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IDNR Health & Safety Protocol Procedures Implemented for Waterfowl Hunting Sites - Continued


Submitted by:  TBC Press
Posted on: 10/12/20
News # 13979
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recently announced updated health and safety protocols and procedures that have been developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic for implementation during the 2020-21 waterfowl hunting seasons at IDNR sites.

The procedures outlined below are intended to minimize or eliminate direct contact among site users and IDNR staff, helping keep all individuals safe and ensuring that hunting can take place at IDNR sites.

Some of the new procedures may represent significant changes from previous hunting seasons and the IDNR appreciates hunters’ patience and flexibility in following the new requirements. Since opening day at public waterfowl hunting sites is always the busiest day of the season, hunters should plan to arrive early and be patient as some procedures may require additional time before hunting can begin.

At sites with annual, bi-annual or tri-annual allocation blinds:
  • No traditional standby drawings will be conducted; check the site’s specific webpage for more details.
  • Hunting location assignment will be allocated individually; check with sites for specific details.
  • Similar to flooded conditions or non-check station sites, blind builders will proceed to their blinds and occupy them by one hour prior to legal shooting hours each day.
  • Unoccupied blinds may be claimed by other hunters after one hour before legal shooting time each day.
  • Depending on site-specific regulations, hunters may be required to sign-out and report their harvest after the completion of each day’s hunt.
  • Sites impacted:  Anderson Lake SFWA, Chain O’Lakes SP, Clear Lake SWMA, DePue SFWA, Des Plaines SFWA, Horseshoe Lake SP (Madison Co.), Kankakee River SP, Meredosia Lake SFWA, Mississippi River Area SFWA (all check station and non-check station sites), Momence Wetlands, Pekin Lake SFWA, Redwing Slough/Deer Lake SNA, Rice Lake SFWA (main lake), Sanganois SFWA, Shabbona Lake SP, Sinnissippi Lake SFWA, Spring Lake SFWA, Starved Rock SP, William Powers SFWA.

First-come, First-served to claim blinds or stakes:
  • At sites with hunting locations usually allocated through a daily drawing, hunters will pick up a harvest card at sign-in/sign-out boxes located throughout the site.
  • These cards will be placed on the dashboard of the vehicle while hunting or left at the sign-in box/kiosk.
  • Hunters will proceed to parking areas associated with hunting blinds/stakes and proceed directly to blinds/stakes at times specified when hunters may enter sites.
  • Upon completion of hunting, hunters will deposit completed harvest cards in the locked sign-out boxes.
  • Sites impacted: Heidecke Lake SFWA, Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA, Pyramid SP (all units), Sanganois SFWA – Baker unit.

This press release serves as public notice for the Modification of Waterfowl Hunting on State Sites pursuant to Administrative Rule Section 110.185 Emergency Modification of Site Rules.

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Publishers Notes: OUT OF STATE HUNTERS, FISHERMEN & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS; Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, there could be limitations for OUT of STATE hunters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts to include a 14-day quarantine requirement or negative COVID-19 testing alternative. Please check with the State's Department of Natural Resources BEFORE you travel or apply for the 2020 Fall Hunts.

As OUR COUNTRY REOPENS AGAIN (from the COVID-19 pandemic) and continue to enjoy outdoor activities, ALL outdoor enthusiasts (man, woman, child) should follow the guidelines set by nps.gov. These guidelines include; social distancing, the Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.