Youth hunters across Illinois are setting new marks in the field. State officials report a preliminary total of 2,318 turkeys harvested during the 2026 youth season, topping last year’s record of 2,099 and marking the third straight year of record-breaking results. Participation also surged, with a record 7,369 permits sold this year, up from 6,538 in 2025. The success rate held above 30 percent for the third year in a row, pointing to strong interest among young hunters and a healthy statewide turkey population. The youth season ran March 28th through the 29th and again April 4th through the 5th. Leading counties included Jefferson with 75 birds, Fayette with 74, and Marion with 68, followed by Adams and Clay counties at 62 each.