Ask Fish and Game
idfg-staff
Q. I won't turn 12 until this summer but would like to apply in a controlled hunt drawing this spring. Is this possible?
A. Yes, it is. You have to have a hunting license to apply in a controlled hunt, and you have to be 12 to buy one. However, you can buy one at age 11 to apply in a controlled hunt, as long as you don't use it to hunt until turning 12. You must have successfully completed an approved hunter education course to buy the license.