Hunting Season in Williamson County

Hey, fellow hunters! As you probably already know, Williamson County is a fantastic spot for hunters, offering some of the best game bird, waterfowl, deer, turkey, and small game hunting in the Midwest. What makes it so special? It’s all about the diverse landscape! With a mix of flyways, peaceful lakes, hardwood forests, rich cropland, wetlands, and river bottoms, this area has everything you need for a successful hunt. Plus, being close to the Shawnee National Forest and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge just adds to the adventure. If you’re looking for a place that’s full of hunting opportunities, Williamson County should be at the top of your list!

Ducks and geese are definitely the stars of the show when it comes to hunting here, and there are plenty of public hunting spots to check out. Duck season kicks off with an early season in September, then reopens in early November and usually runs until the first week of January. Plus, Williamson County is a key wintering spot for Canada geese, with goose season starting in early November and going until February.

But it’s not just waterfowl! The area also has some of the best whitetail deer and small game hunting. Williamson County often ranks in the top ten counties in Illinois for deer harvested during archery season. With its mix of hardwood forests, farmland, and quiet marshes, the habitat here is perfect for all kinds of wildlife.

Hunters from all over Illinois and nearby states flock to Williamson County because of its convenient location at Interstates 57 and 24, plus its solid reputation for quality hunting. Many local hotels even offer discounts during the hunting season. Just grab your gear, make sure you have your license and training and you’re all set for an awesome hunt!

FIRST THINGS FIRST! Before heading out on the hunt, it’s crucial to ensure you’re well-informed about safety guidelines. There are several places to take hunting safety courses in Illinois, including: 

Hunt Illinois: Offers online and field day courses, including a trapper safety course

Illinois Department of Natural Resources: Offers free safety education classes for students ages 12–18

Huntercourse.com: Offers an online course that can be completed at your own pace

Hunter-ed.com: Offers an online course that can be completed at your own pace

ILearnToHunt: Offers an online course that is approved and accepted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

County Line Shooting Center: Offers hunter safety courses and other firearm training

Archery Deer Season: This one’s ongoing through January 14, but keep in mind that it takes a break in counties that are open for firearm season from November 30–December 3.

Firearm Deer Season: Mark your calendars! The first round kicks off from November 22–24, 2024, and then there’s a second wave from December 5–8, 2024. Pro tip: if you’re planning to hunt during the second season, you can roll with a muzzleloader permit and a muzzleloading rifle.

Muzzleloader-Only Deer Season: This one’s happening from December 13–15, 2024. Just a heads up—this season is strictly for those muzzleloader fans!

Late-Winter Antlerless-Only Deer Season: If you’re all about those antlerless deer, this season runs from December 28–31, 2023, and then again from January 12–14, 2024. Remember, only antlerless deer can be harvested during this time.

Duck Season: Waterfowl lovers, listen up! Duck season kicks off in September, takes a little break, then reopens in early November and keeps going until early January.

Goose Season: Starting in early November and running through February, this is your chance to snag some geese!

Williamson County is a prime spot for hunting, with tons of great accommodations. Located right at the crossroads of Interstates 57 and 24, many local hotels even offer discounts for hunters during the season—score!

Ready to get your deer permits? You can apply online or by mail.

Want to hunt at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge? If you’re heading out to the refuge, you need to have a signed general hunt permit on you. It’s super important to show that you’ve read and get the rules down.

Hunting big game, upland game, furbearers, waterfowl, and migratory birds is permitted! Plus, they offer some awesome special hunts for youth, disabled, and senior hunters. If you want to learn more about those special permits, just hit up the visitor center at 618-997-3344 ext 1.

And hey, for your own safety and enjoyment, take a few minutes to get familiar with the specific regulations of the refuge.

So grab your gear, and let’s make this hunting season unforgettable!