|
19031 East County Road 2110N E-mail: IllinoisRiver@fws.gov |
Regulations
Federal Regulations
In addition to the regulations outlined below, all regulations of the National Wildlife Refuge System apply (16USC668(dd)50CFR27).
Chautauqua Refuge Regulations
All activities are limited to day use only (sunrise to sunset). 
View a map of the Chautauqua Refuge. (80 KB)
Public Access
Sunrise January 15 through sunset October 15
All refuge land is open to public access in accordance with these refuge regulations. The nature trails are open throughout the year. The refuge is accessible by foot, bicycle and boat. Swimming is prohibited in refuge waters.
Sunrise October 16 through sunset January 14
Refuge is closed for waterfowl sanctuary, however foot access is allowed on the shoreline from headquarters to Eagle Bluff Access Area. The nature trails are open throughout the year.
Fishing
Crappie: Minimum length 10". Limit 15 per day.
Bass: Minimum length 15". Limit 6 per day.
Sunrise January 15 through sunset October 15
Sport fishing is allowed from bank, boat or ice on all refuges waters. Illinois and refuge regulations apply. A "no wake" regulation is in effect for boats on Lake Chautauqua. Trot line and jug fishing will be allowed as long as lines are attended to on a daily basis. Abandoned lines will not be tolerated.
Sunrise October 16 through sunset January 14
Fishing from a boat is allowed in the Goofy Ridge Ditch. Bank fishing is allowed between the boat dock and fishing trail at Eagle Bluff Access Area, as well as the area between the North Water Control Structure and Goofy Ridge. During the waterfowl hunting seasons, the waters within the Liverpool Lake Public Hunting Area is closed to fishing. Illinois and refuge regulations apply.
Hunting
Hunting waterfowl is allowed in accordance with Illinois and refuge regulations in the Liverpool Lake Public Hunting Area of the refuge (located outside of the main dike). This area is accessible by boat from the Illinois River. Public boat launching sites are located in Havana and Liverpool. Access for hunting waterfowl is allowed one hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset in the hunting area.
Portable blinds are allowed. All hunting aids such as blinds and decoys must be removed at the end of each day's hunt. The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed. Approved, non-toxic shot must be used while hunting waterfowl. Early youth hunts are not allowed on Chautauqua Refuge.
Wildlife Observation
Sunrise January 15 through sunset October 15
All refuge land is open for wildlife observation. Foot, bicycle and boat access is allowed.
Sunrise October 16 through sunset January 14
The area from the Headquarters to the Eagle Bluff Access Area is open for wildlife observation. The nature trails at Headquarters and Eagle Bluff Access Area are also open.
Nut, Berry, and Mushroom Picking
Nuts, berries and mushrooms are for personal use only.
Sunrise January 15 through sunset October 15
All refuge land is open for nut, berry, and mushroom picking.
Sunrise October 16 through sunset January 14
The shoreline from the Headquarters to the Eagle Bluff Access Area is open for nut, berry, and mushroom picking.
Camping/Fires
Camping, overnight use of the refuge, fires and fireworks are not allowed.
Pets
Pets must be on a leash unless engaged in hunting.
Emiquon Refuge Regulations
All activities are limited to day use only (sunrise to sunset). 
View a map of the Emiquon Refuge. (84 KB).
Public Access
All refuge land is open to public access in accordance with refuge regulations.
Motorized Vehicle Access
Motorized vehicles are allowed in existing parking areas only. Off-road vehicle use, including ATVs, is prohibited. During high water, the use of motorized boats is allowed at no wake speed on all refuge waters.
Fishing
Sport fishing is allowed on all refuge waters throughout the year.
Hunting
View a map of areas open to hunting.
Hunting of migratory game birds, upland game birds, and deer is allowed in accordance with Illinois and refuge regulations. Access for hunting is allowed from one hour before legal shooting time until one hour after sunset. The construction and use of permanent blinds, ladders and stands are prohibited. All hunting aids such as stands, blinds, or decoys must be removed at the end of each day's hunt. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed. Approved, non-toxic shot must be used while hunting all species except turkey, squirrel, raccoon, deer and coyote. No hunting is allowed in double ditch area adjacent to Route 97/78. We recommend 200-yard spacing between hunting parties
Wildlife Observation
Wildlife observation is allowed on all refuge lands.
Nut, Berry, and Mushroom Picking
Nuts, berries and mushrooms are for personal use only.
Nut, berry, and mushroom picking is allowed on all refuge lands.
Camping/Fires
Camping, overnight use of the refuge, fires and fireworks are not allowed.
Pets
Pets must be on a leash unless engaged in hunting.
Meredosia Refuge Regulations
All activities are limited to day use only (sunrise to sunset). 
View a map of the Meredosia Refuge. (166 KB)
Public Access
All land and water areas of the refuge are open to foot and boat access from February 16 through October 15. Between October 16 and February 15, foot and boat access are restricted to land on the east side of Meredosia Lake in Morgan County.
Motorized Vehicle Access
Motorized vehicles are allowed on Beach Road on the east side of Meredosia Lake and on the entrance road and public parking area near the maintenance facility. Off-road vehicle and ATV use is not allowed.
Fishing
Sport fishing in accordance with Illinois regulations is allowed in any area that is open to public access.
Hunting
Hunting is not allowed.
Wildlife Observation
Wildlife observation is allowed in any area that is open to public access.
Nut, Berry, and Mushroom Picking
Nuts, berries and mushrooms are for personal use only.
Nut, berry, and mushroom picking is allowed in any area that is open to public access.
Camping/Fires
Camping, overnight use of the refuge, fires and fireworks are not allowed.
Pets
Pets must be on a leash.
Cameron-Billsbach Unit Regulations
All activities are limited to day use only (sunrise to sunset). Access to this refuge is by boat from the Illinois River. Use caution when boating into and out of Weis Lake to avoid hitting the water control structure.
Public Access
All land and water areas of the unit are open to foot and boat access from January 15 through October 15.
Fishing
All waters of the unit are open to sport fishing in accordance with Illinois regulations from January 15 to October 15.
Hunting
Hunting is not allowed.
Wildlife Observation
The entire unit is open for wildlife observation between January 15 and October 15.
Nut, Berry, and Mushroom Picking
Nuts, berries and mushrooms are for personal use only.
The entire unit is open for nut, berry, and mushroom picking between January 15 and October 15.
Camping/Fires
Camping, overnight use of the unit, fires and fireworks are not allowed.
Illinois Hunting Regulations
Visit these links for Illinois 
fishing, hunting and trapping information.
Purchase Licenses and Stamps
Now you can buy an Illinois Hunting, Fishing, or Trapping License and State stamps from your computer! By using this link, you can purchase your licenses on-line with your major credit card. The license can then be printed by your computer's printer, and you instantly have a valid license. If you purchase stamps with this system, you do not receive an actual stamp, but a stamp number is embedded on your license, and this is considered a valid State stamp. Isn't technology great? A word to the wise - most inkjet printers do not use waterproof ink, so it would be a good idea to laminate your license. Because stamps do not stick well to laminated licenses, we suggest that you sign your Federal Duck Stamp, attach it to your license, and then laminate it.
Another shop-at-home service that is a little less advanced, but still convenient, is to call our toll-free Federal Duck Stamp order number (1-888-534-0400) to purchase your Federal Duck Stamps with your major credit card.
For those of you who prefer to shop the old-fashioned way, you can purchase hunting and fishing licenses and State stamps at most sporting goods stores, and Federal Duck Stamps may be purchased at any Post Office.
