Lowden-Miller Hunter Fact Sheet

Firearm Deer

2012 - 2013 Season

MAP

DESCRIPTION: Huntable acres: approximately 2,225. The area is composed of gently rolling to steep ridges and draws covered with native hardwoods interspersed with pine plantations. Marked hiking trails are available for access.

SPECIAL REGULATION:

(1) Restricted Area: No firearm hunting is allowed in the restricted area adjacent to (on the North side of) the Boy Scout Camp. The area is clearly marked on the map and is posted with signs on the area. PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE & stay out of this area.

(2) Driving Deer: It is unlawful to drive deer, or participate in the driving of deer during hunting season.

HUNTING REGULATIONS:

All regulations found in the Illinois Wildlife Code, Federal Regulations, and Administrative Orders will apply unless area regulations are more restrictive.

IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL:

1. For any person to construct or to use any tree stand using nails, screws, wire or any device which pierces or cuts the bark of the tree on which it is installed. Tree stands must be portable and may be left unattended from Sept. 15 through Jan. 31. Stands on site must be labeled with the hunter's name, address & phone number. Only one stand per permit holder is allowed.
2. To consume any alcoholic beverage, including beer & wine, while on the area for the purpose of hunting.
3. To hunt in any area not designated as open to hunting.
4. For any person to park except in designated parking areas; or, for unauthorized vehicles to enter upon any trail.
5. To enter private property to track any wounded deer or turkey without first obtaining permission from the landowner.
6. To place or use any bait, attractant, lure, etc. that may be licked or ingested, etc; or use any item that generates heat.

AREA REGULATIONS - DEER FIREARM 1st & 2nd:

1. Statewide deer hunting regulations shall apply except where area regulations are more restrictive.
2. 75 hunters are selected from applications submitted to the Springfield permit office. Permit hunters are allowed to hunt during their respective seasons until their permits are filled. Hunters with Lowden-Miller Firearm Deer permits must check in (at Lowden Memorial State Park) and deposit their hunting license by 5:00 am or their permit is invalid for that day.
3. Any vacancies remaining at 5:00 am will be filled at that time by a drawing to allocate stand - by permits.
4. Stand - by permits are issued as being valid for the day of issuance only; are site specific for Lowden - Miller; and are $5.00 each. No other deer permits are required. Non-resident stand-by hunters are required to have a non-resident hunting license and a current habitat stamp.
5. Hunting is allowed with any type of weapon that is legal for statewide deer hunting during the specific season you are hunting.

AREA REGULATIONS - LATE WINTER SEASON

1. Deer permits for the Late Winter Season will be site specific for LMSF. Permits may be applied for online at http://www.dnr.state.il.us/admin/deer.htm. The application period begins October 26 and ends November 22. Permits will be allocated via lottery drawing. Unallocated permits will be available for sale over-the-counter. A total of 40 permits will be issed. Unfilled permits from previous seasons cannot be used.
2. Only antlerless deer may be harvested.
3. Hunters must register themselves in and check themselves out on the clipboards located at the available parking lots at the state forest. Hunters cannot exceed the posted number of hunters allowed at one time from each parking lot.
4. Stand-by permits will NOT be available.
5. Hunters may not register in earlier than 2 hours before legal shooting hours. All hunters must wear blaze orange.

AREA REGULATIONS - ALL SEASONS

1. Hunting is allowed with any type of weapon that is legal for Statewide deer hunting during the specific season you are hunting.
2. All deer harvested must be checked in at the county check station for 1st and 2nd deer season. Late Winter harvest must be reported by phone or internet as indicated by state regulations. All harvests must also be reported to the site when checking out.
3. All flagging ribbons, marking tapes, and deer stands must be removed by Feb 1, 2013.

Special Note: The shaded area on the site map (north-east part of the site) will be closed to firearm deer hunting during the second deer season due to Christmas tree sales and the number of people present on the adjacent Sinnissippi Forest property at this time. PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE & stay out of this area. Hunters wishing to track a wounded deer onto Sinnissippi Forest property must first drive to the site and ask permission from a Sinnissippi Forest staff person. Violators not following this procedure will be arrested!

For more information about Lowden-Miller State Forest, contact: Castle Rock State Park, 1365 W. Castle Rd., Oregon, Il. 61061. (815) 732-7329.

Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and those funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies is available to all individuals regardless of race, national origin, disability, age, religion or other non-merit factors. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the funding source's civil rights office and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, IDNR, 1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702: 217/785-0067; TTY 217/782-9175