The Union County State Fish & Wildlife Area was acquired by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in the late 1940s and developed a wintering goose population in excess of 50,000 birds by 1964. Since then, controlled harvest through the quota system and continued provision of quality winter sanctuary and food have contributed to a total southern Illinois winter population of nearly 500,000 Canada geese. The Union County segment of this population varies from 50,000 to 100,000 each winter.

The Area

Union County State Fish & Wildlife Area encompasses 6,202 acres in the Lower Mississippi River bottomlands division of Illinois. Numerous shallow sloughs and other water areas totaling approximately 1,100 acres are scattered throughout the area. More prominent water areas include Grassy Lake (350 acres) and Lyerla Lake (275 acres).

Of the 5,350-acre land area, approximately 2,400 acres are cultivated. The remaining acreage is timber, brush or permanent grass cover. By far the most intensive activity on the area is farming. Each year a variety of hard grain and green forage crops are planted and left standing to provide food for wintering geese. More than 2,400 acres of corn, sunflower, wheat, clover and other crops are established for this purpose.

Union County State Fish & Wildlife Area is a haven for many diverse forms of wildlife. The most prominent throughout five months of the year are the phenomenal flocks of wintering Canada geese and other waterfowl. White-tailed deer, bald and golden eagles, and many other interesting types of wildlife are commonly observed by visitors to the area.

Public use of interior gravel roads is restricted except when permission is granted for special circumstances, such as student research and site tours.

Refuge

Public use in the refuge is limited to sightseeing and wildlife photography. No hunting is allowed. In order to avoid disturbance of waterfowl on the area, no day use or overnight facilities have been developed.

Throughout the fall and winter months, thousands of Canada geese are concentrated along the Refuge Drive. Few places in Illinois exist where so many wild geese can be closely observed and photographed in their natural habitat.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in Grassy Lake from March 1 to October 15. Outboard motor size is limited to 10 horsepower or less. Grassy Lake is a shallow, fertile bottomland lake with catfish the primary sport fish attraction.

Excellent early spring and late summer bluegill and crappie fishing exists in Lyerla Lake. Fishing is permitted from March 1 to October 15, with outboard motor size limited to 10 horsepower or less.

Hunting

Approximately 2,050 acres at the south end of the main site are designated as a Public Hunting Area. Goose and duck hunting is on a permit basis with duck permits (allowing either species to be hunted) issued from the Springfield office upon application by interested hunters. Daily fee is $10 with blinds, some rental decoys and transportation to the field provided on the area. A total of 35 blinds can accommodate 70 hunters each day, and one more blind is accessible to a disabled hunter and assistant. A 5 a.m. drawing is held each morning at the Hunter Check Station to allocate blinds to permit holders.

On the smaller Firing Line Unit area, 4 four-man blinds and a separate walk-in area can accommodate a total of 32 additional hunters a day. A draw for this area is held one hour before shooting time daily at the green barn across from the Office/Visitor Center.

On the main site, additional hunting opportunities exist for deer, squirrel, ducks and doves both on the Public Hunting Area and in the Firing Line Unit area. Additional huntable acreage exists on two satellite locations: 2,741 acres on Devil's Island Wildllife Management Area and 1,375 on Cape Bend State Fish & Wildlife Area. For more specific regulations, please see the hunter fact sheet for each specific area, or call the office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Union County Hunter Fact Sheet | Devil's Island Hunter Fact Sheet | Cape Bend Hunter Fact Sheet

Directions

The Office/Visitor Center is located 7 miles west of the town square in Jonesboro, Il on State Hwy 146 and then, (after turning left or south on Refuge Road), 2 miles in on Refuge Rd. The Public Hunting Area entrance is located just east of the intersection of Route 3 and Reynoldsville Road, across the railroad tracks and left on the first gravel road.

• While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
• At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
• Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
• Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
• We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
• For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs' Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
• Telecommunication Device for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources Information (217) 782-9175 for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.