Record Harvest of Turkeys Taken in Youth Season

Illinois youth turkey hunters harvested a preliminary total of 2,006 birds during the 2024 youth turkey season, breaking the previous record of 1,733 set in 2020.

Fayette County had the second-highest harvest in the state with 66, five fewer than Randolph County. The Fayette total was 40 birds higher than the 26 birds taken in 2023.

Elsewhere in the area, 34 turkeys were taken in Effingham County, up from 10 the year before; there were 49 birds taken in Clay County, up from 35; 15 were taken in Cumberland County, compared to 13 the year before; there were 42 birds taken in Jasper County, compared to 11 in 2023; and 23 turkeys were taken by youth hunters in Shelby County, compared to 17 the year before.