Starved Rock / Matthiessen State Park

Hunter Fact Sheet - Deer / Turkey Hunting Regulations

2011- 2012 SEASON

Matthiessen Map | Starved Rock Map | Starved Rock Nature Preserve Map

Special Area Regulations:

1. Hunting in designated areas only. Zone A (Lots 18 - 21) closed to firearm, muzzleloader.
2. Anterless deer only in October. Either sex from November 1st to the end of the season.
3. Parking lots 3, 5, & 6 closed in October.
4. Excludes the nature preserves and the Dells area as posted.
5. Bonus Buck Program. First state issued permit will be for anterless deer only. After checking deer at the manned check-station at Matthiessen State Park’s maintenance building, a $5.00 permit may be issued for either sex. Check station closes at 6:00 pm.
6. All archery hunters must check in and out at the board in the Matthiessen State Park Dells area prior to hunting. Archery hunting is allowed during the firearm and muzzleloader seasons in Zone A. The check station at Matthiessen State Park will be manned during the Firearm & Muzzleloader seasons only.
7. Firearm & Muzzleloader hunters must have a site specific permit and are required to check in before 5:00 AM at the Matthiessen State Park Check-Station. A drawing to allocate standby permits will be held at “TBA”. Stand-by hunters will be allowed to enter the field after the drawing at “TBA” , 10:00 am, 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm.
8. Standby permits are site specific for Starved Rock & Matthiessen, are only valid for the day they are issued, and cost $5 each. No other deer permits are required. A stand-by hunter may purchase up to two (2) one-day only site-specific anterless-only permits each day. Non-resident stand-by hunters are required to have a non-resident hunting license, and a current habitat stamp.
9. Unless exempt, all hunters will be required to furnish the following on the morning of the hunt: valid FOID card, current hunting license, and current habitat stamp.
10. Hunters who wish to change hunting areas must report to the check station prior to moving.
11. All firearm hunters are required to wear a cap and upper outer garment of solid and vivid blaze orange of at least 400 square inches. Archery hunters in ZONE A must wear blaze orange during all firearm seasons.
12. Tree stands must be portable and must be tagged with the hunter’s name, address, and phone number. All stands must be removed daily.
13. Deer must be field dressed at least 100' from any road, trail, or developed area. Any debris or body parts generated by field dressing must remain at least 100' from any road, trail, or developed area.
14. All deer or turkey harvested must also be checked in/reported as outlined in the statewide rules & regulations for reporting deer/turkey harvested during the regular statewide deer seasons.
15. All hunters MUST attend the safety talk before entering the field.
16. Further restrictions may exist. See posted regulations before hunting.
    
    

It Shall Be Unlawful:

1. To construct or use any stand, climbing device or accessory using nails, screws, or any device which pierces, cuts, or otherwise damages the bark of the tree on which it is installed.
2. To park or hunt in any area to which you have not been assigned.
3. For unauthorized vehicles to enter upon any trail.
4. To hunt with other than a shotgun or handgun during the firearm deer seasons, a muzzleloader during the muzzleloader deer season, or a bow & arrow during archery deer season.
5. For any person to consume any alcoholic beverage or illegal drugs or to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while on the area for the purpose of hunting.
6. To possess weapons in the field except during hunting hours and while engaged in hunting.
   
   

Other Activities / Facilities Available: Dining, lodge facilities.
For further information, contact: Site Superintendent; Starved Rock State Park; P.O. Box 509; Utica, IL 61373 Phone: 815/667-4726