The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is offering public squirrel hunting opportunities from August 1 to September 15 at over 30 private land sites through the Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP). Covering more than 4,400 acres, the program creates accessible hunting locations in 18 counties at no cost to participants. Hunters need to register, sign a liability waiver, and reserve their site online.

IRAP encourages family participation and aims to introduce young and first-time hunters to the activity, passing on hunting traditions. Youth hunters aged 17 and below must be accompanied by an adult supervisor, and all participants must have completed a department-approved hunter education course if born in 1980 or later. Successful registrants receive site permits and coordinates, enhancing the hunting experience.

Since its inception in 2011, IRAP has leased over 27,000 acres of private land in 52 Illinois counties for various hunting and fishing activities. The program's success is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Voluntary Public Access Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP), leading to habitat improvements on 17,000 acres and providing outdoor enthusiasts the chance to enjoy nature's wonders. For more information, visit https://dnrillinois.gov/conservation/irap.html or contact DNRIRAP@illinois.gov.