Hunting

Hunting is permitted in accordance with state and refuge regulations in specific area of the refuges. Please see the Rules & Policy page for more details. See the Library for a list of regulations and hunting map.

Welcome

Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1993 to restore and protect wetland habitat within the confluence of the Illinois and Spoon Rivers. The 2,705-acre refuge is managed as a part of the Illinois River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Complex. Before the refuge was founded, Emiquon was previously farmland that produced agricultural crop such as corn and soybeans. Now it is an important stopover 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

The Refuge allows canoes, kayaks, and motorized boats at no wake speed on all refuge waters.

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.

Hunting of migratory birds, upland birds, upland game, deer and turkey is allowed in designated areas (see map). Furbearer hunting and trapping is prohibited. Pets must be on a leash unless engaged in hunting. Illinois and refuge regulations apply.

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

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 hunting seasons.

Access

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

Hunters must park in designated parking areas, as identified on the map below, to access the Refuge for hunting.

No hunting is permitted in the double ditch area adjacent to Highway 97/78.

Waterfowl Sanctuary from October 16 - January 31

Tree Stands/Decoys

All hunting aids such as stands, blinds, or decoys 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 emergency dial 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.
• Searching for or removal of any natural items such as antlers, plants, historic, and archaeological features protected by Federal law.
• 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.
• ATVs/ UTVS.
• Hunting is prohibited within 200 yards of any public use facility.