Shelbyville Okaw Unit Hunter Fact Sheet

2012 - 2013 Season

MAP

NAME: SHELBYVILLE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (WEST OKAW UNIT)

LOCATION: Six miles southwest of Sullivan and three miles southeast of Bethany.

DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA: Total Acres: 2700     Open Acres: 1464    Huntable Acres: 2625    Timbered Acres: 750

The area lies along the West Okaw River and is characterized by woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, wetlands, several small ponds, food plots and waterfowl management sub-impoundments

SITE REGULATIONS:

1. Free Site Hunting Permits (windshield cards) are required for species a noted. 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. For Free Upland Game Permit areas, a Free Upland Game Permit Application must be submitted online for a lottery drawing to be held in August. The application is available at www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/uplandgame. Hunters will be required to return their harvest card prior to February 15th each year. Failure to submit data/card will result in loss of hunting privileges for the following year.
2. during the Central Zone Duck Season, only waterfowl hunting is permitted in Fishhook, North Dunn, Jonathan Creek and McGee waterfowl areas. Beginning the day following the closure of Central Zone Duck Season, upland game hunters may hunt pheasant, rabbit and quail on these sites after 1:00 PM. Upland hunters must use non-toxic shot in these waterfowl areas and must abide by all other statewide requlations.
3. It is unlawful to trespass upon waterfowl rest areas 2 weeks prior to and throughout the waterfowl season. It is unlawful to trespass upon any designated waterfowl area 7 days prior to the beginning of the season.
4. Dove hunters must use size 7 ½ or smaller lead or bismuth shot, or size 6 or smaller steel/non-toxic shot. Dove hunters not hunting in dove management fields must hunt at least 100 yards from the edge of dove management units. Dove hunters are required to hunt within 10 feet of stake sites
5. After Sept. 5, Dove Management Fields will be open from noon to sunset. Non-toxic shot required in waterfowl management units and other fields designated as such.
6. Trapping is allowed through a drawing/permit system. Drawing is held at site office on first Saturday in October
7. .22 caliber rimfire rifles may be used for raccoon, opossum, skunk, fox, coyote, and squirrel hunting. Muzzleloading black powder rifles may also be used for squirrel hunting
8. Hunters engaged in hunting quail, rabbit, pheasant, or Hungarian partridge must wear a cap and upper outer garment of blaze orange of at least 400 square inches.
9. Deer hunters must use portable stands. Stands may be placed in trees from September 15th - Januray 31st. Stands must be clearly marked with owner's name, address, and telephone number. Screw-in steps, nails, spikes, and other bark-piercing devices are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Hunters are limited to one stand. Deer drives are strictly prohibited on all state owned or managed lands.
10. NO CROW OR WOODCHUCK (GROUND HOG) HUNTING IS ALLOWED ON THE SITE.
11. Dog training is allowed from Sept. 1 - March 31 and is regulated by permit. Contact the site for information and details.
12. Shotgun, muzzleloader, and handgun are allowed during the firearm deer season. Hunter must have a valid "Lake Shelbyville Project in Moultrie County" permit in order to hutn this area. Firearm deer hunters that have a "Moultrie County" deer permits are NOT ALLOWED to hunt at Lake Shelbyville State Fish & Wildlife Area.
13. In all cases, ask site personnel about current regulations, special rules, and site conditions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Stan Duzan, Site Superintendent at 217-665-3112. For general information about hunting regulations and applications please click here.

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 Opportunity Officer, IDNR, 1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702; TTY 217-782-9175