East Central Reporter

Adam Niemerg, representative for Illinois State House District 102, announced in a Facebook post that new regulations during turkey hunting season now permit the use of smaller shotguns.

"As of Jan. 1, Illinois now allows smaller shotguns, such as the .410, to be used for turkey hunting," said Adam M. Niemerg, Illinois State Representative, according to Facebook.

Niemerg’s post included a link to a Chicago Sun-Times article that highlighted one hunter’s experience on the opening day of the spring turkey hunting season. Richard Music, who went hunting on April 7, bagged a 26.2-pound turkey with a 10-inch beard in Jo Daviess County. According to the article, he used a .410 shotgun at 41 yards to get his turkey.

Screenshot of State Representative Adam NIemerg's April 28 Facebook post | State Representative Adam Niemerg's Facebook page.

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the spring turkey hunting season for adults in Illinois began in the southern zones on April 7 and will end May 8. In the northern zone, the spring hunt began on April 14 and will run through May 15. During this period, shotgun hunting is allowed from half an hour before sunrise until 1 p.m., with a limit of one tom, jake, or bearded hen per permit and a maximum of three spring permits. The only firearms allowed during this season are shotguns ranging from .410 to 10 gauge. No other firearms are permitted for turkey hunting unless in accordance with the Firearm Concealed Carry Act.

IDNR notes that hunters must report their harvest by 10 p.m. on the day it is taken. They can report it by calling 866-452-4325 or using the online system at www.exploremoreil.com. Hunters are prohibited from using decoys, recorded calls, traps, or nets to harvest wild turkeys. Baiting turkeys is also not allowed.

Niemerg represents the 102nd District but was previously elected to represent the 109th District and has been active in the Illinois General Assembly since 2021. A native of Teutopolis, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University after attending Lake Land College. Professionally, Niemerg has experience as a senior claims adjuster with Country Financial.