Sand Ridge Hunter Fact Sheet 
2012 - 2013 Season
MAP

The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for providing outdoor recreation opportunities for the residents of this state. The use of wildlife populations, whether it be for hunting or observation, is one aspect of this role. This Hunting Fact Sheet is provided to insure that regulations governing the use of our wildlife resources are available and understood. In addition, it is useful in acquainting visitors with common species and habitats on the area. IN ALL CASES, ask site personnel about additional rules, regulations, and site information.
LOCATION: The Sand Ridge State Forest (SRSF) office is located approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Forest City, Illinois, in Mason County.
DESCRIPTION: Total acres: 7,500      Huntable acres: 6,600     Open acres: 300    Timbered acres: 6,000
Sand Ridge State Forest is characterized by a flat to gently rolling terrain. Forest consists of approximately 3,500 acres of hardwoods and 2,500 acres of pine. Open acres are prairie and wildlife management fields.
SEASONS, HOURS, LIMITS:                 

ADDITIONAL SITE REGULATIONS:

1. For additional information visit the Sand Ridge Sportsman Digest at http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/R4/SAND.HTM
2. Free Site Hunting Permits (windshield cards) are required. These are available online at www.dnr.illinois.gov. Navigate to "Hunting/Trapping" and then "Public Hunting Areas" to print these permits. Hunters will be required to return to this website prior to February 15th each year to record harvest information. Failure to submit data will result in loss of hunting privileges for the following year.
3. For the controlled hunting program applications must be submitted on-line starting August 1st by going to http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/programs/controlled_hunt/default.asp
4. Firearm turkey hunting; the forest is divided into 4 hunting zones with 6 hunters per zone per season. Hunting zones for all seasons will be selected at a drawing held 2 days before the opening day’s hunt at 2 p.m. at the site office
5. Firearm deer hunting and Turkey Hunting permits are available through the permit Lottery System by going to http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting /Pages/ApplyForDeerOrTurkeyPermit.aspx.
6. Tree stands must be portable and removed after each day's hunt.
7. NO TRAPPING ALLOWED

Additional hunting is permitted at Sparks Pond State Natural Area, Oakford Conservation Area, Henry Allen Gleason Nature Preserve and Revis Hill Prairie State Natural Area; Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/R4/SAND.HTM for additional site specific information.

ALL MOTORIZED VEHICLES ARE PROHIBITED ON FIRELANES AND TRAILS! SAFE HUNTING IS NO ACCIDENT!
OTHER SITE FACILITIES: Camping, picnicking, hiking and horse trails, snowmobiling, nature study, and trap and archery ranges.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: The Site Superintendent, P.O. Box 111, 25779 E. Co. 2300 N., Forest City, IL 61532, or at (309) 597-2212
Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and those funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies is available to all individuals regardless of race, sex, national origin, disability, age, religion, or other non-merit factors. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the funding source’s civil rights office and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, IDNR, 1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271; (217)785-0067; TTY (217)782-9175.