As publishedNorth Zone: Nov 7, 2026 – Jan 8, 2027; South Zone: Nov 7, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027
Roosters only — hen pheasants illegal to harvest or possess except on specified controlled hunting areas. Zones split by a line following US-36 (Indiana line to Springfield), IL-29 (Springfield to Pekin), IL-9 (Pekin to Dallas City), then due west to the Mississippi River. Until the 3rd day of the season, possession may not exceed twice the daily limit. No HIP requirement (HIP applies only to dove/woodcock).
Ring-necked pheasant is one of three species (with bobwhite quail, gray partridge) covered by IDNR's annual Upland Hunting Forecast, built on the spring/summer Upland Bird Route Survey plus the retrospective Hunter Harvest Survey. Re-confirmed via fresh search 2026-08-19: the most recent edition found is still 'The 2025-2026 Upland Hunting Forecast' (published Nov 3, 2025); no 2026-27 edition found. Expected ~early November 2026, close to the Nov 1 season opener.