Hunting

More than 100,000 ducks use Chautauqua NWR each fall, which means waterfowl hunters may see a lot of birds. The refuge is open to hunting in the Liverpool Lake area, which is accessed only by boat. While wading the refuge hunting area is possible in places, using a dog makes retrieving birds safer and easier. There can be good hunts for puddle duck species, and the area receives light hunting pressure. It is also one of the few public areas in the state that does not require a special permit or lottery drawing.

All migratory bird hunting on the refuge closes in accordance with published State waterfowl seasons.  Refuge hunting is not open for the conservation order light goose season. Please see regulations and maps for more details.

Welcome

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1936 to provide diverse habitat for migratory waterfowl and a variety of other species. The 4,793-acre refuge is managed as a part of the Illinois River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. In the 1920s Lake Chautauqua was diked, drained and converted for agricultural production. Today, seen as an important stop over site for migratory waterfowl during the Spring and Fall migration.

Safety

We recommend 200 yard spacing between hunt parties when engaging in hunting activities. Be aware of your surroundings and follow State regulations for hunting attire.

Firearms

Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32.)

Vehicles

Licensed motor vehicles are permitted only in existing parking areas as shown on the map. ATVs and UTVs are prohibited.

Boats

Outside of the waterfowl sanctuary period, refuge allows canoes, kayaks, and motorized boats at no wake speed on all refuge waters within the North and South pools located inside the perimeter levees. Waterfowl sanctuary is Oct. 16 - Jan. 31.

Accessibility Information

Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available to all individuals regardless of physical or mental ability. For more information please contact the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Civil Rights, https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/public-civil-rights.

Hunting and Fishing Regulations

Hunting and fishing regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. Hunting and fishing are permitted in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on national wildlife refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Hunting and fishing will be in accordance with applicable State of Illinois regulations subject to the conditions stated below. Brochures may be obtained by mail, at the refuge headquarters, or from the refuge website.

Waterfowl hunting is only permitted outside the main dike in the Liverpool Lake section, Goofy Ridge Ditch and refuge land north of the ditch in accordance with Illinois and refuge regulations (see map). All other hunting and trapping is prohibited. Pets must be on a leash unless engaged in hunting.

All migratory bird hunting on the refuge closes in accordance with published State waterfowl seasons. Approved, non-toxic shot must be used while hunting waterfowl. Refuge hunting is not open for the conservation order light goose season.

Refuge is not open to deer and turkey hunting.

Sport fishing is allowed on all refuge waters except during temporary seasonal closures for waterfowl sanctuary as posted. The use of bows or crossbows for fishing is prohibited. Public hunting areas are closed to fishing during the waterfowl hunting seasons. Bank fishing is permitted year-round between the boat ramp and the fishing trail in North Pool and from Goofy Ridge to the west gate of the North Pool water control structure.

Access

Hunters may only access the Refuge one hour before legal sunrise until one hour after legal sunset.

Access to hunting area is by river only. Boat launches are available on the Illinois River at Havana and Liverpool.

Tree Stands/Decoys/Blinds

The construction or use of permanent hunt blinds is prohibited. All hunting aids must be removed at the end of each day’s hunt.

To Report Violations

• Refuge Headquarters 309-535-2290
• Turn In a Poacher (TIP) Line: 1-800-POACHER
• In case of emergencies call 911

Signs and Boundaries

Please respect the following signs:

• No Vehicles Beyond This Point
• Public Hunting Area: Limited public hunting under Federal and State Laws. Consult Manager for current regulations.

Hunters are allowed refuge access from one hour before legal shooting time to one hour after sunset

Prohibited Activities

By law, recreational activities on national wildlife refuges are prohibited unless expressly permitted.

• Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Camping and Fires.
• Use of bows or crossbows for fishing is prohibited.
• Searching for or removing natural items such as antlers, skulls, plants, or historic/archaeological features protected by federal law.
• Hounding, trapping, and baiting are prohibited
• Use of electronic or photographic trail monitoring devices.
• Marking or flagging any tree or other Refuge feature with reflectors, paint, or other substance.
• Permanent tree stands, nails, screw-in steps, or other items that penetrate the outer bark of a tree.
• Leaving tree stands and ground blinds overnight is prohibited.
• ATVs/ UTVS are prohibited.
• Firearms capable of firing cartridge ammunition.
• Hunting is prohibited within 200 yards of any public use facility.