Updated as of 10/3/2025 - "Single or double-barreled muzzleloading rifles of at least .45 caliber shooting a single projectile through a barrel of at least 16 inches in length.
A muzzleloading firearm is defined as a firearm that is incapable of being loaded from the breech end.
Only blackpowder or a “blackpowder substitute” such as Pyrodex may be used. Modern smokeless powders (nitrocellulose-based) are an approved blackpowder substitute only in muzzleloading firearms specifically designed for their use.
Percussion caps (shotgun primers are legal percussion caps), wheellock, matchlock, flint or electronic ignition may be used.
A muzzleloading firearm is considered unloaded when: removal of percussion cap or removal of prime powder from frizzen pan with frizzen open and hammer all the way down or removal of prime powder from flashpan and wheel un-wound or removal of prime powder and match with match not lit, or removal of the battery from the electronic ignition muzzleloader.
Muzzleloading rifle deer hunters must have a current, valid Muzzleloading Rifle Deer Season Permit, or an unused Property-Only Landowner/Tenant Deer Permit valid for that year’s Firearm Deer Season."
ILLINOIS MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASONS
Muzzleloader Deer Hunts
| Season | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Notes |
| Muzzleloader Only | Dec 12th - Dec 14th | 1 Deer Per Permit | |
| Firearm | Nov 21st - Nov 23rd | 1 Deer Per Permit | Shotgun, Muzzleloader or Handgun |
| Firearm | Dec 4th - Dec 7th | 1 Deer Per Permit | Shotgun, Muzzleloader or Handgun |
| Late Winter Antlerless Only | Jan 1st - Jan 4th | 1 Antlerless Deer Per Permit | Shotgun, Muzzleloader or Handgun |
| Late Winter Antlerless Only | Jan 16th - Jan 18th | 1 Antlerless Deer Per Permit | Shotgun, Muzzleloader or Handgun |
ILLINOIS MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON REGULATIONS
- Muzzleloaders must be .45 caliber or larger
- Muzzleloaders must fire a single projectile
- Muzzleloaders must have a barrel 16" or longer
- Muzzleloaders must be incapable of loading from the breech
- 209 primers are legal
- Pelletized powder is legal
- Only soft point or expanding projectiles are permitted for deer. Non-expanding, military-style full metal jacket bullets are prohibited.
This information is subject to change, for more information visit: Illinois Hunting Regulations
HAVE ILLINOIS MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON QUESTIONS?
Muzzleloader Hunting season is the best for low-pressure hunting and plentiful wildlife. If you are new to muzzleloaders or would like more information on your state's muzzleloader hunting regulations, make sure to give us a call. Muzzle-Loaders.com is focused on promoting black powder hunting in all 50 states and can help you determine when your particular state's hunting season starts. If you have questions about Illinois Muzzleloader Hunting Season, please call us at 1-855-236-5000 or email us at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.
