Top Hunting Places in Peoria, Illinois

June 14, 2025

Peoria, Illinois, may be the heart of the Prairie State, but it’s also the beating heart of Midwest hunting culture. Surrounded by river bottoms, hardwood forests, rolling farmland, and wetland preserves, Peoria offers one of the most diverse and rewarding hunting environments in the state. Whether you’re stalking a trophy whitetail, calling in gobblers, or watching ducks spiral into backwater sloughs, Peoria delivers unmatched hunting access — both public and private — for every season and skill level.

Whitetail Deer Hunting in Peoria: Prime Bucks in the River Valley

Peoria County is nestled within the Illinois River Valley, a region renowned for producing massive, corn-fed whitetail deer. The combination of food-rich farmlands and dense river timber creates ideal habitat for deer to thrive.

Top deer hunting locations:

Jubilee College State Park – Just 20 minutes west of Peoria, this park offers public archery hunting and firearm access via lottery. Known for thick cover and low hunting pressure, it’s a hidden gem for bowhunters.
Sand Ridge State Forest (Mason County) – About 45 minutes away, it features over 7,000 acres of open oak-hickory forest, sand prairies, and a healthy deer population.
Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area – Offers archery and shotgun hunting zones adjacent to wetland habitats where deer often bed down.

Look for travel corridors between bedding and feeding areas, especially during the pre-rut phase in late October.

Turkey Hunting in Central Illinois: Big Beards in the Timber

Peoria’s vast hardwood forests and agricultural interface create ideal spring and fall turkey hunting conditions. Eastern wild turkeys roost along creek bottoms and fly down into open fields at dawn.

Top areas for turkey hunting:

Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area – Known for roosting habitat and strong gobbler populations.
Private Land Access via IRAP (Illinois Recreational Access Program) – Several participating farms near Peoria offer low-pressure turkey hunting, perfect for those seeking a more secluded experience.

Early morning hunts with slate or diaphragm calls can bring mature toms within range. Scout ridgelines and open timber areas in March to locate roosts.

Waterfowl Hunting Near Peoria: The Flyway Comes Alive

Peoria lies directly in the Mississippi Flyway, making it one of the best waterfowl destinations in Illinois. The convergence of rivers, lakes, and flooded timber provides prime duck and goose habitat throughout the fall and winter migration.

Best waterfowl locations near Peoria:

Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area – One of the top duck hunting areas in the Midwest, featuring managed waterfowl hunting zones, blinds, and draw systems. Frequented by mallards, pintails, wood ducks, and Canada geese.
Banner Marsh State Fish & Wildlife Area – Offers walk-in and boat access to numerous backwaters and marshes, great for freelance hunters.
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge – Managed for waterfowl habitat, this area draws tens of thousands of birds annually.

Use motion decoys, jerk rigs, and late-season feeding calls to improve your odds during migration peaks.

Small Game & Upland Bird Hunting in Peoria: Traditional Pursuits in Rich Habitat

For those who love classic hunting traditions, Peoria offers plentiful opportunities for rabbit, squirrel, pheasant, and quail hunting.The diverse terrain and CRP fields in the region are especially inviting for upland hunters with dogs.

Top spots for small game and upland birds:

Jubilee College State Park – Excellent for squirrel hunting with .22 rifles, especially around oak groves.
Peoria County Conservation Areas – Some offer pheasant release programs and solid rabbit hunting along hedgerows.
Spring Lake and Rice Lake Areas – Ideal for mixed small game hunting after waterfowl seasons wind down.

Late morning and early afternoon hunts are productive once frost lifts, especially in sunny brush piles and field edges.

Predator Hunting: Year-Round Action Near Peoria

The open terrain and dense cover around Peoria create the perfect setting for coyote and fox hunting. These predators are active year-round and present an exciting challenge for experienced hunters.

Recommended predator hunting areas:

Private farmland and fringe woodland areas near Glasford and Hanna City – Get landowner permission and set up on windy ridgelines or near livestock operations.
Banner Marsh & Sand Ridge – These areas see light pressure during predator seasons and offer great calling setups.

Use electronic calls, thermal scopes (where legal), and distress rabbit sequences to bring in coyotes during winter months.

Licensing and Regulations for Hunting in Peoria, IL

To hunt legally in Peoria and surrounding counties, you'll need:

Illinois Hunting License
Habitat Stamp
Species-Specific Permits (deer, turkey, waterfowl, etc.)
Hunter Safety Education Certificate (for those born after January 1, 1980)

These can be acquired through the Illinois DNR website or at sporting goods stores like Presley’s Outdoors in Bartonville — a local favorite for gear, licenses, and expert advice.

Peoria’s Prime Hunting Calendar

Game Species	Peak Season Timing	Tips for Success
Whitetail Deer	Oct – Jan	Rut peaks Nov 7–20; hunt travel corridors
Wild Turkey	April–May, Oct	Scout roost sites, call at daybreak
Waterfowl	Nov – Jan	Hunt cold fronts, river sloughs
Rabbits/Squirrels	Aug – Feb	Best in mid-morning near brush piles
Coyotes	Year-round	Early morning/evening, use mouth calls

Local Gear and Guide Resources in Peoria

Peoria is home to experienced outfitters, guides, and sporting goods stores:

Presley’s Outdoors – Trusted by generations of hunters for archery, firearms, optics, and seasonal insights.
Peoria Skeet & Trap Club – Great place to hone your shotgun skills before duck or upland season.
Prairie Fire Outfitters – Offers guided deer and waterfowl hunts on managed private lands.
Tactical Soft Rifle Cases – For hunters needing durable, lightweight protection for their firearms during transport or storage.

Whether you’re tuning a bow or zeroing a rifle, these local pros offer valuable insights tailored to central Illinois hunting conditions.

Conservation and Responsible Hunting in Peoria

Hunters in the Peoria area take pride in contributing to ethical hunting and land stewardship. Many participate in:

Habitat restoration projects
Youth mentor programs
Local chapters of Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited

Always respect posted land, observe bag limits, and leave the land better than you found it — that’s the Peoria way.

Final Thoughts: Why Peoria is a Must-Hunt Destination in Illinois

Peoria stands out as a versatile, accessible, and rewarding hunting hub in central Illinois. With its diverse landscapes, trophy-class game animals, and welcoming hunting culture, it’s no wonder so many return year after year. Whether you're after a November buck, a spring gobbler, or mallards skimming the flooded timber, Peoria delivers unforgettable field days and campfire nights.