CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
SUBCHAPTER b: FISH AND WILDLIFE
PART 590 DUCK, GOOSE AND COOT HUNTING
SECTION 590.60 VARIOUS OTHER DEPARTMENT SITES – DUCK, GOOSE AND COOT HUNTING
Section 590.60 Various Other Department Sites – Duck, Goose and Coot Hunting
The sites listed in this Section conform to Statewide Regulations (Section 590.10) and the following regulations, except as noted.
a) Regulations
1) Hunting hours are from legal opening to 1:00 p.m., except hunting shall be permitted until sunset on those sites indicated by (1) following the location in subsection (b). Sites that require use of windshield cards by hunters as specified in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10 are followed by (2).
2) No permanent blinds allowed, except for Department constructed blinds; all blinds must be of a portable nature and constructed with natural vegetation at the blind site and no pits can be dug. All materials must be removed or dismantled at the end on the day's hunt.
3) Portable boat blinds must have been completed, including final brushing, before entering the water and must be removed at the end of the day's hunt.
4) Waterfowl hunters must maintain a distance of 200 yards between hunting parties, except for Department constructed blinds or staked locations.
5) No hunting is permitted within 200 yards of developed recreation areas, public use facilities, and construction or industrial sites.
6) No check station is operated nor is any check in/check out required, except as indicated in the remainder of this Section.
7) It shall be unlawful to trespass upon areas designated as waterfowl rest areas or refuges from 2 weeks prior to the start of regular duck season through the close of regular duck and Canada goose season except as indicated in the remainder of this Section.
8) It shall be unlawful to trespass upon the designated waterfowl hunting area during the 7 days prior to the regular duck season unless otherwise posted at the site.
b) Site Specific Regulations
1) Apple River Canyon State Park – Salem and Thompson Units – Land based waterfowl hunting only; all hunter items must be removed daily; hunting parties shall not hunt over less than 6 decoys; season open through the close of the goose season in the zone where the site is located. Hunting in grain crop fields can only be done after crops are harvested; hunting in forage crops (hay, alfalfa) can be done at any time. (1) (2)
2) Boston Bay (Mississippi River Pool 18)
No permanent blinds may be built; temporary blinds only; 200 yards apart.
3) Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area (no one may enter the site before 4:00 a.m. Hunters must park at the stake's designated parking location.
4) Cache River State Natural Area (hunters must sign in prior to hunting and sign out and report their harvest at the end of each day) (1)
5) Campbell Pond State Wildlife Management Area (2)
6) Cape Bend State Fish and Wildlife Area (1)
7) Carlyle Lake Project Lands and Waters
A) No one may enter the subimpoundment area (except for parking areas) to hunt waterfowl before 4:30 a.m. each day of the waterfowl hunting season, or remain in the area after 3:00 p.m. each day of the waterfowl hunting season, except during the last 3 days of the Canada goose season and during any goose seasons that occur before or after Canada goose season, hunters must be out of the area by one hour after sunset and not return until 4:30 a.m. The subimpoundment area is defined as that area bordered by the Kaskaskia River on the east and south and extending north and west to the Carlyle Lake project boundary, and includes impoundment areas 1, 2, 3, and 4 and within the impoundments on the East Side Management Area located east of the Kaskaskia River.
B) The waters of Carlyle Lake are defined as the lake and that portion of the Kaskaskia River, North Fork, East Fork, Peppenhorst Branch and Allen Branch and Hurricane Creek that are within the boundaries of the Carlyle Lake property.
C) Walk-in hunting shall be permitted in subimpoundment areas. Boats with no motors are allowed in the subimpoundments. Department personnel will designate boat launching locations.
D) When the water level in the subimpoundment area is too high (due to flooding) to allow walk-in hunting, Department personnel shall post that the area is open to boats with motors (no airboats) operating at no wake speed and will designate boat launching locations.
E) Known eagle protection areas will be posted by the Site Superintendent and will be closed to waterfowl hunting.
F) Each hunting party is required to hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys. Decoys shall not be left out unattended or after 3:00 p.m. each day of the waterfowl season, except during the last 3 days of the Canada goose season and during any goose seasons that occur after Canada goose season, decoys shall not be left out unattended or later than one hour after sunset.
G) All waterfowl hunters must register prior to hunting each day of the waterfowl hunting season at the nearest accessible registration box. All hunters must sign out and record their harvest daily before they exit the area.
H) The Army Corps of Engineers may build blinds on Corps managed lands and waters for management purposes only.
I) During the last 3 days of Canada goose season, hunting hours shall close at sunset daily.
J) Waterfowl hunters may not possess more than 25 non-toxic rounds of ammunitions while hunting within the subimpoundment areas during regular duck and goose seasons.
8) Cave-In-Rock State Park – Kaegi Tract (2)
9) Chauncey Marsh State Natural Area (2)
10) Clinton Lake State Recreation Area (1) (2)
A) Except as described in subsections (b)(10)(C) and (E), hunting is allowed only from anchored portable blinds, except that no waterfowl hunting is permitted in the area extending from a line between the west side boat ramp and the southern-most point of the central peninsula to the Davenport Bridge.
B) Waterfowl hunting is also permitted from the shore in designated walk-in hunting areas on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-in or boat hunting only. No more than 4 hunters per party are permitted.
C) Hunting from permanent land-based blinds is permitted only from Disabled Hunting Program and Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area blinds. In all Boat Access Only Sites, boat hunters may access land to hunt that is open to upland game and/or forest game (including archery hunting area) hunting. Hunters may use a boat to access these areas; no walk-in hunting at these sites. All blind rules in subsection (b)(10)(C) apply.
D) Each party must hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys. Decoys must be removed from the sites following each day's hunt. Decoys must not be left unattended.
E) Except for the Handicap Hunting Program facilities and Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area, blinds must be portable or built from material brought in or available at the blind site. Blinds must be dismantled and removed at the end of each day's hunt. No trees or bushes may be cut.
F) There will be no hunting within 200 yards of developed areas or construction zones and 300 yards of electrical power lines.
G) Hunting within the Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area will, on designated days, be available only through a drawing conducted by the Springfield Permit Office. Procedures for applying for a permit at the site will be publicly announced.
11) Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
A) Hunters must sign in prior to hunting and sign out, reporting harvest at the end of each day.
B) Hunting from staked sites only.
C) No permanent blinds.
D) Hunting by boat access only.
E) No cutting vegetation on site.
F) Hunting hours from legal opening to 1 p.m. No fishing allowed in waterfowl hunting areas during waterfowl season.
G) Four hunters per blind site.
H) No hunting during firearm deer seasons.
I) All hunters must be checked out at sign in box by 2:00 p.m.
12) Copperhead Hollow State Wildlife Area (1) (2)
13) Cypress Pond State Natural Area (1)
Hunters must sign in prior to hunting and sign out reporting harvest at the end of each day.
14) Deer Pond State Natural Area (1)
Hunters must sign in prior to hunting and sign out reporting harvest at end of each day.
15) Devil's Island State Fish and Wildlife Area (1)
16) Dog Island State Wildlife Management Area (2)
17) Donnelley State Wildlife Area
A) Hunting is prohibited on Tuesdays and Wednesdays except open on opening day and on the first Sunday immediately preceding the first firearm deer season as set forth in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 650.10 except as indicated in Section 590.25.
B) Goose hunting is prohibited after the close of the duck season.
C) All hunting shall be from designated blinds only. Refilling or changing blinds is not permitted.
D) All hunters must report to the check station to fill out an information card and turn in hunting licenses or valid photo identification (example: Firearm Owner's Identification Card, driver's license) before proceeding to blinds.
E) A hunter may bring one or 2 hunting partners under the age of 21.
F) $10 daily usage stamp must be purchased to hunt this area. Non‑hunting partners between 16 and 20 years of age must pay daily usage stamp fee. Non-hunting partners under 16 are not required to purchase a daily usage stamp.
G) No outboard motors are allowed by public – only by authorized DNR personnel.
H) No more than 3 persons shall occupy a blind at any one time.
I) All parties are required to report to check station within one hour after termination of hunt or no later than 2:00 p.m.
J) All parties must hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys and a maximum of 48 decoys can be used, which must be removed upon the termination of the hunt.
K) The first weekend and the third Saturday of the regular duck season shall be designated as youth hunt days. This shall consist of youth or youths 15 and under plus one adult per blind. There shall be no charge for the youth on these days. Those blinds not allocated to youths shall be available to adults on those days.
L) One blind shall be made available by priority claim to "disabled" persons (as defined in Section 2.33 of the Wildlife Code).
18) Dug Hill State Fish and Wildlife Area (hunters must sign in prior to hunting and sign out before leaving the site)
19) Eagle Creek State Park (land hunting only allowed along the shoreline of Lake Shelbyville) (1)
20) Eldon Hazlet State Park
A) Three designated blind sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-in hunting only is permitted with a maximum of 4 hunters per site. All hunting must be from one blind site located between identically numbered stakes.
B) Hunters must sign in prior to hunting and sign out and report their harvest at the end of each day. All hunters must be checked out by 2:00 p.m. daily, except the last 3 days of the Canada goose season, and during any goose seasons that may occur after the Canada goose season, hunters must be checked out by one hour after sunset.
C) Decoys shall not be left out unattended.
D) When the lake floods this area and designated blind sites are not usable for walk-in hunting, the Department, by public announcement and/or posting, will open the affected area to hunting from boats per Carlyle Lake Project Lands and Waters’ rules.
21) Fort de Chartres State Historic Site (1)
A) Hunting is allowed from anchored, portable boat blinds only on a first come-first served basis.
B) Each hunting party is required to hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys which must be removed at the end of each hunting day.
C) No hunting is allowed during firearm deer season.
22) Fort Massac State Park (Kerr Farm Unit Only) (1) (2)
23) Fox Ridge State Park (1) (2)
Hunting restricted to Embarras River and its flood waters.
24) Fox River (1)
A) Waterfowl hunting is prohibited on that portion of the Fox River running from the Kendall-Kane County line downstream to a line extending from the intersection of Route 71 and Douglas Street in Oswego, across the Fox River to the intersection of Hickory Lane and Riverview Drive.
B) Waterfowl hunting shall be from Department designated sites only on that portion of the Fox River downstream from the line extending from the intersection of Route 71 and Douglas Street in Oswego, across the Fox River to the intersection of Hickory Lane and Riverview Drive downstream to the Fox River Drive Bridge. Hunting at the designated sites will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Statewide regulations shall be in effect with no other Sections of this Part being applicable.
25) Fox River – Chain of Lakes (Lake and McHenry Counties) (1)
Waterfowl blind regulations of the Fox Waterway Agency are in full force and effect on those public waters under their jurisdiction. Failure to comply with such regulations constitutes a violation of this Section.
26) Freeman Mine State Habitat Area
Hunting regulations will be publicly announced.
27) Heidecke State Fish and Wildlife Area, Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area and Powerton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
A) Blind sites may be allocated on a daily draw basis conducted at the check stations 60 minutes before hunting time. Hunters shall register as parties for the drawing; each party drawn shall be allowed to select blind site in order drawn; only those hunters registered in party shall be allowed to hunt with their party; no more than 3 hunters per party; persons under the age of 16 shall not be allowed to hunt unless accompanied by an adult. If no drawing occurs, then modifications will be posted at the site and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10(d)(3) shall apply.
B) Blind sites not selected during the drawing shall be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Vacant blind sites shall not be allocated after the drawing until one hour after legal hunting time. No blind sites shall be allocated after 10:00 a.m. Hunters wishing to move to another blind site must report this move to the check station attendant in person before such a move.
C) Access to water blind sites must be by boat only and from designated boat launch sites.
D) All hunting must be from portable boat blinds, within 10 yards of the assigned numbered stake or buoy. No more than 3 persons shall use one blind.
E) Upon vacating blind sites, all hunters must report to the check station within one hour. At this time, waterfowl bagged must be checked in and displayed to the station operator and hunting licenses returned.
F) Each hunting party is required to hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys. Decoys must be picked up immediately after the hunt is over.
G) Heidecke Lake and Braidwood Lake shall be closed to all fishing and boat traffic except for legal waterfowl hunters from 10 days prior to regular duck season until the close of the regular duck and Canada goose season. Powerton Lake shall be closed to boat traffic from 7 days prior to opening of regular duck season until February 15, except for legal waterfowl hunters, and closed to all unauthorized entry during the regular duck season.
H) No hunting on Monday and Tuesday at Heidecke and Braidwood Lakes. No hunting at Powerton Lake on Monday through Thursday except hunting permitted on State holidays.
I) It is unlawful to hunt waterfowl on the water area in any watercraft less than 16 feet long and 60 inches in beam and without a gas-powered motor.
J) No guns may be carried from water blinds to retrieve waterfowl that fall on land.
K) Hunting is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
L) All water areas not posted with blind site numbers shall be refuge and are closed to all boat traffic except by authorized personnel.
M) It is unlawful to shoot across any dike.
N) Waterfowl hunting shall close with the conclusion of the duck season at Powerton Lake. At Heidecke and Braidwood Lakes, waterfowl hunting closes at the end of duck or goose season, whichever is later. No goose hunting is allowed prior to duck season.
28) Henderson Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (2)
29) Hidden Springs State Forest (hunting restricted to Richland Creek and its floodwaters) (1) (2)
30) Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (Alexander County) Public Hunting Area
A) Closed to waterfowl hunting on Mondays and Tuesdays.
B) When duck season is closed, goose hunters may not possess more than 5 shot shells for every Canada goose allowed in the daily bag limit.
31) Horseshoe Lake Refuge
No hunting allowed, no boat motors except trolling motors will be allowed on Horseshoe Lake from October 15 to March 1.
32) Horseshoe Lake State Park (Madison County) – Gabaret, Mosenthein, Chouteau Island Unit Site permit required.
33) Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
A) Waterfowl hunting within agricultural fields in the Controlled Hunting Unit allowed on Mondays and Tuesdays beginning the opening day of the controlled pheasant hunting season until the close of the statewide waterfowl season.
B) Waterfowl hunting on Prairie Lake will be allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning the opening day of the controlled pheasant hunting season until the close of the controlled pheasant hunting season. Hunting hours on Prairie Lake will be legal opening shooting hours for Jim Edgar Panther Creek’s respective Illinois waterfowl zone to 12:00 p.m.
C) Staked hunting sites may be allocated on a daily draw basis conducted at 5:00 a.m. at the site office. Hunters shall register as parties for the drawing; each party drawn shall be allowed to select a hunt stake in order drawn; only those hunters registered in the party shall be allowed to hunt with the party; no more than 4 hunters per party; persons under the age of 16 shall not be allowed to hunt unless accompanied by an adult. If no drawing occurs, the modifications will be posted at the site and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10(d)(3) shall apply.
D) Access to water hunt stakes must be by boat only and from designated boat launch sites.
E) Upon vacating hunt stakes, all hunters must report to the site office within one hour to sign out and report harvest.
F) Each hunting party is required to hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys. Decoys must be picked up immediately after the hunt is over.
G) Hunting shall take place from boats anchored within 10 yards of Department assigned hunt stakes only. Hunters must occupy hunt stakes within one hour after registering at the check station. No guns may be carried from hunt stakes to retrieve waterfowl that fall on land.
H) Hunting is closed Christmas Day (December 25).
I) Hunting parties may move to unoccupied hunting stakes after 10:00 a.m. Hunting location moves need to be recorded when hunters check out after the hunt.
J) When it is deemed necessary, the Department shall remove, move or close hunt stakes in order to carry out the operations of the overall management program.
34) Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area (1)
The last 3 days of both the duck season and the regular Canada goose season.
A) No waterfowl hunters may remain in the area after 3:00 p.m. For those lands lying south of Illinois Route 154 and north of Illinois Route 13, the legal hunting hours shall be from statewide opening hour until statewide closing hour.
B) All waterfowl hunting parties must use at least 6 decoys. Hunting is allowed on a first-come, first-served basis.
C) It is unlawful to leave duck and goose decoys unattended. Decoys must be picked up at the end of each day's hunt.
D) All waterfowl hunters must register prior to hunting each day of the waterfowl season at the nearest check station, and must sign out and record their harvest daily before they exit the area.
E) The following regulations apply to the Doza Creek Waterfowl Management Area:
i) No waterfowl hunters may enter the area before 4:30 a.m. each day of the waterfowl hunting season. No waterfowl hunters may remain in the area after 3:00 p.m.
ii) Only waterfowl, coot, archery deer and fall archery turkey hunting (as provided by 17 Ill. Adm. Code 670 and 720) allowed in this area during the duck hunting season.
iii) For the first 4 days of the duck season, all waterfowl hunting must occur within 10 yards of an assigned, numbered stake. Staked hunting locations may be allocated on a daily draw basis at the Highway 154 Boat Ramp at 4:00 a.m. Hunters shall register as parties for the drawing; each party drawn shall be allowed to select a staked location in order drawn; only those hunters registered in a party shall be allowed to hunt with their party; no less than 2 hunters and no more than 4 hunters per party; moving from staked location to staked location is not allowed. Staked locations not allocated during the drawing will not be hunted that day. Starting on day 5 and for the remainder of the waterfowl season, hunting is allowed on a first-come, first-served basis and hunting need not occur by a stake. Waterfowl hunters must maintain a distance of 200 yards between hunting parties. If no drawing occurs pursuant to this subsection, then modifications will be posted at the site and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10(d)(3) shall apply.
iv) Electric trolling motors only may be used. All other motors must be removed or made inoperable.
F) Disabled accessible waterfowl hunting blind (Dry Lake Access Area)
i) Application for hunting dates should be received at the site office September 1-10 and will be allocated on a first request basis or via a drawing, if needed.
ii) Three hunters are allowed in the blind. At least one hunter must have a P-2 disabled certification.
iii) Hunters must sign in/out and report harvest at check station after hunting.
35) Kickapoo State Recreation Area (2)
A) Hunting permitted only within 10 yards of staked sites.
B) Hunters must hunt in parties of no more than 4 hunters per party.
C) Hunters must sign in, sign out, and report harvest.
D) Hunting hours are from legal opening to 1:00 p.m. during regular Illinois duck hunting season and statewide hours from the day after duck season closes until Canada goose season closes in the waterfowl hunting zone in which the site is located.
36) Kinkaid Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (1)
37) Lake Calumet and entrance channel to Calumet River (1)
38) Lake Michigan (1)
39) Mermet Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
A) No fishing on the area during duck season.
B) Hunting hours are from legal opening until 1:00 p.m. each day, except the last 3 days of duck season, when hunting shall be allowed until sunset.
C) Manned check station will be closed Christmas Day and every Sunday and Monday during regular duck hunting season. Walk-in hunting will be allowed on Sundays and Mondays.
D) Blind/pool sites may be allocated on a daily drawing basis at the manned waterfowl check station 90 minutes before legal hunting time (except Sunday and Monday when the manned check station is closed). One additional drawing will be held at the manned check station at 9 a.m. for any unoccupied waterfowl blinds/pools. If no drawing occurs pursuant to this paragraph, then modifications will be posted at the site and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10(d)(3) shall apply.
E) Hunters shall register as a party/group of up to 4 hunters for the drawing (except on the statewide youth waterfowl hunting day, as authorized in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 685.110(c) when 5 people may occupy a blind/pool at one time if the party includes 2 youth hunters); each party/group drawn shall be allowed to select a blind/pool in the order drawn; only those hunters registered in that party/group shall be allowed to hunt with the party.
F) Upon allocation of blinds/pools, all hunting parties/hunters must accept and hunt the blind/pool chosen, or reject the allocation of the blind/pool immediately. All those rejecting the allocation of a blind/pool shall be ineligible to hunt within the blind/pool area for the remainder of that day. Individual hunters, or hunting parties, can only be allocated one blind/pool per day.
G) Hunters must occupy their blinds/hunting area within one hour after registering at the manned check station.
H) Waterfowl hunters must have their waterfowl hunting tag filled out with the date and blind/stake number or hunting location. The card must be in possession of the hunter while hunting. All waterfowl harvested must be reported on the waterfowl hunting tag and returned daily to the drop box at the hunter check station no later than 2:00 p.m.
I) All hunters must park in designated areas only. All areas are marked with corresponding numbers or area designations. Only one vehicle per hunting party will be allowed, unless approval is granted by check station operator.
J) Within the blind/pool area, a minimum of 6 decoys per hunting party are required while hunting waterfowl. No decoys are required within the walk-in areas. All decoys must be removed from the area at the end of the day's hunt.
K) A 25 shotgun shell limit per hunter, per day, applies on this area. It is unlawful for a hunter to have in his or her possession more than 25 shotgun shells while on the site.
L) Hunting must be from allocated blind (or within 10 yards of blind) or pool location. Hunters may hunt other designated waterfowl hunting areas that do not have blinds or pools; however, they must maintain a minimum distance of 200 yards from the nearest blind/pool or other hunting parties.
M) Attempts to claim a blind/pool by any manner other than actual occupation shall be considered in violation of this Part. Insertion of a boat into a boat hide and/or the spread of decoys before a blind/pool shall not be considered legal occupation of a blind/pool.
N) Due to safety factors, persons under 16 years of age shall not hunt, or attempt to hunt, unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or person designated by the parent or guardian who is 18 years of age or older.
O) Claiming or attempting to claim any blind/pool that is legally occupied and/or harassing, in any manner, the occupants of a blind/pool that is legally occupied is unlawful.
P) Boats without motors may be used within the walk-in areas.
40) Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area (2)
A) Hunting is restricted to the Vermilion River and its flood waters.
B) Hunters must hunt in parties of no more than 4 hunters per party.
C) Hunters must sign in, sign out, and report harvest.
D) Hunting hours are from legal opening to 1:00 p.m. during regular Illinois duck hunting season and statewide hours from the day after the duck season closes until the Canada goose season closes in the waterfowl hunting zone in which the site is located.
41) Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
A) Blind sites may be allocated by a daily drawing to be conducted at 4:30 a.m. Blind sites not selected during the drawing (or in the event that personnel are not available to conduct drawing) shall be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until one hour before shooting time; and then after 9:00 a.m. All hunters must register before entering the hunting area. Hunting hours end at 1:00 p.m.; all hunters must be off the water or out of the field by 2:30 p.m. daily.
B) Upon vacating their blinds, all hunters must place their completed harvest cards in the collection box located at the boat ramp or site headquarters.
C) There will be duly posted waterfowl refuges. These areas shall be closed to all boat traffic and boat fishing during the waterfowl season.
D) No more than 4 persons shall occupy a blind at one time.
E) The west arm of the lake shall be closed to all waterfowl hunting.
F) Blind sites shall be determined by the Department and marked with numbered stakes. When it is deemed necessary, the Department shall remove, move or close blind sites in order to carry out the operations of the overall management program.
G) Hunters wishing to move to another vacant blind location may do so on a first-come, first-served basis, providing they include the blind change on the harvest card and report their kill for each blind. If hunters do not occupy the stake they have drawn by legal shooting time, they forfeit the right to the staked hunting location.
H) Access to water blind sites shall be by boat only and from the east side boat ramps. Access to land sites shall be by walk-in only and from nearby hunter parking lots. No parking is allowed along county roads.
I) All water hunting must be from one portable blind or one anchored portable boat blind located between the assigned numbered stakes, no more than 10 yards from shore. All land hunting must be done from a position within 50 feet of the assigned numbered stake.
J) Wounded waterfowl that fall on land, other than areas designated as refuge, shall be retrieved by foot. However, no gun may be carried while attempting to recover such birds.
K) Blind site water: A position between 2 like numbered stakes where a blind may be located. Blind site land: A position within 50 feet of numbered stakes where a hunter may set up or a temporary blind may be located.
L) Fishing shall be prohibited in the east arm of the lake during the waterfowl season.
M) Each party must hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys, and all decoys must be removed at the end of each day's hunt.
N) When it is deemed necessary for public safety reasons, such as flooding, high winds, or heavy fog, the Department will close the lake area to all fishing and all boating activity except for non-water hunting programs.
O) This site is closed to all users except firearm deer hunters during the firearms deer seasons.
P) During the last 3 days of Canada Goose season, hunting hours shall close at sunset daily.
42) Oakford State Conservation Area (2)
43) Pyramid State Park – Captain, Denmark, East Conant and Galum Units (2)
A) Hunting hours are from legal opening to 1:00 p.m.; hunters must be out of the field by 2:00 p.m.
B) Each hunting party is required to hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys; all decoys must be picked up at the end of each day's hunt.
C) Hunters participating in daily lottery for blinds or staked sites must register as a group not to exceed 4 hunter names per card. A hunter's name may not appear on more than one lottery card.
D) Blind sites may be allocated by daily drawing during duck season at a location designated by the site beginning at 4:30 a.m. in November, 5:00 a.m. in December and 5:30 a.m. in January. All hunting must occur within 10 yards of an assigned, numbered stake, except for stakes identified at the check station where hunters may hunt from any place in the wetland in which the stake is located. There will be no moving to staked locations after initial drawing. If no drawing occurs, then modifications will be posted at the site and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10(d)(3) shall apply.
E) Successful participants must have their lottery card stamped with the date and blind number. The card must be in the possession of the hunter or group while hunting. Waterfowl harvested must be reported on blind selection card and returned daily to a hunter check station box.
F) Waterfowl hunters not participating in daily draw must report their harvest on site hunting permit by February 15.
G) Waterfowl hunters not participating in the daily lottery for staked sites may not access Pyramid State Park property until 4:30 a.m. in November, 5:00 a.m. in December and 5:30 a.m. in January.
H) Waterfowl hunters may not hunt on main lakes other than staked locations, with the exceptions of Goldeneye and Redhead Lakes in the Galum Unit. Hunters may hunt crop fields and wetlands that have not been staked; however, they must be a minimum of 200 yards from the nearest staked location or another hunter.
I) No waterfowl hunting is allowed within 200 yards of the Captain or Denmark Unit Waterfowl Rest Area.
J) The land and water portion of the Captain and Denmark Unit Waterfowl Rest Area is closed to all entry from October 28 through February 28 and closed to all waterfowl hunting during other periods.
K) After duck season is closed and during the Canada goose hunting season, hunters may not possess more than 5 shot shells for every Canada goose allowed in the daily bag.
L) The area is closed to waterfowl hunting on Mondays and December 25.
44) Ray Norbut State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (2)
45) Rend Lake Project Lands and Waters
A) All waterfowl hunters and all boats must be out of the Casey Fork and Big Muddy subimpoundments by 2:00 p.m. each day of the waterfowl season and not return until 4:30 a.m., except during the last 3 days of the Canada goose season, hunters must be out of the areas by one hour after sunset and not return until 4:30 a.m.
B) No hunting permitted from the subimpoundment dams.
C) While waterfowl hunting, no one may possess any tool or device designed to cut brush or limbs, except common hunting knives and pocket knives.
D) No waterfowl hunting permitted within 200 yards of the refuge boundary, or within 100 yards of any private property boundary.
E) All boat traffic is prohibited from entering the subimpoundments for 7 days prior to youth waterfowl season until opening day of regular waterfowl season. Boat access permitted during youth waterfowl season.
F) All waterfowl hunters must sign in prior to hunting and sign out and report their harvest at the end of each day's hunt.
G) Air boats will not be allowed in the Casey Fork
Subimpoundment, the Big Muddy subimpoundment, and the impoundments on Corps of Engineers' managed areas such as Atchison Creek, Gun Creek and Rend City Wetland during the regular duck, youth waterfowl and Canada goose seasons. When ice conditions do not allow access at boat ramps by normal watercraft, then air boats can be used in the Casey Fork and Big Muddy subimpoundment.
H) Permanent blinds at the Whistling Wings Access Area shall be regulated as follows:
i) During goose season, a separate drawing may be held for the pits at Whistling Wings. This drawing will be held at the Cottonwood check station following the drawing for staked hunting sites. Hunters may not register for more than one drawing per day. Unsuccessful hunters in the drawing for Whistling Wings pits may select any unclaimed staked location after the drawings. If no drawing occurs, then modifications will be posted at the site and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10(d)(3) shall apply.
ii) Hunters who wish to hunt together must register as a hunting party and be present at the drawing.
iii) All hunters must have the registration card from the check station in their possession while hunting.
iv) Hunting parties can only hunt from the pit location that they chose in that day's drawing. No moving to or hunting from any other pit location is allowed.
v) No more than 15 dozen decoys may be used per pit.
vi) No more than 4 hunters will be allowed in a pit or hunting party.
I) Each hunting party is required to hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys at each blind site, and all decoys must be picked up at the end of each day's hunt. Decoys may not be placed prior to the season opening date. Decoys must be placed and removed daily and may not be left unattended.
J) During the last 3 days of Canada goose season, hunting hours shall close at sunset daily.
K) The land and water portion of the Rend Lake Refuge is closed to trespassing during waterfowl season. The location of the Rend Lake Refuge is described as follows:
i) Bounded on the south by a buoy line, approximating the Jefferson-Franklin County Line.
ii) Bounded on the east by a buoy line and/or signs approximating the channel of the Casey Fork Creek.
iii) Bounded on the west by a buoy line and/or signs approximating the channel of the Big Muddy River.
iv) Bounded on the north portion of the Big Muddy River by a buoy line and/or signs approximating a line which would extend west from Ina, Illinois.
v) Bounded on the north portion of the Casey Fork Creek by the Casey Fork Subimpoundment Dam.
vi) Bounded on Nason Point by refuge boundary signs at project limits.
L) Waterfowl Hunters may not possess more than 25 non-toxic rounds of ammunition per person while hunting within the Casey Fork Draw and Big Muddy subimpoundment areas for regular duck and goose seasons.
M) Staked Hunting Areas – Those areas designated as a staked hunting area will be publicly announced and the following regulations will apply:
i) All hunting must occur within 10 yards of an assigned, numbered stake except for stakes identified at the check station where hunters may hunt from any place in the field in which the stake is located.
ii) Stakes may be assigned via a daily drawing held at 4:00 a.m. during November, 4:30 a.m. in December and 5:00 a.m. in January. If no drawing occurs, then modifications will be posted at the site and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510(d)(3) shall apply.
iii) Check station at the Bonnie Dam Access Area may be operated on a daily basis through the second weekend of the waterfowl season. Thereafter, Bonnie Dam check station will only be open on weekends and holidays as posted at the check station. Cottonwood Access Area may be operated on a daily basis throughout the waterfowl season for both Bonnie Dam and Cottonwood Hunting Areas. Hunters who wish to hunt together at a staked location must register as a hunting party and be present for the drawing. Only those persons in that party may hunt at the assigned stake. No more than 5 persons shall be in a hunting party. If check stations are not operated, then modifications will be posted at the site and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10(d)(3) shall apply.
iv) All hunters must register at the check station. Hunters arriving at the check station after the initial draw will have the opportunity to select any stakes that are still available up to one hour before legal shooting time. Hunters may enter the subimpoundment up to ½ hour before legal shooting time or between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
v) Hunting parties can only hunt from the staked hunting location that they chose in that day's drawing. No moving to or hunting from any other staked hunting location is allowed. Once a staked hunting location is killed out, no other hunting party may hunt from that stake for the remainder of that day.
vi) When hunting parties have killed their legal daily bag limit of ducks (not including coots and mergansers) and/or Canada geese in respect to the legal hunting season dates they must vacate the hunting site.
vii) Hunters must sign in and out and report their harvest on the cards at the access area where they launch.
N) Each hunting party is required to hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys at each blind site, and all decoys must be picked up at the end of the day's hunt. Decoys may not be placed prior to the season opening date. Decoys must be placed and removed daily and may not be left unattended.
46) Saline County State Conservation Area (1) (2)
A) Waterfowl hunting is allowed north of the township road only.
B) Walk-in hunting only.
47) Sam Dale Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (2)
48) Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area
A) Hunting locations may be allocated by a daily drawing to be conducted at 4:30 a.m. Hunters will register at the hunter registration box at the south boat ramp only. Hunting locations not selected during the drawing (or in the event that personnel are not available to conduct the drawing) shall be allocated on a first-come/first-served basis until one hour before shooting time; and then after 9:00 a.m. All hunters must register before entering the hunting area. Hunting hours end at 1:00 p.m.; all hunters must be off the water or out of the field by 2:30 p.m. daily.
B) All hunters must place their completed harvest cards in the collection box located at the boat ramp or site headquarters at the end of the day's hunt.
C) No more than 4 persons shall occupy a blind at a time.
D) Hunting locations (one each) are located within the left and right lake arms which are divided by the north lake point.
E) Hunters wishing to move to another vacant hunting location may do so on a first-come/first-served basis provided they note the change on the harvest card and report their kill for each stake they hunted.
F) If hunters do not occupy their hunting location by legal shooting time then they forfeit the right to hunt that location.
G) Access to hunting locations shall be accessed by boat and only from the south boat ramps.
H) All hunting must be done from portable blinds or anchored boat blinds within hunting locations only.
I) Wounded waterfowl that fall on land shall be retrieved by hunters on foot. Carrying shotguns or bow and arrows while attempting to recover wounded waterfowl shall not be permitted.
J) Each party must hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys. All decoys must be removed at the end of each day's hunt.
49) Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area
A) Hunters using the main walk-in hunting area from opening day of the Central Zone duck season through the first Sunday of the Central Zone duck season must have a permit issued from the site office. Procedures for issuance of permits will be publicly announced.
B) Hunters using the walk-in area shall use the check station at the headquarters area located 8 miles northwest of Chandlerville just off Route 78.
C) Walk-in waterfowl hunting shall be permitted only in the area posted for this purpose.
D) All hunters using a walk-in area must report to the check station to fill out information cards and to turn in hunting licenses or valid photo identification (example: Firearm Owner's Identification Card, driver's license) before proceeding to area.
E) Topper's Hole is a walk-in area accessed by boat only, no check-in, check-out, no permanent blinds, hunting parties must stay at least 200 yards apart, hunting parties shall hunt over no less than 6 decoys, daily hunting hours are legal shooting hours through 1:00 p.m. CST.
F) The Baker tract is a lottery-draw walk-in area with 4 separate hunting compartments. One party of hunters (up to 4 hunters per party) will be permitted to hunt in each hunting compartment. The allocation of the 4 Baker tract hunting compartments may be by drawing the morning of the hunt, 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to legal shooting hours on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday of the Central Zone waterfowl season, except during firearm deer season, at which time the Baker tract is closed to waterfowl hunting. Parties must register for the draw together on the same card. If no drawing occurs, then modifications will be posted at the site and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10(d)(3) shall apply.
G) Upon the completion of hunting, hunters must report to the check station within one hour.
H) Fishing is prohibited in the impoundment areas during the duck season, except that walk-in only access for fishing from the bank is permitted after 1:00 p.m.
I) No person shall trespass on the Barkhausen Refuge during the period from October 1 through end of goose season.
J) No person shall trespass on the Marion-Pickerel Waterfowl Refuge during the period from October 1 through the last day of the waterfowl season, unless prior permission for a specific reason (such as access to private land or to retrieve dead or wounded game) is granted by the Site Superintendent.
K) No person shall enter the Ash Swale Refuge during the period from October 26 through the end of goose season.
L) When the Central Zone goose season extends beyond the duck season, goose hunting shall be permitted with statewide hunting hours in effect. Hunters need not occupy a blind. All hunting must be conducted within non-refuge areas.
M) No hunting permitted from the walk-in area subimpoundment levee.
N) Hunters may use boats without motors in the walk-in area; the construction and/or use of permanent blinds in the walk-in area is prohibited.
O) Flood rules will be initiated when the Illinois River reaches 15.0' at the Beardstown gauge. Flood rules will consist of:
i) No daily drawing will occur at the check station. Hunters may hunt from any area of the site open to hunting. Blind builders may claim their blinds regardless of river stage as long as they occupy the blind 1 hour before legal shooting time. Blinds not claimed by 1 hour prior to legal shooting time are available to other hunters.
ii) Hunters must stay 200 yards apart.
iii) Rest areas and refuges remain closed to hunting and all travel.
iv) Walk-In will be open to outboard motor traffic at 15.0'
v) The Baker Unit will remain as the regular draw days until the river reading reaches 18.0' and then it will be open rules as is the remainder of the site.
vi) All hunting stops at 1:00 p.m.
vii) Lempe Island is closed to hunting.
50) Sangchris Lake State Park
A) During the last 3 days of the regularly scheduled Canada goose season, hunting hours will close at statewide closing.
B) Blind sites may be allocated by a daily drawing to be conducted 90 minutes prior to hunting time. Blind sites not selected during the drawing (or in the event that personnel are not available to conduct the drawing) shall be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. (During that portion of the Canada goose season that follows the duck season, the west side goose pit area, the west arm blind sites and east arm blind sites south of power lines shall be available for goose hunting and shall be allocated on a daily drawing basis to be held at 5:30 a.m. daily.)
C) During that portion of the light goose season which follows the regular Canada goose season, the west-side goose pit area blinds, and designated fields west of the west boat ramp shall be available daily on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters must sign in at the appropriate parking area no earlier than 5 a.m.
D) All hunting must be from registered blind sites only and hunters must occupy their blinds within one hour after registering at the check station.
E) Upon vacating their blinds, hunters must place their completed harvest cards in the collection boxes located at either the east or west boatdock.
F) There will be a duly posted waterfowl refuge. These areas shall be closed to all boat traffic (except as allowed in subsection (b)(50)(K)) and boat fishing during the waterfowl season. Bank fishing along the dam shall be permitted.
G) No more than 4 persons shall occupy a blind at one time.
H) The center arm of the lake shall be closed to all waterfowl hunting.
I) Blind sites shall be determined by the Department and marked with a numbered stake. When it is deemed necessary, the Department shall remove, move or close blind sites in order to carry out the operations of the overall management program.
J) Hunters wishing to move to another blind location may do so after 10 a.m. providing they include the blind change on the harvest card and report their kill for each blind.
K) Access to water blind sites shall be by boat only and from designated boat launch sites. Corridors located along the edges of the existing refuge will be established to provide access to all available blind sites as designated by Site Superintendent when conditions warrant.
L) All hunting must be from one portable blind or one anchored portable boat blind located within a numbered cove and between the assigned numbered stakes or from one Department designated blind or pit.
M) Wounded waterfowl that fall on land, other than areas designated as refuge, shall be retrieved by foot. However, no gun may be carried while attempting to recover such birds.
N) No unauthorized pits or blinds shall be built on State managed land.
O) Blind sites: A position between 2 like numbered stakes within a cove or other Department designated site where a blind may be located.
P) Fishing shall be prohibited in the east and west arms of the lake during the period from 10 days prior to the duck season through the end of the duck season, unless the youth waterfowl hunt is more than 10 days before the regular duck season, then the east and west arms will be closed to accommodate the youth waterfowl hunt. Fishing shall be prohibited in the west arm of the lake and the east arm of the lake south of the power lines during that portion of the Canada goose season that follows the duck season.
Q) Each party must hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys, and all decoys must be removed at the end of each day's hunt.
R) When it is deemed necessary for public safety reasons, such as flooding, high winds, or heavy fog, the Department will close the lake area to all fishing and all boating activity except for non-water hunting programs.
S) During flood conditions, waterfowl hunters may hunt the tailwaters of Sangchris Lake dam including Clear Creek and the South Fork of the Sangamon River. Decoys must be removed at the end of each day's hunt.
T) West-side goose pit area blinds will be available every day each week of the regular Canada goose season.
U) Hunters in the west-side goose pit area may not possess more than 5 shot shells for every Canada goose allowed in the daily bag limit after the close of the Central Zone duck season.
V) All blinds will be closed during the first day of the second firearm deer season; hunting hours will be from statewide hunting hours until 10:00 a.m. the remaining days of the second firearm deer season.
51) Shawnee National Forest, Upper and Lower Bluff Lakes
A) Legal entry time is 4:30 a.m. and exit time is end of legal shooting time for all hunters.
B) All hunting must be by walking in or boat in only.
52) Shawnee National Forest, LaRue Scatters
A) All hunting must be by walking in or in boats without motors.
B) Legal entry time is 4:30 a.m. and exit time is 2:00 p.m. for all hunters.
53) Shawnee National Forest, Oakwood Bottoms (Green Tree Reservoir west of the Big Muddy levee)
A) All hunting must be by walking into the area.
B) No person shall tamper with or attempt to manipulate any of the gates, pumps or structures in the subimpoundment area.
C) Legal entry time is 4:30 a.m. and exit time is 2:00 p.m. for all hunters in flooded management compartments.
D) Except for youth waterfowl hunters and their chaperones, the site shall be closed to all entry for 7 days prior to opening of duck season for the zone the site is in.
E) It shall be unlawful to trespass upon areas designated as waterfowl refuge from 14 days prior to the start of regular waterfowl season through the close of regular waterfowl season.
54) Shawnee National Forest, Cape Bend Wetlands
A) Legal entry is 4:30 a.m. and exit time is legal shooting hours.
B) All entry and hunting must be by walking into the area.
55) Shawnee National Forest, Sexton Creek Wetlands
A) Legal entry is 4:30 a.m. and exit time is legal shooting hours.
B) All entry and hunting must be by walking into the area.
56) Shawnee National Forest, Big Muddy Wetlands (west of the Big Muddy Levee)
A) Legal entry time is 4:30 a.m. and exit time is 2:00 p.m. for all hunters.
B) All hunting must be done by walking in or boat in only.
57) Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area (2)
A) Waterfowl hunting shall be permitted as described in this subsection (b)(57) except in duly posted restricted and "No Hunting" areas.
B) Waterfowl hunting in the Fish Hook, North Dunn, McGee, and Jonathan Creek Waterfowl Areas may be allotted by a daily drawing for the first 2 days of the regular waterfowl season. Parties must register for drawings between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Central Standard Time at the check station on those days. Each party drawn shall be allowed to choose one of the staked sites in the waterfowl area. Parties must select sites in the order they are drawn. Maximum party size is 4 persons. In addition, the following regulations shall apply.
i) All parties must hunt within 10 yards of their assigned stake.
ii) All parties must be in place by ½ hour before hunting time.
iii) All parties are required to report their harvest by 2:00 p.m. following each hunt.
iv) If no drawing occurs, then modifications will be posted at the site and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10(d)(3) shall apply.
C) Hunting in the Jonathan Creek, North Dunn and McGee Waterfowl Areas shall be restricted to designated, staked sites on a first-come, first-served basis except as noted in this subsection (b)(57)(C). Hunting in the Fish Hook Area shall be restricted to designated, staked sites on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 14 days of the Illinois Central Zone duck season, except as noted in this subsection (b)(57)(C). A hunting party must hunt within 10 yards of the stake.
D) Each hunting party in the Fish Hook, Dunn, Jonathan Creek and McGee Waterfowl Areas is required to hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys.
E) Motors of over 10 horsepower shall not be operated in the Fish Hook, Jonathan Creek, Dunn and McGee Waterfowl Areas.
F) Waterfowl hunting only is permitted in the Fish Hook, Dunn, Jonathan Creek and McGee Waterfowl Areas during the regular waterfowl season, except that pheasant, rabbit and quail hunting is permitted after 1:00 p.m. daily beginning the day after the close of the Central Zone Duck Season.
G) During the regular waterfowl season, only licensed waterfowl hunters with valid site waterfowl permits who are in the pursuit of waterfowl are permitted on the Kaskaskia River from the Strickland Boat Access north to the Illinois Central Railroad bridge from ½ hour before sunrise until 1:00 p.m.
58) Sielbeck Forest State Natural Area (1) (2)
59) Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
A) On the main lake hunting is allowed from a boat blind only in the designated areas.
B) Only walk-in hunting is allowed in the subimpoundment.
C) Hunting shall be allowed on a first-come, first-served basis. All hunters must use 6 decoys, minimum.
D) Hunters must sign in and out and report harvest.
60) Ten Mile Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (1) (2)
A) Each hunting party is required to hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys at each blind site, and all decoys must be picked up at the end of each day's hunt.
B) Areas designated as Rest Areas are closed to all access during the Canada Goose Season only.
61) Turkey Bluffs State Fish and Wildlife Area (1)
All hunters must sign in and out and report kill.
62) Union County State Fish and Wildlife Area (Firing Line Waterfowl Management Area)
A) Blind and stake sites may be allocated on a daily draw basis at the site shop building 60 minutes prior to hunting time. Hunters shall register as parties for the drawing; each party drawn shall be allowed to select a blind or stake site in order drawn; only those hunters registered in a party shall be allowed to hunt with their party; no less than 2 hunters and no more than 4 hunters per party; persons under the age of 16 shall not be allowed to hunt unless accompanied by an adult. If no drawing occurs, then modifications will be posted at the site and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10(d)(3) shall apply.
B) Blinds and stakes not allocated during the drawing or through a modification pursuant to 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510.10(d)(3) will not be hunted that day. Moving from location to location is not allowed.
C) Access to hunting sites is from the hunter parking lot located south of the blind area only.
D) Each hunting party must hunt over a minimum of 6 decoys. Decoys must be picked up immediately after the hunt is over.
E) Hunting hours end at 12:00 p.m. and all hunters must be out of the area by 1:00 p.m. Daily entry into the area is restricted until after the drawing for hunting sites.
F) Area closed to hunting on Mondays, Tuesdays and December 24-28. The site shall be open only for the Illinois Youth Waterfowl Hunt on December 28, pursuant to 17 Ill. Adm. Code 685.110.
G) When duck season is closed, hunters may not possess more than 5 shot shells for every Canada goose allowed in the daily bag limit.
63) Weinberg-King State Park – Spunky Bottoms Unit (1) (2)
64) Wise Ridge State Natural Area (1)
65) Wolf Creek State Park (land hunting only allowed along the shoreline of Lake Shelbyville) (1)
(Source: Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 3899, effective March 1, 2024)