Updated as of 9/18/2026 - " For shotguns and muzzleloading firearms, the minimum size of the projectile shall be .44 caliber. A wad or sleeve is not considered a projectile or a part of the projectile.
A muzzleloading rifle is defined as a rifle into which the projectile is incapable of being inserted from the breech end.
Only blackpowder or a “blackpowder substitute” such as Pyrodex may be used. Modern smokeless powders (nitrocellulose-based) are an approved blackpowder substitute only in muzzleloading firearms specifically designed for their use.
Percussion caps (shotgun primers are legal percussion caps), wheellock, matchlock or flint type ignition only may be used, except a muzzleloader with an electronic ignition is legal to use.
A muzzleloading firearm is considered unloaded when: removal of percussion cap or removal of prime powder from frizzen pan with frizzen open and hammer all the way down or removal of prime powder from flashpan and wheel unwound or removal of prime powder and match with match not lit, or removal of the battery from the electronic ignition."
ILLINOIS MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASONS
Muzzleloader Deer Hunts
| Season | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Notes |
| Muzzleloader Only | Dec 11th - Dec 13th | 1 Deer Per Permit | |
| Firearm | Nov 20th - Nov 22nd | 1 Deer Per Permit | Shotgun, Muzzleloader or Handgun |
| Firearm | Dec 3rd - Dec 6th | 1 Deer Per Permit | Shotgun, Muzzleloader or Handgun |
| Late Winter Antlerless Only | Dec 31st - Jan 3rd | 1 Antlerless Deer Per Permit | Shotgun, Muzzleloader or Handgun |
| Late Winter Antlerless Only | Jan 15th - Jan 17th | 1 Antlerless Deer Per Permit | Shotgun, Muzzleloader or Handgun |
ILLINOIS MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON REGULATIONS
- Muzzleloaders must be .45 caliber or larger
- Muzzleloaders must fire a single projectile
- Muzzleloaders must have a barrel 16" or longer
- Muzzleloaders must be incapable of loading from the breech
- 209 primers are legal
- Pelletized powder is legal
- Only soft point or expanding projectiles are permitted for deer. Non-expanding, military-style full metal jacket bullets are prohibited.
This information is subject to change, for more information visit: Illinois Hunting Regulations
HAVE ILLINOIS MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON QUESTIONS?
Muzzleloader Hunting season is the best for low-pressure hunting and plentiful wildlife. If you are new to muzzleloaders or would like more information on your state's muzzleloader hunting regulations, make sure to give us a call. Muzzle-Loaders.com is focused on promoting black powder hunting in all 50 states and can help you determine when your particular state's hunting season starts. If you have questions about Illinois Muzzleloader Hunting Season, please call us at 1-855-236-5000 or email us at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.
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