Public hunting lands in Illinois

Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area (FWA) is a school located at 9383 2400 North Road in Collison, Illinois, United States. This institution is dedicated to providing education and training in the field of fish and wildlife conservation. Students at Middle Fork State FWA have the opportunity to learn about local ecosystems, sustainable practices, and wildlife management. With a focus on hands-on learning and field experience, this school prepares students for careers in natural resource management and environmental conservation. Come visit Middle Fork State FWA and see how we are shaping the future of conservation education.

Harmony Trail is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located in Marion, Illinois, United States. As part of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can easily pay entrance fees, purchase annual vessel passes, and reserve campsites through recreation.gov. This national wildlife refuge offers a chance to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature. Whether you enjoy hiking, canoeing, hunting, camping, picnicking, wildlife photography, or birdwatching, a visit to Harmony Trail is a great way to explore the outdoors. In addition to recreational activities, the refuge will be a prime viewing area for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, providing over 4 minutes of total eclipse viewing time. Visitors can prepare for this event by learning safety tips and viewing opportunities. Some commercial, recreational, and research activities on the refuge require a special use permit, ensuring the conservation of the area.

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge is a park and tourist attraction located at 19031 E County Road 2110N, Havana, Illinois, United States. This refuge is a crucial rest stop for migratory birds along the Illinois River, highlighting the importance of wetlands on the floodplain. Visitors can explore the primitive trails, including a 5-mile trail along Lake Chautauqua surrounded by various tree species. Volunteers are needed to help maintain the trails and combat invasive species like bush honeysuckle. For those interested in recreational activities, the refuge offers birding, wildlife watching, hunting, and fishing opportunities. With diverse habitats supporting a range of fish, wildlife, and plants, Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Contact [email protected] to volunteer and make new friends while working on public lands. Please note that external websites linked to the refuge may not comply with Accessibility Requirements and do not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, located in Marion, Illinois, is a beautiful park offering visitors a chance to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and immerse themselves in nature. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant resources for the benefit of present and future generations. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, hunting, camping, picnicking, wildlife photography, and birdwatching. The refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bald eagles, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and various songbirds.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, located at 7071 Riverview Rd in Thomson, Illinois, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction that has been a sanctuary for fish, wildlife, and people since 1924. Stretching 261 river miles along the Mississippi River floodplain, this refuge protects over 240,000 acres of land. Visitors can enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and other recreational activities, with over 3.7 million annual visits to the refuge. The Pool Maps provide detailed information on where you can engage in these activities. The refuge also allows for some commercial, recreational, and research activities with a special use permit. Come explore the refuge and discover the diverse wildlife that changes with the seasons, from the sounds of frogs in the summer to the fall migration. Join us in conserving, protecting, and enhancing the natural habitats for the benefit of all Americans. Please note that some website links may not comply with accessibility requirements and do not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Welcome to Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, a serene haven located in Elco, Illinois, where nature enthusiasts can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this refuge is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant resources, offering a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature. At Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can immerse themselves in the great outdoors through a variety of activities. Whether you prefer hiking through scenic trails, canoeing along tranquil waterways, or capturing stunning wildlife photography, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the diverse avian population, including the vibrant prothonotary warblers seen during the summer months.

Welcome to Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, a serene haven located at 137 Rustic Campus Dr, Ullin, Illinois. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this local government office is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of diverse ecosystems for the enjoyment and benefit of current and future generations. Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge offers an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, inviting you to reconnect with nature. The refuge is a sanctuary for a wide array of flora and fauna, serving as a crucial winter feeding and resting ground for waterfowl and providing habitat for endangered species like the Indiana bat. In the summer, visitors are treated to the melodic presence of songbirds, including the striking prothonotary warblers. The waterways are adorned with majestic bald cypress and water tupelo trees, best experienced by canoeing through the tranquil swamps.