Deer Tags
Illinois Deer Tags
2026
Complete guide to deer tag requirements in Illinois — official agency links, resident and nonresident tag fees, antlerless permits, bag limits, and how to purchase your tags. Illinois manages one of the Midwest's best trophy whitetail deer populations through a combination of regular season and antlerless-only permits. Firearm deer permits are required in addition to the base hunting license. Illinois has produced numerous Boone & Crockett record book bucks and is considered a premier destination for trophy hunters. Archery deer tags are separate from firearm permits.
Separate Tag Required
Up to 2 Tags (Resident)
Resident Tag: $16
2026 Deer Tag Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Tag Fee
$16
Firearm deer permit required in addition to hunting license; archery permit sold separately
Nonresident Fee
$250
per nonresident deer tag
Max Tags (Resident)
2
deer per season
Tag Required?
Yes
Purchase separately
Antlerless Tags
Resident: $16
Nonresident: $50
Step-by-Step
How to Get Your Illinois Deer Tag
Follow these steps to purchase and properly use your Illinois deer tag for the 2026 season.
1
Purchase Your Base Hunting License
Before buying a deer tag, you must have a valid Illinois hunting license. Residents and nonresidents must purchase the appropriate base license for the season. You can purchase online at the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources website or at a licensed sporting goods retailer.
2
Purchase Your Deer Tag(s)
Purchase your deer tag(s) separately from Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources online, at a license agent, or at a sporting goods store.
Resident tags are $16 and nonresident tags are $250. Purchase online →
3
Know Your Requirements Before Hunting
Review Illinois's current deer hunting regulations for season dates, legal shooting hours, legal deer definitions, antler restrictions (if any), and zone-specific rules. Regulations are available on the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources website and at license agents. Illinois Firearm Owners ID (FOID) required for firearm deer hunting. Hunting license and deer permit required.
4
Immediately Tag Your Harvest
Upon harvesting a deer, you must immediately fill out your deer tag and attach it to the deer before moving it. Most states require you to notch the month and day, then attach it to a visible location. Keep your license and tags on your person while hunting and during transport.
Requirements
Illinois Deer Tag Requirements
Illinois Firearm Owners ID (FOID) required for firearm deer hunting. Hunting license and deer permit required.
Important Notes
Illinois-Specific Tag Information
Illinois requires FOID card for firearm hunters. Firearm permits are unit-specific. Archery permits available statewide.
Source: Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources (www2.illinois.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and tag requirements directly with Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources before purchasing.