Drawing for youth deer hunt at Illinois’ Jim Edgar Panther Creek Wildlife Area scheduled for Aug. 26

Springfield — In a sign that hunting season is drawing near, DNR announced it will conduct a drawing on Aug. 26 for youth to hunt deer during the Illinois youth firearm deer season at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (JEPC) in Cass County and Sangamon County State Conservation Area.

The 2025 statewide youth season is Oct. 11-13. To be eligible for the Aug. 26 drawing, the youth’s name, mailing address, telephone number, and preferred hunting site location must be mailed on a postcard and received at the JEPC office by close of business 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.

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 prior to the start of the season.

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All youth hunters must have a current, valid youth deer permit. In addition, youth hunters must have an apprentice or youth hunting license, or they must have completed a state-approved hunter education course and have a hunting license.

While using an apprentice hunter license or youth hunting license, must be accompanied by a non-hunting parent or guardian with a license.

To submit a postcard for the drawing, mail it to Youth Deer Hunt, JEPC, 10149 County Highway 11, Chandlerville, IL. 62627.