Turkey Bluffs Hunter Fact Sheet
c/o Randolph County Conservation Area

  MAP

Turkey Bluffs State Fish & Wildlife Area (TBFWA) was purchased with a 75% matching grant from the USFWS with Pittman-Robertson funding. The site is open for fishing, hunting, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, and observing wildlife. Squirrel, wild turkey, and deer are the most common game species. Upland game species such as rabbit and quail also occur at the site primarily in the open areas. Dove hunting is provided in large sunflower fields on the area.

LOCATION: 2 miles S of Chester on Illinois Hwy 3

DESCRIPTION: Total acres: 2,265, General Habitats: Open acres: 350, Huntable acres: 2,250,  Timbered acres: 1,700, Water (Mary's River) acres: 10

TBFWA is located on the Mississippi River bluffs in southwestern Illinois. The topography varies from level flood plains to steep hills. Cultivated fields, along with hay fields and brushy areas, are interspersed with extensive stands of mature bottomland and upland timber.

This site is open for the Youth Deer Hunting and Youth Spring Wild Turkey Hunting seasons - certain area restrictions apply.

1. All hunters must sign in and check out, reporting their harvest each day following hunting.
2. No hunting or trapping 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).
3. Firearm deer hunters must wear a cap and upper outer garment of solid and vivid blaze orange of at least 400 square inches while hunting rabbit, pheasant, quail, and/or woodcock.
4. 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 September 15 - January 31, and must be legibly marked with the owners name, address, and telephone number.

Site hunting regulations (administrative rules) can be viewed on IDNR's website: dnr.state.il.us

OTHER SITE FACILITIES: Picnic areas.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Joan Bade, Site Superintendent, 4301 South Lake Drive, Chester, IL 62233 or (618) 826-2706