While many of us look forward to autumn’s cooler days, hunters do most of all; this is their prime season. Fortunately for residents and visitors, hunting options Clinton County are plentiful. An abundance of deer, pheasants and waterfowl provide a sporting challenge for all ages of men and women. If you’re new to the area, or are looking for where the great hunting spots are located, here’s are two top choices.
Hunters will find more than 50 acres designated for archery deer, dove and upland game hunting at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area. Due to its size, it can accommodate up to 125 hunters Wednesdays through Sunday. In addition, the park hosts a yearly controlled pheasant hunting program, early November into January. Another nice service, the park offers both pheasant and archery deer opportunities for disabled hunters.
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
20100 Hazlet Park Road, Carlyle
618-594-3015
Daily permit fee for the controlled pheasant program: $30/resident, $35/non-resident
Carlyle Lake is known as a haven for waterfowl hunting in Illinois, receiving many migrating birds during this season. Adding to the attractiveness for birds, the Corps of Engineers manages four wetland restoration areas around the lake, planting crops and encouraging wetland growth. Of these, the James Hawn Area provides 100 acres of public hunting, including 25 acres of impoundments with six duck hunting blinds that are on a first-come, first-serve use. Other areas include Boulder Flats, Grasher Creek and Saddle Dam III, which provides a duck blind specifically built for hunters with disabilities. The lake also has year-round opportunities for hunting white-tail deer, turkey, rabbits, bobwhite quail and pheasants.
Carlyle Lake/Kaskaskia Navigation Project
801 Lake Road, Carlyle
618-594-2484
After securing your license, and before heading out, be sure to check with the Department of Natural Resources regarding the specific hunting dates and regulations, as they vary for species and area. And if you’re in the area visiting, be sure to visit our local shops and restaurants!