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Sunday, November 8th, 2026

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Early turkey season began wet, snowy for Illinois youth hunters

Luke Zykan tagged this tom on his great-grandfather’s farm in Bond County during the second day of the Illinois Youth Turkey Season (March 26). The turkey weighed 24.8 pounds, with a 101⁄2-inch beard and 1-inch spurs. 

Snow, sleet and frigid conditions greeted hunters at the top of the state on both days of the first weekend. Heavy rains and threats of flooding affected hunting in southern parts of the state. The second weekend was a bit better, but missed opportunities in the first weekend is expected to lead to a lower statewide harvest.
Youth hunters typically set the stage for the regular season. Last year’s four-day harvest of 1,264 was a disappointment after the 2021 harvest of 1,321 and the record-setting 2020 harvest of 1,733.

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