Illinois River NW&FR
Midwest Region

Some of our staff members are Refuge Officers. Our law enforcement program exists not only to protect refuge resources, but to ensure that our visitors have a safe and pleasant experience. While nobody likes to give or receive a ticket, we need to make sure that our visitors are using the resource in an appropriate, sustainable manner. Without an active law enforcement program, there would be little point to refuge management.

Our officers are not only highly trained to enforce the law, they are also trained in first aid and CPR, and are equipped with first aid kits, two-way radios, and cellular telephones. Being ready to assist you is another important part of our job.

Our Refuge Officers enforce the following laws:

  • The Migratory Bird Treaty Act
  • The Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act
  • The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act
  • The Eagle Protection Act
  • The Endangered Species Act
  • The Airborne Hunting Act
  • The Lacey Act
  • The Archaeological Resources Protection Act

We coordinate our law enforcement program with our Special Agents in Springfield.

Tips for Waterfowl Hunters

Listed below are the five most common waterfowl hunting violations that we encounter. If you read and follow this checklist before you go out, you'll be less likely to get a ticket, which will make your hunting experience much more enjoyable. Some of these tips may seem obvious, but it is surprising how often even experienced hunters forget the basics, especially on opening weekend.

  1. License. Before you go out into the field, make sure that you have your current license for the state in which you will be hunting.

  2. Stamps. Make sure that you have the required stamps and that they are signed in ink across the face. Usually, you will need a State waterfowl stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp, but if you are under 18 or over 65, check the regulations. Also, some states require habitat stamps. There is no requirement that the stamps be attached to your hunting license, but it is a good idea to do so because it makes you much less likely to lose them.

  3. Plug. Your shotgun must not be capable of holding more than three shells. This means a total of three shells, including the one in the chamber. In other words, the magazine may not hold more than two shells. If you choose to make your own plug, make absolutely sure that it is long enough to prevent a third shell from fitting into your magazine. Remember, some shells are shorter than others.

  4. Lead Shot. Don't use it, don't carry it. This violation is most common on opening day, when hunters forget to clean out their shell boxes and the pockets of their clothing. If you are in the field and have lead shot shells in your possession, even if they are not loaded into the gun, it is a violation. If you are not sure if your shells are lead, they probably are. Steel shot is clearly marked, both on the boxes and on the individual shells. Another clue: if there is a picture of a rabbit on the box, the shells are almost always lead.

  5. Limits. Know the limits, know your ducks, and only shoot when you are sure of your target. Also, remember that party hunting for waterfowl is illegal - you may not help your hunting partners fill their limits after you have filled yours. When you have filled your limit, unload your gun, put it down, and wait patiently for your partners to either get their limit or get tired.

One last tip. It's just good common sense that alcohol and firearms don't mix - ever. If you choose to drink, save it for after the hunt, when you are safe at home or in your camp.





 

Last updated: September 22, 2008