It’s hard to believe how quickly summer passes to fall. Still, the changing season brings other outdoor things, such as hiking, leaf-peeping, waterfowl, fishing, and hunting in Clinton County, IL. There’s nothing like the thrill of the catch, be it a monster Bass, teal duck, early goose, or the elusive 12-point buck.
Are you looking for some heart-thumping, adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities this fall? In that case, we’ve got you covered — and Carlyle Lake is perfect for all these activities and more. So, grab your pole, sling your bow or shotgun, and let’s get to it.
Reel in the Catch During Fishing Season
Are you itching for some fishing? Carlyle Lake is the perfect place to reel them, and you’ll find a variety of fish in the lake, from Blue Cats to White Bass. The limits depend on the fish and its size. Large Mouth’s creel limit is six daily, but they must be at least 14″ from closed lips to tail tips.
White Bass, however, have a larger population in the lake, so there are no limits if they’re under 17″. But since you can’t easily predict which fish will bite and which you’ll reel in, plan on three bass per day if you catch more than one type that meets minimum lengths.
You could fish in the lake throughout the fall. However, if you’re looking for a challenge, grab your gear and head out on the water in October for a fun high school and youth bass fishing tournament.
Bag Your Limit During Waterfowl Hunting Season
Many look forward to autumn’s more relaxed days, the more comfortable temperatures, and the changing season. However, autumn is also something else — prime time for hunters gearing up for the season with mouth-watering visions of venison burgers and steaks urging them forth while the rest of us drool in anticipation of the season’s rewards.
Fortunately, hunting options in Clinton County are plentiful for residents and visitors alike. An abundance of deer, pheasant, and waterfowl provide plenty of sporting opportunities for people of all ages. So, don’t be shy. Don that camo with pride!
Purchase Your Waterfowl Stamps
Our area is known for spectacular waterfowl hunting, and birds include several types of ducks, geese, and woodcocks. However, a few regulations should be considered before planning your hunting adventure. You’ll need to purchase Migratory Waterfowl Stamps to do so.
Why You Need Waterfowl Stamps
A federal regulation passed in 1934 required hunters to purchase migratory waterfowl stamps, or “duck stamps,” to hunt migratory waterfowl. The purpose was to buy and lease land in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
These hunting lands provide essential breeding, migrating, and wintering habitat for waterfowl. Stamp funds have totaled $800 million and have been used to protect 5.7 million acres of wildlife habitat nationwide. The cost of the stamps is currently $25.50.
In 1975, Illinois hunters began the Illinois Migratory Waterfowl to provide funds to manage and acquire waterfowl and wetland habitats within the state. The funds raised will also conserve important grassland and wetland habitats on Canadian breeding grounds.
Many of the ducks and other waterfowl that visit Illinois originate from here. The current cost of the Illinois Stamp is $15.50. On average, over 60,000 stamps are sold annually.
Both stamps must be purchased, along with HIP registration (Harvest Information Program). HIP registration is free, but you must update it yearly if you hold a lifetime license.
Score Big This Deer Hunting Season
Still dreaming of nabbing that behemoth of the woods — the one bearing the rack that more often resembles a medieval torture device? He’s out somewhere, and we’re confident you’ll find him, bag him, tag him, and bring him home — maybe it’ll happen this season. You never know.
That said, deer season begins October 1. It continues through mid-January, depending on which method of hunting you use — archery, muzzleloader, or firearm. So, make sure you check the Illinois Department of Resources for details!
Complete the Hunter Safety Class
Were you born on or after January 1, 1980? If so, you must complete an online hunter safety class to obtain any license or permit for hunting in IL. Once that is done, you may continue purchasing whatever license you need based on the type of hunting you are considering.
After securing your license and heading out, check with the Department of Natural Resources regarding the specific hunting dates and regulations, as they vary for species and area.
Best Places for Fishing and Hunting in Clinton County
A couple of areas stand out among the many you could fish and hunt in Clinton County. You have two top choices if you’re new to the area or looking for excellent hunting spots.
- Carlyle Lake
- Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
Carlyle Lake
Known for its waterfowl hunting opportunities, Carlyle Lake is a top spot for many migrating birds. The Corps of Engineers manages four wetland restoration areas around the lake, planting crops and encouraging wetland growth, making the area much more attractive to the birds.
You’ll find plenty of room to set up at the James Hawn Area, which offers 100 acres for public hunting. That includes 25 acres of impoundments with six duck blinds on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Other areas include Boulder Flats, Grasher Creek, and Saddle Dam III. These areas provide a duck blind specifically built for hunters with disabilities.
The area around Carlyle Lake is home to many types of wildlife, including those delightful deer. As part of the wildlife management system, crops, including sunflowers, corn, beans, winter wheat, clover, and millet, are planted around the lake, creating an optimal wildlife habitat. So, there are quality opportunities for hunting white-tailed deer.
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
Eldon Hazlet State Park also has an estimated 400 acres of woodlands, fallow grass, and agricultural fields open for general hunting programs. Over 50 acres are designated for archery, deer, dove, and upland game hunting. Due to its size, it can accommodate up to 125 hunters on Wednesdays through Sundays.
The park also hosts a yearly controlled pheasant hunting program from early November into January, as well as pheasant and archery deer opportunities for disabled hunters.
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
20100 Hazlet Park Road, Carlyle
618-594-3015
The daily permit fee for the controlled pheasant program is $30 per resident and $35 per non-resident.
801 Lake Road, Carlyle
618-594-2484
Where to Process Your Deer Harvest
Once you have harvested your deer, you have choices about where to take it for processing. There are three local processors, but currently, only Scott’s Processing and Behrmann’s are processing deer.
Explore Other Things to Do Outdoors
When you’re not fishing or hunting, check out our local hiking trails this autumn. These trails are a great place to bask in the beauty of fall. There are several trails to explore at Carlyle Lake and the Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area. So, make it a day and pack a picnic to take with you.
Plan Your Next Clinton County Adventure
Whether you’re hunting in Clinton County, IL, or just aching for an adventure, we invite you to visit. There’s so much to see and do throughout the county. And if you are visiting the area, be sure to check out our local shops and restaurants, engage with our community, and, most importantly, enjoy your stay!
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