Welcome to Illinois DNR! 

Featured Articles

1. Article number 1 - Now Accepting Illinois Youth Recreation Corps Grant Applications
2. Article number 2 - Illinois Deer Management Survey
3. Article number 3 - Online Dove Permits
4. Article number 4 - Renew Your Watercraft Registration Online
5. Article number 5 - Featured DNR Site - White Pines State Park

• Now Accepting Illinois Youth Recreation Corps Grant Applications

  Illinois DNR is now accepting grants applications from local governments and not for profit entities for youth employment in summer recreational and conservation programs. Eligible programs should provide conservation and recreational opportunities, which may include coordination and teaching of physical and learning activities directly related to natural resource conservation management or recreation. Applications are being accepted June 14 to June 19.

  For an application and additional information on the Illinois Youth Recreation Corps Program, visit the IDNR Recreational Grants-in-Aid website or download the application at:

  • http://dnr.state.il.us/ocd/2013IYRCInstructionsandApplication.pdf

• Illinois Deer Management Survey

  IDNR scheduled a series of open houses in early June for stakeholders to ask questions and receive information about Illinois' deer herd. We have created a site for you to review the materials provided at each open house. We are asking for further input from individuals that were not able to attend. Please take 10 minutes of your time to fill out the online Survey.

  • Material from Deer Management Open Houses
  • Survey

• Online Dove Permits

  Online applications will be accepted from resident Illinois hunters from June 11 - July 2 for the first lottery for Illinois Free Dove Hunting Permits for hunting at select state sites. Applications may be submitted for the second lottery by resident hunters who were unsuccessful in the first lottery, residents who did not apply in the first lottery, and non-resident hunters for the second lottery drawing from July 3-16. After the second lottery permit application deadline on July 16, hunters may apply for remaining free dove permits on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8 AM on July 31.

  For more information on dove hunting permit areas and free dove permits, check the IDNR website at:

  • www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/dove

• Renew Your Watercraft Registration Online

  The Department of Natural Resources is not sending out watercraft renewal notices this year. It is your responsibility to make sure that your watercraft registration is current.

  Watercraft owners are able to renew their watercraft registrations anytime 24/7 using a touch-tone telephone (1-866-867-3542) or online. All registration and credit card information supplied to this service is privacy protected. A convenience fee will be added to the regular registration fee to offset the cost of the transaction.

  To use this service, you'll need your Illinois registration and hull ID numbers (located on your registration card), and pen/paper to record your confirmation number.

  Forms of payment include VISA, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and E-Check.

  • Watercraft Registration Renewal Webpage

• Featured DNR Site - White Pines State Park

  Located southwest of Mount Morris, White Pines State Park features the southernmost stand of native white pines in Illinois. It is also noted for its vine-covered limestone bluffs, and concrete fords, allowing cars to drive through the flowing stream of Pine Creek.

  • White Pines State Park Web site