50 CFR 32.32 | Illinois

§ 32.32 Illinois.

The following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing as governed by applicable Federal and State regulations, and are listed in alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific regulations.

(a) Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge—(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds authorized by the State on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:

(i) Hunters must remove all personal property, including but not limited to boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials, trail cameras, stands, and platforms, at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

(ii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting, provided the dogs are under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.

(iii) We allow access for hunting from 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset.

(iv) We allow the harvest of pigeon, ringed turtle dove, and Eurasian-collared dove during any hunting on the refuge.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of upland game authorized by the State except for feral hog, house sparrow, and European starling during the State waterfowl season on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section apply.

(ii) We prohibit night hunting of upland game from 30 minutes after legal sunset until 30 minutes before legal sunrise the following day.

(3) [Reserved]

(4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge from legal sunrise to legal sunset subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow fishing on Lake Chautauqua from February 1 through October 15. We prohibit fishing in the waterfowl hunting area during the waterfowl hunting season.

(ii) We allow bank fishing year-round between the boat ramp and the fishing trail in the North Pool and from Goofy Ridge Public Access to the west gate of the North Pool water control structure.

(b) Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge—(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds authorized by the State on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraph (b)(1)(i) through (iii) of § 32.44 apply.

(ii) We allow the harvest of pigeon, ringed turtle dove, and Eurasian-collared dove during any hunting on the refuge.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of upland game species authorized by the State except for house sparrow and European starling on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraph (b)(1)(i) through (iii) of § 32.44 and paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section apply.

(ii) We prohibit night hunting of upland game from 30 minutes after legal sunset until 30 minutes before legal sunrise the following day.

(iii) Feral hogs may only be harvested during white-tailed deer hunts consistent with approved method of take as described for designated areas.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of turkey and white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You must register at the hunter sign-in/out station and record the sex and age of deer harvested on the Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542).

(ii) We prohibit shooting at deer that are on any portion of the main perimeter levee.

(iii) We allow placement of one tree stand or ground blind per hunter from September 1 through January 31 of each year. We require deer stands and ground blinds to be labeled with the hunter's State-generated hunter identification number.

(iv) For hunting, you must use or possess only approved nontoxic shot shells for hunting turkey (see § 32.2(k)).

(v) We prohibit deer drives. We define a deer drive as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.

(vi) The conditions set forth at paragraph (b)(1)(i) through (iii) of § 32.44 and paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section apply.

(c) Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge—(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game bird species authorized by the State on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We require a signed hunt brochure. You must carry this signed permit when hunting on the refuge.

(ii) We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 meters (m)) of all designated public use facilities, including, but not limited to, parking areas, picnic areas, campgrounds, marinas, boat ramps, public roads, and established hiking trails listed in the refuge trails brochure.

(iii) Hunters must remove all personal property, including but not limited to boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials, stands, platforms, and other personal equipment, brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

(iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting, provided the dogs are under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.

(v) Waterfowl hunting blinds and hunting parties must be a minimum of 200 yards (180 m) apart.

(vi) We allow the harvest of pigeon, ringed turtle dove, and Eurasian-collared dove during any hunting on the refuge.

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (vi) of this section apply.

(ii) Feral hogs may only be harvested during white-tailed deer hunts consistent with approved method of take as described for designated areas.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii), and (vi) and (c)(2)(ii) of this section apply.

(ii) You may use or possess only approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field for hunting turkey (see § 32.2(k)).

(iii) We require all deer and turkey hunters using the restricted use area to check-in at the refuge visitor center prior to hunting.

(iv) We prohibit deer drives. We define a deer drive as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.

(v) We only allow archery equipment when hunting deer in the following areas:

(A) In the area west of Division Street and east of Blue Heron Marina;

(B) On all refuge lands north of Illinois State Route 13; and

(vi) We allow placement of one tree stand or ground blind per hunter during state designated white-tailed deer seasons and require hunters to remove tree stands and ground blinds after 24 hours of use (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We require deer stands and ground blinds to be labeled with the hunter's State-generated hunter identification number.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) On Crab Orchard Lake west of Wolf Creek Road:

(A) Anglers may fish from boats all year.

(B) Anglers must remove all trotlines/jugs from legal sunrise until legal sunset from the Friday immediately prior to Memorial Day through Labor Day.

(ii) On Crab Orchard Lake east of Wolf Creek Road:

(A) Anglers may fish from boats March 1 through October 15.

(B) Anglers may fish all year at the Wolf Creek and Route 148 causeways.

(iii) On A-41 and Bluegill Ponds:

(A) Anglers may fish only from legal sunrise to legal sunset from March 1 through October 15.

(B) We prohibit anglers from using gas-powered boats.

(iv) On Honkers and Visitors Ponds:

(A) Anglers may fish all year from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

(B) We prohibit anglers from using gas-powered boats.

(v) Trotlines/jugs:

(A) We prohibit the use of trotlines/jugs on all refuge waters outside of Crab Orchard Lake.

(B) We prohibit the use of trotlines/jugs with any flotation device that has previously contained any petroleum-based material or toxic substances.

(vi) Anglers may use all legal noncommercial fishing methods, except they may not use any underwater breathing apparatus.

(vii) Organizers of all fishing events must possess a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G or FWS Form 3-1383-C).

(viii) We prohibit anglers from fishing within 250 yards (228 m) of an occupied waterfowl hunting blind.

(ix) Specific creel and size limits apply on various refuge waters as listed in the Crab Orchard fishing brochure and the annual Illinois fishing digest.

(d) Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge—(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds authorized by the State on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You must remove all personal property, including but not limited to boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials, stands, and platforms, brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

(ii) We allow the use of dogs while hunting, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.

(iii) We allow access for hunting from 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset.

(iv) We allow the harvest of pigeon, ringed turtle dove, and Eurasian-collared dove during any hunting on the refuge.

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section apply.

(ii) We prohibit night hunting of upland game from 30 minutes after legal sunset until 30 minutes before legal sunrise the following day.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section applies.

(ii) We prohibit deer drives. We define a deer drive as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.

(iii) You may use or possess only approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field for hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)).

(iv) We allow placement of one tree stand or ground blind per hunter during state designated white-tailed deer seasons and require hunters to remove tree stands and ground blinds after 24 hours of use (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We require deer stands and ground blinds to be labeled with the hunter's State-generated hunter identification number.

(v) We allow harvest of feral hog during while tail deer hunting only.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) Anglers must remove all boats and fishing equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's fishing activity.

(ii) We prohibit the use of trotlines, jugs, yo-yos, nets, or any commercial fishing equipment except in areas where State regulations authorize commercial tackle.

(e) Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge—(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) Hunters must remove personal property, including but not limited to boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials, trail cameras, stands, and platforms, brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

(ii) We allow access for hunting from 1 hour before legal shooting time (as governed by State regulations for the species in question) until 1 hour after legal sunset.

(iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting, provided the dogs are under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.

(iv) We allow the harvest of pigeon, ringed turtle dove, and Eurasian-collared dove during any hunting on the refuge.

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section apply.

(ii) We prohibit night hunting of upland game from 30 minutes after legal sunset until 30 minutes before legal sunrise the following day.

(iii) Feral hogs may only be harvested during white-tailed deer hunts consistent with approved method of take as described for designated areas.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i), (ii), and (iv) and (e)(2)(iii) of this section apply.

(ii) For hunting, you may use or possess only approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field, including shot shells used for hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)).

(iii) We prohibit deer drives. We define a deer drive as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing throughout the year on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

(ii) We prohibit fishing in the waterfowl hunting area during the waterfowl hunting season.

(f) Great River National Wildlife Refuge—(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game bird species authorized by the State on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) On the Long Island Division, we allow hunting only from blinds constructed on sites posted by the State.

(ii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting, provided the dogs are under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.

(iii) We allow access for hunting from 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset.

(iv) You must remove all personal belongings, including but not limited to boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials, trail cameras, stands, and platforms, brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

(v) We allow the harvest of pigeon, ringed turtle dove, and Eurasian-collared dove during any hunting on the refuge.

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(ii) through (v) of this section apply.

(ii) On the Cherry Box Division and Fox Island Division, we allow hunting with shotgun only during the Statewide upland game season.

(iii) We prohibit night hunting of upland game from 30 minutes after legal sunset until 30 minutes before legal sunrise the following day.

(iv) Feral hogs may only be harvested during white-tailed deer hunts consistent with approved method of take as described for designated areas.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) For wild turkey hunting, you may use or possess only approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).

(ii) We allow placement of one tree stand or ground blind per hunter from September 1 through January 31 of each year. We require deer stands and ground blinds to be labeled with the hunter's State-generated hunter identification number.

(iii) On the Fox Island Division, Slim Island Division, and Cherry Box Division, we only allow archery deer hunting during the Statewide archery season. We prohibit archery hunting during the State firearm season.

(iv) On the Delair Division, we only allow deer hunting during special managed hunts. You must possess and carry a refuge permit (hunt letter) when hunting during special managed hunts.

(vi) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(iii) through (v) and (f)(2)(iv) of this section apply.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We prohibit the taking of any mussel (clam), crayfish, frog, leech, and turtle species by any method on the refuge (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

(ii) On the Fox Island Division, we only allow bank fishing along any portion of the Fox River from January 1 through October 15.

(g) Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge—(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds authorized by the State on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You must remove all personal property, including but not limited to boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials, trail cameras, stands, and platforms, brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

(ii) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 1 hour before legal shooting hours and must exit the refuge no later than 1 hour after legal shooting hours.

(iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.

(iv) We allow the harvest of pigeon, ringed turtle dove, and Eurasian-collared dove during any hunting on the refuge.

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section apply.

(ii) We prohibit night hunting of upland game from 30 minutes after legal sunset until 30 minutes before legal sunrise the following day.

(iii) Feral hogs may only be harvested during white-tailed deer hunts.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow white-tailed deer and turkey hunting on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (ii), and (iv) and (g)(2)(iv) of this section apply.

(ii) For hunting, you may use or possess only approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field, including shot shells used for hunting turkey (see § 32.2(k)).

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We prohibit the taking of any mussel (clam), crayfish, frog, leech, and turtle species by any method on the refuge (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

(ii) We allow fishing only from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

(iii) You must remove all fishing devices at the end of each day's fishing activity (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

(h) Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge—(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game bird species authorized by the State on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(ii) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 1 hour before legal shooting hours and must exit the refuge no later than 1 hour after legal shooting hours.

(iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.

(iv) We allow the harvest of pigeon, ringed turtle dove, and Eurasian-collared dove during any hunting on the refuge.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of upland game species authorized by the State, except for house sparrow and European starling, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section applies.

(ii) We prohibit night hunting of upland game from 30 minutes after legal sunset until 30 minutes before legal sunrise the following day.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) Feral hogs may only be harvested during white-tailed deer hunts.

(iii) For hunting, you may possess only approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We prohibit the taking of any mussel (clam), crayfish, frog, leech, minnows and turtle species by any method on the refuge (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

(ii) We allow fishing only from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

(iii) You must remove all personal fishing devices and equipment at the end of each day's fishing activity (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

(i) Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge. (1)-(3) [Reserved]

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow sport fishing on all areas open to public access from legal sunrise to legal sunset from February 1 to October 15.

(ii) We allow access to Meredosia Lake from the boat ramp and allow foot access on refuge land along the east side of the Meredosia Lake in Morgan County from legal sunrise to legal sunset throughout the year.

(j) Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge—(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds authorized by the State on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You must remove personal property, including but not limited to boats, blinds, blind materials, stands, decoys, trail cameras, platforms, and other hunting equipment, from the refuge at the end of each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

(ii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting, provided the dogs are under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.

(iii) We allow access for hunting from 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset.

(iv) We allow the harvest of pigeon, ringed turtle dove, and Eurasian-collared dove during any hunting on the refuge.

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (j)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section apply.

(ii) We prohibit night hunting of upland game from 30 minutes after legal sunset until 30 minutes before legal sunrise the following day.

(iii) Feral hogs may only be harvested during white-tailed deer hunts consistent with approved method of take as described for designated areas.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas on the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) For turkey hunting, you may use or possess only approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).

(iv) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (j)(1)(i), (iii), and (iv) and (j)(2)(iii) of this section apply.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We prohibit the taking of any mussel (clam), crayfish, frog, leech, and turtle species by any method on the refuge (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

(ii) We allow fishing only from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

(iii) You must remove all fishing devices at the end of each day's fishing activity (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

(k) Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge—(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of all migratory game birds authorized by the State on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (iv) of § 32.34 apply.

(ii) We allow the harvest of pigeon, ringed turtle dove, and Eurasian-collared dove during any hunting on the refuge.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of all upland game authorized by the State, except for house sparrows and European starling, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (ii) of § 32.34 and paragraphs (k)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section apply.

(ii) Feral hog may only be harvested during white-tailed deer hunts.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (k)(1)(i) and (ii) and (k)(2)(i) of this section apply.

(ii) For turkey hunting, you may use or possess only approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).

(4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(4)(i) through (iii) of § 32.34 apply.

(l) Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge—(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds authorized by the State on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow placement of one tree stand or ground blind per hunter from September 1 through January 31 of each year. We require deer stands and ground blinds to be labeled with the hunter's State-generated hunter identification number.

(ii) We allow the use of dogs while hunting, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.

(iii) We allow access for hunting from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.

(iv) We allow the harvest of pigeon, ringed turtle dove, and Eurasian-collared dove during any hunting on the refuge.

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (l)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section apply.

(ii) We prohibit hunters using rifles or handguns with ammunition larger than .22 caliber rimfire, except they may use black powder firearms up to and including .50 caliber.

(iii) We allow the use of .22 and .17 caliber rimfire lead ammunition for the taking of small game and furbearers during open season.

(iv) We prohibit night hunting of upland game from 30 minutes after legal sunset until 30 minutes before legal sunrise the following day.

(v) Feral hogs may only be harvested during white-tailed deer hunts consistent with approved method of take as described for designated areas.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (l)(1)(i), (iii), and (iv) and (l)(2)(v) of this section apply.

(iii) You may use or possess only approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field for hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)).

(4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We prohibit the taking of turtle or frog (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

(ii) We allow fishing only from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

(iii) Anglers must remove personal property, including but not limited to boats, ice shacks, and all other fishing devices, at the end of each day's fishing activity (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(m) Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Refer to § 32.42(r) for regulations.

[84 FR 47675, Sept. 10, 2019, as amended at 85 FR 54110, Aug. 31, 2020; 86 FR 48859, Aug. 31, 2021; 91 FR 56319, Sept. 1, 2026]