ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

J.B. Pritzker, Governor | illinois.gov

Wildlife Illinois

Hunt Planner

Announcements

Apply Now for a Deer Firearm/Muzzleloader Permit!

Cypress Pond State Natural Area

Site Contact Info

Site Map

Site Characteristics

Photo of a field of native vegetation at Cypress Pond.
  • Huntable acres: 1,047; Cypress/tupelo swamp, tree plantations, hardwood draws, warm season grasses
  • Habitat: majority of the site was previously owned by a timber company, resulting is some remaining areas of large sycamore and poplar timber. Some younger tree plantings were cleared and transformed into native grass and forb fields which are maintained with prescribed fire. The areas that were not cleared for timber production remain in mature upland and bottomland forest, including a remnant cypress-tupelo swamp. Terrain is moderate in places. Active habitat management will be occurring throughout the year on the site.

Site Specific Regulations

  • All statewide hunting regulations apply at site unless noted hereafter.
  • Hunters required to sign-in/out each trip at kiosks at site parking lots
  • Use Hunt Planner to find hunting seasons open at this site
  • All motorized vehicles must remain on parking areas. This is a walk-in hunting area and no ATV’s or bicycles are allowed (with the exception of Disabled Hunter permits). Person pulled carts can be used.
  • Species-specific rules:

Deer

  • Statewide regulations.
  • It is unlawful to drive deer, or participate in a deer drive, on all Department owned or managed properties during all deer seasons.
  • Hunters may leave stands unattended from September 15 – January 31. Stands must be legibly marked with owner’s name, address and telephone number. Only one stand per hunter. It is illegal to construct or use any tree stand or tree climbing equipment; using nails, screws or any device which pierces or cuts the bark of the tree on which it is installed or used.
  • It is unlawful to use or occupy a ground blind during any firearm deer season on public land unless at least 400 square inches of solid vivid blaze orange material is securely attached to the uppermost portion of the blind and a substantial amount of orange is visible for 360 degrees.

Archery

  • Statewide regulations

Firearm

  • Statewide regulations

Muzzleloader

  • Statewide regulations

Turkey

  • Statewide regulations for Spring, Fall, and Youth Seasons.
  • All turkey seasons are open with possession of a valid county tag.

Waterfowl

  • Statewide regulations.
  • No permanent blinds or pits may be dug or constructed. All blinds must be portable or established with natural vegetation and must be removed or dismantled at the end of each day’s hunt. Cutting of live vegetation on the area is illegal.
  • Youth Waterfowl season is held the weekend preceding the South Zone duck opener – follow statewide regulations.

Squirrels/Rabbits

  • Squirrels
    • Statewide regulations.
  • Rabbits
    • Statewide regulations.
    • During pheasant, quail, rabbit, and partridge season, hunters are required to wear a cap and upper outer garment of solid and vivid blaze orange of at least 400 square inches while hunting rabbit.

Upland Birds

  • Statewide regulations.
  • Crow hunting is not permitted.
  • During pheasant, quail, and rabbit season, hunters are required to wear a cap and upper outer garment of solid and vivid blaze orange of at least 400 square inches while hunting pheasant, quail, and woodcock.

Furbearers

  • Hunting
    • Statewide regulations
  • Trapping
    • Trappers must obtain a permit from the Ferne Clyffe State Park Office prior to setting traps. Only Egg traps, D-PC (dog proof) traps, box traps or traps of similar design may be used for land sets.
    • During pheasant, quail, rabbit, and partridge season, trappers are required to wear a cap and upper outer garment of solid and vivid blaze orange of at least 400 square inches while trapping rabbit.

Amenities