Last month, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced an additional archery deer hunting opportunity in 2020 through the Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP). 

IRAP has added a third archery deer hunting period December 16-31 and DNR Deputy Director indicates they are seeking landowners to be a part of their expanded opportunities later this fall and winter.

97-percent of Illinois land is private and Torbert says it can be difficult for hunters to find land to hunt on. Torbert indicates the perks for landowners are that they help them manage their ground through controlled burns and other means. 

Hunters can turkey hunt, wild game, upland and waterfowl hunts among many others on the private land leased by landowners. 

Applications for IRAP deer hunting are now being accepted through 5:00 p.m. Aug. 24. 

A lottery drawing will be held at the end of August and successful applicants will be notified and sent a site permit along with directions and a map of the property on which they will hunt. 

IRAP is open to both resident and non-resident hunters. 

IRAP deer hunting applications can be found on the IDNR website.