The Illinois fall shotgun turkey season opens this weekend.

Dan Stevens with Learn to Hunt Illinois indicates the archery turkey season opened Oct. 1 and this weekend begins the shotgun season with several other hunting opportunities ongoing as well.

Stevens reminds the archery deer season hits pause while the firearm season takes place, but we're still about a month away from the firearm season.

DNR monitors the fall harvest and the spring planting progress and Stevens indicates it looks like the fall harvest should not impact the rut and thus the firearm season in late November.

The waterfowl season is looking to be strong this year but duck populations seem to be declining despite the overall health of the population.

Stevens reminds to always be aware of the local hunting and fishing regulations wherever you may be and to always get permission from private property owners before you head out for the fall hunting seasons. 

dnr.illinois.gov is the website for all State of Illinois hunting, fishing, and outdoor regulations. 

Visit the Illinois 23-24 digest on hunting and fishing at dnr.illinois.gov.