Fort de Chartres Hunter Fact Sheet  - Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

2012 - 2013 Season

1350 State Highway 155, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois 62277; (618) 284-7230

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The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) which owns Fort de Chartres Historic Site provides residents and visitors to the state an opportunity to appreciate the French culture and early Illinois history connected with this unique site. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with IHPA, manages portions of the site for hunting, fishing, hiking, and observing wildlife. In keeping with the historic significance of the fort and surrounding areas, hunting is by means of primitive (flintlock or percussion-cap) muzzle-loading firearms or bow and arrow only, no in-line muzzleloaders or muzzleloaders with scopes.

LOCATION: 4 miles W of Prairie du Rocher on Hwy 155

DESCRIPTION: Total acres: 1,219,  General Habitats: Open acres: 150, Huntable acres: 800,  Timbered acres: 570, Water (river sloughs) acres: 80

Located in the Mississippi River bottoms of southwestern Illinois, the site contains low wet areas, sloughs, and an old river oxbow. A large tract of timber is on an "island" between the oxbow and the Mississippi River. Large cultivated fields and brushy areas are interspersed by other woods throughout the area. Past logging and recent flooding have significantly reduced the number of "nut trees." Many deer and wild turkey occur in the area and provide a unique and challenging hunting experience for the muzzleloader hunter. Upland game species can be found on the area but are limited by the amount of suitable habitat.

1. Except with Teal/Duck hunters, all hunting is by primitive muzzle-loading firearms or bow and arrow only (see above).
2. All hunters must sign in and check out, reporting their harvest each day following hunting.
3. No hunting is permitted in posted areas, developed recreation areas, and within 100 yards of construction sites, residences, and developed recreation areas (e.g. picnic and camping areas).
4. Hunters must wear a cap and upper outer garment of solid and vivid blaze orange of at least 400 square inches while hunting rabbit, quail, woodcock, and/or snipes.
5. Construction or use of any tree stand using nails, screws, or wire or any device which pierces or cuts the bark of the tree on which it is installed is unlawful. Any tree stand (portable and one per hunter) can be left unattended overnight, and must be legibly marked with the owner's name, address, and telephone number.

Site hunting regulations (administrative rules) can be viewed on IDNR's website: www.dnr.illinois.gov

OTHER SITE FACILITIES: Camping and picnic areas.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Darrell Duensing, Site Superintendent, (618) 284-7230