Question:
How does one go about hunting deer in the Illinois state parks? Is that
even possible? and if so what do you do? I can't imagine showing up on
opening day with my shotgun and building a blind.
Answer:
All of the Gun hunting for deer in Illinois state parks is allowed with
a special permit only. Permits may be available for either one or both
shotgun seasons. Permits are allocated by special drawings throughout
the year. The first drawing is for residents only and is held about May
1. The second drawing is open to nonresidents and persons who were
unsuccesful in the first draw, this takes place about August 1. After
September 1, any leftover permits are allocated on a first come/first
serve basis. Most of the permits for state parks and conservation areas
are taken during the first draw, so chances for nonresidents to get one
a very slim. You can contact the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources for a listing of available permits before the second drawing.
If you are lucky enough to draw a permit for a state park or
conservation area, a letter from the site will accompany it and will
explain site regulations and rules. Usually a check-in procedure is
followed for everyday of the hunt. Be there by a certain time or lose
your opportunity to hunt for the day. Preseason scouting is usually
available but ground blind and tree stands do have restrictions.
I have had the opportunity to hunt several state parks and found that
the less number of permits available the better the hunting will be
overall simply because of less hunters per acreage. A very good trick is
to find funnels and escape routes and let other hunters push deer
towards you.
