Hunting in Illinois: Regulations for Hunting With Dogs

Hunting in Illinois can be more successful with the help of a good hunting dog. Many hound dogs are bred with hunting specifically in mind, and these canines can provide invaluable help and partnership when you are hunting game and birds in Illinois. However, before you take your dog out hunting with you, there are certain regulations you must follow to make sure you are following the laws and regulations.

Most, but not all, animals in Illinois can be legally hunted with a dog. The exceptions are deer and turkey, for which a dog cannot accompany you on a hunt.

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The only exception to deer hunting with dogs is when you are tracking a deer you wounded, but did not kill during a legal hunt. In this case, a tracking dog may be used, but the hunter must maintain physical control of the animal at all times and the dog must be on a leash that does not exceed 50 feet in length, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which oversees hunting in the state.

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Dogs can be used to assist in hunting other animals and waterfowl in Illinois. When it comes to hunting furbearing animals like coyotes, foxes, badgers, striped skunks, and raccoons among others, dogs can be used most of the year. However, while your dog is allowed to pursue or chase the furbearer, the canine cannot be used for the actual kill. It is also illegal to hunt furbearers with a dog during the 10-day period before the opening of the raccoon hunting season and the 10-day period following its closing date, according to Illinois DNR.

Coyotes are considered a nuisance species in Illinois and can be hunted up to 24 hours per day between November 10 and March 31. During other times of the year, hunting is restricted to the hours of sunrise and sunset. Dogs are allowed to participate when hunting coyotes, but remember that it is illegal to allow your dog to hunt on private land without first asking permission from the landowner. Should you be caught, the landowner has the right to call animal control and your dog could be confiscated for being "at large." When in doubt, ask permission.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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