Illinois Recreational Access Program

The focus of IRAP is to carry on the outdoor traditions, our goal is to connect youth and families to public access on private land with new hunting and fishing opportunities throughout Illinois. One of the more challenging problems facing the Department of Natural Resources is providing public recreational access and outdoor opportunities to our constituents. Utilizing resources obtained through a grant from the US Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, Illinoisans have more places to enjoy the great outdoors through IDNR’s new Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP). IRAP will increase public outdoor recreational opportunities on private lands through payments to eligible land owners who agree up to a three-year lease for one or more of the following IRAP activities:

*Youth Turkey Hunting
*Spring seasons 3&4 Turkey Hunting
*Archery Deer Hunting
*Youth Shotgun Deer Hunting
*Small Game Hunting (rabbit, squirrel)
*Upland Game Hunting (quail, pheasant)
*Waterfowl Hunting
*Fishing (ponds, rivers and streams)

In addition, and very important, are incentive payments that will be made for habitat management plans written by IDNR on IRAP-leased property, as well as a stipend to the landowner based on activities. It's a “win-win” for the landowner, wildlife and IRAP participant!