Applications open for youth deer hunt drawing in Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is conducting a drawing next month for youth deer hunters, and applications are open now.

The IDNR is hosting the drawing on Aug. 26 for youth to hunt deer during the Illinois youth firearm deer season, scheduled from Oct. 11-13, at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (JEPC) in Cass County and Sangamon County State Conservation Area.

In order to be eligible for the drawing, the youth’s name, mailing address, phone number and preferred hunting site location must be mailed on a postcard and received at the JEPC office by the end of business day on Aug. 25. Successful applicants will be notified and eligible to purchase a 2025 youth either-sex deer permit in person at any Illinois hunting license vendor starting on Aug. 5.

Additionally, youth deer hunting during the youth firearm deer season is allowed only in the open units at the site locations and only to those who have not reached 18 years of age before the start of the season.

Each youth hunter must have a current, valid youth deer permit. They also must have an apprentice or youth hunting license, or they must have completed a state-approved hunter education course and have a hunting license.

These hunters, while using an apprentice hunter license or youth hunting license, must be accompanied by a non-hunting parent or guardian with an Illinois hunting license. All other hunters participating in the youth deer hunt must each be accompanied by a non-hunting, supervisor, parent or guardian with a valid Illinois hunting license or firearm owner’s identification card.

In order to submit a postcard for this upcoming drawing by mail, send it to Youth Deer Hunt, JEPC, 10149 County Highway 11, Chandlerville, 62627. For more information, call the site office at 217-452-7741.