bowhunting 1 full week plus 2 or 3 long weekends. It's a 10 our trip to Scott Co.(right next to Pike) for me from GA and 6 hours to our lease in Union/Johnson. We have about 1300 acres total. I was just up there this past weekend setting up stands and scouting.

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

18 hour drive....I hunt 2 weeks with the bow, then the 3 days with shotgun, if I don't score with the shotgun during the 1st hunt then I go back out for the 2nd shotgun hunt......I maybe going out there to help with food plots, if not the owner's son will do it, but I will be there in September to hang stands. The owner called lastnight, he just got another 468 acres in Pike!!!!!!

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

If I were you I would go out and buy lottery tickets right now! Another 468 acres in Pike! Im about 15 hours closer to pike than you and I can't find anything! I live in Chicago and unless you know someone there it's impossible to find anything decent, Bow or shot gun! I'm hoping in the next 6 months something comes up. Im guessing by your name you're a cop, if so I think Cops, fireman and our men and women over seas deserve the top hunting spots anywhere around! Good luck with those Pike County Bucks!

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

fastetti, yes I'm a cop, and we all thank you for your kind comments. Yes, I know someone out there, lets just say he is a very important person in the area, he isvery well known and he is very well respected. We are lucky to know him as far as the lottery, I play the Mega Millions your state and my state are in it, I can't win $1......LOL!!!!

RE: Illinois Muzzleloader Regs
 

I have a related question.

Is it true that you fill out an application for a particular county? If so, how do you handle a situation where you have land in two adjoining counties? Or as in my situation one tract is in two counties?

Thanks!