Illinois Archery
License 2026
Complete guide to archery hunting in Illinois — stamp and license requirements, crossbow rules, draw weight and broadhead specifications, and archery deer and elk season dates. Illinois offers exceptional archery whitetail deer hunting with a season running from October through January. No separate archery stamp is required. Crossbows are legal for all hunters throughout the season.
Illinois Archery License Requirements
Review all archery license and stamp requirements before your hunt. Regulations change annually.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Archery Stamp Required | No — included with hunting license |
| Resident License Fee | $24.50 |
| Nonresident License Fee | $157.50 |
| Standalone Archery License | Requires base hunting license |
| Sunday Hunting | Allowed |
Illinois Archery Equipment Specifications
Legal archery equipment requirements in Illinois. Using non-compliant equipment during archery season can result in citation and license revocation.
Rangefinder: Allowed
Minimum 40 lb draw weight. Broadhead must have a minimum 7/8" cutting diameter. Lighted nocks and scopes on crossbows are legal.
Illinois Crossbow Rules for Archery Season
Illinois Archery Season Dates
Approximate archery season dates for 2026. Season dates may vary by zone or wildlife management unit — always confirm with Illinois Department of Natural Resources.