Illinois youth turkey hunters set a record for the third year in a row bagging a preliminary total of 2,318 birds during the 2026 Illinois youth season.
This breaks the previous record set last year of 2,099 birds.
Participation also set a record as Youth hunters purchased a record 7,369 permits in 2026, surpassing the previous record of 6,538 sold in 2025.
Youth in Sangamon County accounted for 23 turkeys.
