What are the laws for hunting fox in Illinois? This article covers many of the fundamental laws you will need to know to get started. It also provides information such as seasons, harvest limits, and required permits for bobcat hunting in Illinois. It is not a legal document and is not intended to cover all hunting laws and regulations.
In Illinois, red and gray fox hunting season runs from November 10th through February 15th. Open 24 hours, and the season begins 1⁄2 hour before sunrise on opening day and closes 1⁄2 hour after sunset on closing day. No daily or seasonal bag limits.
Purchase an Illinois hunting license here.
Check out the Illinois hunting seasons.
First time hunting fox? Check out these articles:
Read: How to call in a fox.
Read: How to use tracks and scat to hunt a fox.
Related: Read the laws for hunting coyotes in Illinois.
Related: Read the laws for hunting bobcats in Illinois.
General laws for hunting fox in Illinois.
Hunting hours. During the season, hunting of fox is allowed all day.
Predator callers. All callers are legal for furbearers.
While electronic callers are expensive, mouth and hand callers are more affordable—if harder to use.
Read this article and watch the video to learn how to use a closed reed rabbit squealer.
You can check the price of other callers (including electronic) on Predator call prices.
Decoys are legal. You can read about some highly effective but inexpensive ($20) decoys here.
Suppressors are illegal.
Hunting fox in Illinois at night.
Using lights and night vision, infrared, or thermal riflescopes. According to Gunrightsattorneys.com: “Night vision goggles, thermal, and artificial light can be used for hunting in Illinois during legal night time hours for the following species of animals.
- red fox
- gray fox
- bobcat
- raccoons
- opossums
- coyote
- striped skunk.”
Related: What is the best night vision scope for a new predator hunter?
Related: How does the ATN Thor 4 thermal riflescope perform in the field?
Related: Just getting started and want to hunt with a light? Here is the best color to use when hunting predators at night.
Statewide vs IDNR firearm regulations for Illinois.
- Statewide regulations (excludes IDNR sites)
- Centerfire or rimfire rifle of any caliber (single shot through semi-automatic, no magazine/capacity restrictions). Hunters are responsible for the projectiles they fire. Follow the rules of Hunter Safety – be sure of your target and what is beyond.
- Shotgun of gauge 10 or greater (e.g., 12 gauge), slugs allowed.
- Single shot through semi-automatic handgun of any caliber.
- Archery (see Deer info for equipment specifications).
- IDNR site restrictions
- Only .22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearms allowed from sunset to sunrise unless otherwise stated in site-specific regulations.
- Slugs are not allowed.
- Cannot use or possess any tree climbing or cutting device (e.g., axe or saw) when hunting furbearers.
- Some IDNR sites require an annual Hound Running Area Permit. Contact the IDNR Springfield Office to apply for a permit.