Tools/Legal light/Illinois

Legal shooting light in Illinois

In short

In Illinois, legal shooting light for game animals runs from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. At Springfield today that is 6:06 AM to 7:43 PM CDT.

Updated September 2026
Sun altitude · Fri, Sep 11CDT · Game animals
HORIZON30°60°12 AM3 AM6 AM9 AMNOON3 PM6 PM9 PM12 AMLEGAL 6:06 AMENDS 7:43 PMSUNRISE 6:36 AMSUNSET 7:13 PM
NightTwilightDayLegal window
Now
—
 
Legal from6:06 AM
Sunrise6:36 AM
Sunset7:13 PM
Legal until7:43 PM
Civil dawn6:08 AM
Civil dusk7:40 PM
Legal day13h 38m
Daylight12h 38m
NESW
Sunrise bearing84°
Sunset bearing276°
The Illinois ruleCommon rule · confirm with agency
Game animals & non-migratory birdsone-half hour before sunrise → one-half hour after sunset

Confirm with: Illinois wildlife agency. Sun times computed with astronomy-engine (USNO convention: upper limb, refraction).

All states·Illinois season dates·Illinois regulations

Illinois shooting hours, answered

What are the legal shooting hours in Illinois?

For game animals, Illinois allows hunting from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. This is the common rule; confirm the exact wording with the state agency.

When does legal light end today at Springfield?

Today legal light ends at 7:43 PM CDT at Springfield (7:13 PM sunset plus the after-sunset offset). Set your precise location above for your exact spot.