Illinois Department of Natural Resources

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources
promotes the safe use and enjoyment of the bountiful waters of Illinois. Our mission is to manage, protect, and sustain Illinois’ natural and cultural resources, further the public’s understanding and appreciation of those resources, and promote the education, science, and public safety of our natural resources for present and future generations.

The mission of the Safety Education Section is to provide hunter, boating, snowmobile, and trapping safety courses to both children and adults. These courses are primarily designed to train young people and are mandatory for certain age groups if they wish to hunt, trap, operate a motorboat, personal watercraft, or operate a snowmobile in Illinois.

Learn just about everything you want to know about what is going on outdoors in Illinois!

Stay current on boating laws
Purchase fishing and hunting licenses online
Get answers to questions about boat registration and fishing and hunting regulations
Find out about state parks—locations and fees, plus available activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, and boating

Everything you need to know about boating in Illinois is just a click away at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website!

Stay up to date on new boating laws!

Be sure to stay abreast of new boating laws and requirements.

For state boating law information, call the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at 217-782-6431 or visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
For federal boating laws, visit the U.S. Coast Guard’s boating safety website.

Information in this manual does not replace what is specifically legal for boating in Illinois, which is found in Illinois Statutes and Regulations and federal law.

Use your browser's BACK button to return.