EDGEFIELD, S.C. — NWTF volunteers in Illinois commend the adoption of SB2767, which amends the Illinois Wildlife Code, lowering the minimum shotgun gauge allowed for turkey hunting from 20 gauge to the .410 bore. The new change also allows the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to restrict shot size, material or density via the agency’s discretion. The new law does not take effect until January 1, 2025, so 28 gauge and .410 bores will still be illegal for turkey hunting for the 2024 fall season.
The new law is now known as Public Act 103-0622.
“The Illinois State Chapter has supported this bill since its inception through its fruition,” said Steve McNeil, Illinois NWTF State Chapter president. “We are excited for the many opportunities that new and younger hunters will experience with the use of .410-bore and 28-gauge shotguns.”
Luke Garver, ILDNR wild turkey project manager and NWTF Technical Committee member noted that, historically, .410 shotguns were not allowed for turkey hunting in Illinois because velocity and payload for ammunition available were not deemed substantial enough to be lethal; however, as shot technology has advanced, many states, Illinois included, began to consider changing their regulations.
ILDNR first tested the idea with hunters through a wild turkey hunter satisfaction survey in 2019. At that time, more respondents said they would be against changing regulations to allow .410 for turkey hunting compared to hunters who were in support. Still, as Illinois hunters have become more aware of the increasing availability of .410 loads focused on turkey hunting, ILDNR felt it was time to revisit the idea.
“In Illinois, the regulation setting the limits on shotguns for turkey hunting is held in statute,” Garver said. “This means it required a bill proposal to get it changed. I was given the opportunity to write the language to be considered for a bill, and fortunately it was met with bipartisan support the entire way. Illinois hunters are looking forward to the opportunity to add .410 bore and 28-gauge shotguns to their legal method of take for the 2025 spring turkey season and beyond.
“Our agency feels the change will add opportunity for young, disabled and smaller framed hunters. Also, because of the variety of high-quality ammunition available, we are confident in the lethality of smaller-bore shotguns being added to the allowed method of take. As always, it is important for turkey hunters to maintain the turkey hunting ethic and become familiar with their chosen shotgun and ammunition. It’s advised that hunters pattern their shotgun, choke, and shell combination to ensure an accurate point of impact and to determine the maximum effective range for the ethical harvest of wild turkeys.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $9 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
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