Illinois DNR to extend IRAP Program Application Deadline
OutdoorHub 02.15.12
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced today that it is extending the application deadline for the Illinois Recreational Access Program’s (IRAP) youth turkey hunting program on IRAP leased sites. The original deadline was February 13th and has been extended to February 29th for the Spring Youth Wild Turkey Season and March 14th for turkey seasons 3 and 4.
“We have been so successful in leasing property in IRAP’s first year that we have more sites than anticipated. We want to make sure we give young turkey hunters the every opportunity to participate,” said IRAP Program Manager Tammy Miller “The IRAP program now has nearly 7,000 acres enrolled from private landowners in just a little over three months.”
Through IRAP, the counties that are currently available for youth (under 16) to spring turkey hunt in are: Adams, Lee, Bureau, Woodford, McLean, Iroquois, McDonough, Fulton, Schuyler, Mason, Pike, Scott, Morgan, Sangamon, Christian, Macoupin, Bond and Monroe.
Three spring turkey seasons in 2012 will be available for youth hunters through IRAP:
- Spring Youth Season, which gives the kids a head start on turkey season, will run March 31- April 1 (Southern Zone) and April 7-8 (Northern Zone)
- Season 3, April 21-April 25 (Southern Zone) and April 27-May 2 (Northern Zone)
- Season 4, April 26-May 2 (Southern Zone) and May 3-May 9 (Northern Zone)
Interested youth turkey hunters should download an application for an IRAP Youth Turkey Hunting site through the IDNR website at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/IRAP.