ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

J.B. Pritzker, Governor | illinois.gov

Wildlife Illinois

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Apply now for a Deer Firearm/Muzzleloader Permit!

Deer Pond State Natural Area

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Site Characteristics

  • Huntable acres: 190, bottomland hardwood and tree plantations.
  • Habitat: Previous ownership and management of this site was for softwood timber production.  Much of the area remains in sycamore and sweet gum, although some mature timber remnants remain.  Dutchman Creek runs though the site, which is low lying and prone to flooding. Active habitat management will be occurring throughout the year on the site.
  • Digital Map
  • Printable Map

Site Specific Regulations

  • All statewide hunting regulations apply at site unless noted hereafter.
  • All hunters must sign-in prior to hunting and must sign-out and report harvest each day at the registration boxes before leaving the site.
  • Use Hunt Planner to find hunting seasons open at this site.
  • 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.
  • All motorized vehicles must remain on roads or parking area. This is a walk-in hunting area – no ATV’s or bicycles are allowed. Person-pulled carts can be used.
  • Hunting is only allowed in the state natural area. No hunting is allowed in the restricted area or in the nature preserve. It shall be illegal to enter the nature preserve with a weapon in possession.
  • 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 in the areas is illegal.
  • Species-specific rules:

Deer

  • Statewide regulations for Archery, Firearm, Muzzleloader, and Youth seasons.
  • It is unlawful to drive deer, or participate in a deer drive, on all Department owned or managed properties during all deer seasons.
  • 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.

Turkey

  • Statewide regulations for Spring, Fall, and Youth seasons.

Waterfowl

  • Statewide regulations.

Squirrels/Rabbits

  • Squirrels
    • Statewide regulations.
  • Rabbits
    • Statewide regulations.
    • During pheasant, rabbit, quail, 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.
  • During pheasant, rabbit, quail, 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 trapping or hunting pheasant, quail, and woodcock.
  • Crow hunting is not permitted.

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-P (dog proof) traps, box traps or traps of similar design may be used for land sets.
    • During pheasant, rabbit, quail, and partridge season, hunters and 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 or hunting pheasant, quail, Hungarian partridge, rabbit, snipe, rail, and woodcock.

Amenities