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:
| SPECIES | SEASON | HOURS | SPECIAL RULES/PERMITS |
| Squirrel | Statewide (Closed during Controlled Pheasnt Season) | Statewide | .22 rimfire rifles or smaller permitted; hunters must obtain an annual site permit at site office. |
| Dove | Statewide | Sunrise - sunset | Shot size restricted to # 7 1/2, 8, or 9 lead, or 6 steel or smaller; hunting is restricted to field borders only; hunters must have windshield permit. |
| Wild Turkey (Spring & fall firearm; fall archery) | Statewide | Statewide | Special Permit needed for firearm hunters. The forest is divided into 4 zones with 6 hunters per zone per season. Hunting zones selected at a drawing held 2 days before the opening day’s hunt at 2 p.m. Archery hunters must obtain a free site permit. |
| Pheasant,
Quail, Rabbit, Woodcock |
Statewide
and Site specific (closed Mon. & Tues; Dec. 25) |
9 am - 4 pm | Check with site for permit procedures. A $25.00 Daily Usage fee will be assessed. All hunters are required to wear a solid blaze orange hat and vest of at least 400 square inches. |
| Deer (Firearm) | Statewide | Statewide | Sand Ridge State Forest is a Special Hunt Area and a Sand Ridge State Forest Deer Permit is required. Tree stands must be portable and removed after each day's hunt. |
| Deer (Archery) | Statewide | Statewide | Free annual site archery deer hunting permit is required and must be displayed in windshield while hunting. Tree stands must be portable and removed after each day's hunt. |
| Furbearers (Hunting) | |||
| Raccoon, Opossum | Coincides with statewide hutning season | Statewide | Free annual permit required; use of .22 rimfire firearms or smaller is permitted. |
| Coyote, Striped Skunk, Fox | Coincides with statewide fox season | Statewide | Free annual permit required; use of .22 rimfire firearms or smaller is permitted. |
SITE REGULATIONS:
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.