ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

J.B. Pritzker, Governor | illinois.gov

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Volo Bog State Natural Area

Site Contact Info

Site Characteristics

  • Huntable Acres: 1,000
  • Habitat: Volo Bog State Natural Area is home to the only open-water quaking bog in Illinois, and the Moraine Hills area contains kettle-moraine topography. Huntable areas include marshes, prairie restoration areas, woodlands of mixed hardwoods. The park also consists of floating mat of sphagnum moss, cattails and sedges surrounding an open pools of water in the center of a the bog areas.
  • Digital Map
  • Printable Map

Site Specific Regulations

  • All statewide hunting regulations apply at site unless noted hereafter.
  • Use Hunt Planner to find hunting seasons open at this site.
  • Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been found in the park. Hunters will need to provide samples to the district wildlife biologist.
    • Having a harvested deer sampled is free to the hunter and very simple. Certain local vendors may take samples, and self-serve head drop-off barrels are stationed conveniently at Moraine Hills State Park, Volo Bog State Natural Area, and Chain O’ Lakes State Park.
  • Hunters must hunt in designated areas only and must park in specified parking lots.
  • If it is necessary to track a deer onto private property, the hunter must first notify the site office and must obtain permission from the landowner. All property surrounding the hunting area is privately owned.
  • Species-specific rules:

Deer

  • Archery
    • Dates: Statewide Season, Fridays through Tuesdays, except during Firearm deer season.
    • Permits: Hunting periods will be filled through a mail-in drawing. Applications are available at Moraine Hills State Park, Volo Bog State Natural Area and here.  Applications must be received at the Moraine Hills Park Office by Aug 31st to be eligible for the drawing. Successful applicants will be notified by email before September 15th. You will be required to sign in and out, and report harvests at the kiosks found in each designated parking area. Failure to report will result in loss of hunting privileges.
    • Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been found in the park. Hunters will need to provide samples to the District Wildlife Biologist.  Getting your deer sampled is at no charge to the hunter and is very easy.  There are local vendors that take samples and there will be head drop off barrels at Moraine Hills State Park, Volo Bog State Natural Area, and Chain O Lakes State Park.  You can find other locations to have your deer sampled here. For more information on CWD, you can contact the District Wildlife Biologist (815-675-2386 ext. 215) or visit our Chronic Wasting Disease Management website.
    • Hunting Area: Hunting is restricted to designated areas only (see map). Hunters are required to hunt from elevated stands which are a 6 foot minimum above ground. Tree stands and climbing devices must be portable, may not cut or pierce the tree bark, but do not have to be removed at the end of each day. All trails are open to hikers during the archery hunting season, therefore stands and gut piles must be a minimum of 75 yards from designated trails. All stands must be tagged with site issued permit number on weatherproof material.  Pruning branches up to 1 1/2 inches is allowed on the stand tree only.
    • Scouting: Preseason scouting is allowed on the Wednesday and Thursday prior to your assigned hunt, except during firearm deer season.
    • Parking: You must park in designated parking lots only. No parking is allowed along roadways.
    • Tracking: If it is necessary to track a deer onto private property, you must first notify the site office and obtain permission from the landowner. All property around the park is privately owned; please respect the rights of others.
    • Unlawful: Plastic markers and flagging tape are prohibited. Spectators are not allowed on the area.
    • Hazards: Bog soil is unstable, poison sumac is hazardous in winter. Controlled burning, for habitat management purposes, may be used in your hunting zone.

Turkey

  • Archery
    • Statewide Season, Fridays through Tuesdays, except during firearm deer season.
    • Hunting periods will be filled through a mail-in drawing. Applications are available at Moraine Hills State Park, Volo Bog State Natural Area and here. Applications must be received at the Moraine Hills Park Office by Aug 31st to be eligible for the drawing. Successful applicants will be notified by email before September 15th.
    • You will be required to sign in and out, and report harvests at the kiosks found in each designated parking area. Failure to report will result in loss of hunting privileges.
    • Hunting is restricted to designated areas only (see map). If you are assigned Moraine Hills Zone G, you will be receiving special instructions, due to this zone being a joined McHenry County Conservation District and State property.
    • Hunters are required to hunt from elevated stands which are a 6 foot minimum above ground.
    • Tree stands and climbing devices must be portable, may not cut or pierce the tree bark, but do not have to be removed at the end of each day.
    • All trails are open to hikers during the archery hunting season, therefore stands and gut piles must be a minimum of 75 yards from designated trails.
    • All stands must be tagged with site issued permit number on weatherproof material.  Pruning branches up to 1 1/2 inches is allowed on the stand tree only.
    • Preseason scouting is allowed on the Wednesday and Thursday prior to your assigned hunt, except during firearm deer season.
    • You must park in designated parking lots only. No parking is allowed along roadways.
    • If it is necessary to track a turkey onto private property, you must first notify the site office and obtain permission from the landowner. All property around the park is privately owned, please respect the rights of others.
    • Non-hunters are not allowed in the hunting area.
    • Bog soil is unstable and poison sumac is hazardous in winter.
  • Firearm Turkey hunting not permitted.

Waterfowl

  • No waterfowl hunting permitted.

Squirrels/Rabbits

  • No squirrel hunting permitted.
  • No rabbit hunting permitted.

Upland Birds

  • No upland bird hunting permitted.

Furbearers

  • No furbearer hunting or trapping permitted.

Amenities