Game Breeder
Illinois Game Breeder
Permit 2026
Requirements and fees for raising and selling captive game animals in Illinois. Illinois requires a Commercial Game Breeder License for propagating and selling game birds and mammals.
Facility Inspection
Record Keeping
Annual Renewal
2026 Permit Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Annual Fee
$75.00
Per year, per permit
Facility Inspection
Required
Initial & periodic
Record Keeping
Required
Inventory & transactions
Agency
Illinois Dept. of Na...
Permit issuer
Covered Species
Game Species Covered in Illinois
Pheasant, quail, chukar, deer (limited), wild turkey
Step-by-Step
How to Apply for a Game Breeder Permit in Illinois
1
Review Requirements
Contact Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources to get the current application packet. Review species-specific requirements, especially for deer and elk which have additional disease testing requirements.
2
Prepare Your Facility
Your facility must pass inspection before or shortly after permit issuance. Ensure fencing, housing, and water systems meet Illinois's standards for your target species. Game wardens or wildlife inspectors conduct the evaluation.
3
Submit Application & Fee
Submit your completed application to Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources.
Annual permit fee: $75.00. Include all required documentation (property ownership or lease, facility plan, intended species list).
4
Maintain Required Records
Keep detailed records of all animals in your possession: births, deaths, purchases, and sales. Annual reports are typically required. Records must be available for inspection at any time by wildlife officers.
Permit Classes
Illinois Permit Structure
Commercial Game Breeder License with subcategories by species
Requirements
Illinois Game Breeder Requirements
IL DNR license, facility inspection, annual inventory and sales reports.
Source: Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources (www.dnr.illinois.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current permit requirements and fees directly with Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources.