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Insight Horizon Media

Is it illegal to kill rabbits in your yard Illinois?

Author

John Castro

Published Feb 17, 2026

Is it illegal to kill rabbits in your yard Illinois?

Most wildlife is protected by law and cannot be killed or even removed without a permit. The Illinois Department of National Resources is tasked with conservation and management of wild species in Illinois.

Is it legal to hunt rabbits in Illinois?

Residents and non-residents will need the following two credentials to hunt rabbits and/or squirrels: Hunting license (unless exempt: see Hunting Licenses: Exceptions) State Habitat Stamp.

Can I hunt on my own land without a license in Illinois?

Hunting is also allowed on private property IF you have received prior permission from the landowner or tenant. IDNR has a Land Access Permission Card to facilitate this approval. “Property Only Hunting” permits are available to landowners who meet the requirements.

Can you shoot squirrels in your yard in Illinois?

Most small mammals may be killed or removed without a permit. A permit is needed to remove eastern woodrats, rice rats, and Franklin’s ground squirrels, which are listed as endangered or threatened species in Illinois. A permit is needed.

Where can I hunt rabbits in Illinois?

Traditionally, the area from Interstate 70 to just north of the Shawnee Hills offers some of the state’s finest rabbit hunting. Counties bordering the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers are also top areas for cottontails.

Are you allowed to shoot rabbits in your garden?

Under the Pests Act 1954, all occupiers of land have a “continuing obligation to kill or take any wild rabbits living on” it. Under legislation dating back to the 19th Century, the land occupier and one other person – such as a member of household staff – can shoot rabbits found there.

How many acres do you need to hunt in Illinois?

It combines current provisions for deer, turkey and combination hunting licenses to Illinois landowners residing in Illinois who own at least 40 acres of Illinois land and wish to hunt upon their land only, resident tenants of at least 40 acres of commercial agricultural land where they will hunt and bona fide equity …

Can I hunt with a rifle in Illinois?

Illinois General Assembly – Bill Status for HB2783. Amends the Wildlife Code. Permits hunting with a rifle for the taking of deer. Provides that notwithstanding any provision of the Code, it is unlawful to take a deer with a rifle in a county of the State with a population of 500,000 or more.

Is it illegal to shoot a raccoon in Illinois?

It is important to remember that these animals are protected by the state, and it is not legal for individuals without a class A, B or C wildlife control permit to trap or shoot any of these animals unless they have a sport hunting or trapping license and do so during open season.

Can you hunt rabbits at night in Illinois?

The rabbit hunting season opens statewide on Nov. 4 and closes Feb. Hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.

Is there a rabbit season in Illinois?

During Illinois hunting seasons, you’ll find a variety of standard game animals, including deer, turkey, rabbit and other small game….Illinois Small Game Seasons.

Bobwhite QuailNov. 6-Jan. 15**
RabbitNov. 6-Feb. 15
Gray and Fox SquirrelAug. 1-Feb. 15 (closed during deer firearms seasons)
CrowOct. 28-Feb. 28

Is it legal to trap wild rabbits?

Species you can trap: Rabbits require a nuisance wild animal control permit to trap, or they can be taken during open season by legal hunting methods.