Mississippi River Pools Hunter Fact Sheets

Mississippi River Pools 21, 22, & 24

2012 - 2013 Season

The area is comprised of the navigation pools of the Mississippi River formed by Dams, 24, 22, and 21. There is no Dam 23. This river reach is composed of private properties, federal lands owned by the USACOE, managed by the IDNR and also, land and water areas owned by the National Wildlife Refuge System which contains more restrictive hunting and trapping regulations.

LOCATION: On the Illinois side of the Mississippi River from Clarksville, MO (Dam 24) to Meyer, IL (Dam 20).

DESCRIPTION: Huntable Acres: 24,878 (primarily islands). Within these pools are islands, bays, and potholes. Private inholdings exist within these pools. Not all public areas are designated by signage. Refer to accompanying maps

SEASONS, HOURS, LIMITS:

* The Quincy Bay waterfowl management unit (Pool 21) is closed to all access from 2 P.M. - 4 A.M. during the regular duck season (see map)

**Shooting hours end in Blinds 1 - 25 at 1:00 p.m. daily in Pool 21 during duck season only.

*** Hunting allowed from portable blinds or anchored boats, in Illinois waters, maintaining >200 yard intervals at the following locations:

Pool 21 - west of Long Island (river mile 332.5 -340.5)
Pool 22 - west of Ward Island (river mile 314.0 - 324.0)
Pool 24 - west of Denmark island (river mile 291.0 - 294.5)

**** The Quincy Bay waterfowl management unit is closed to trapping during the regular duck season.

AREA REGULATIONS: (Click Here for Additional Waterfowl Regulations)

1. Waterfowl hunting is restricted to registered blind sites except during September Canada Goose and Teal seasons and after regular Canada Goose Season (i.e. white fronted and light geese). See note *** above.
2. Blinds not occupied by registered blind builders one-half hour before shooting time may be claimed by anyone.
3. Waterfowl blind sites are allocated for two years by a drawing held the third Sunday in July during odd numbered years.
4. All hunting is to be with shotgun, handgun (deer), .22 rimfire, muzzleloader, and archery. State regulations apply.
5. It shall be unlawful for any person to construct or to use any tree stand using nails, screws, or wire or any device which pierces or cuts the bark of the tree. Only one portable tree stand may be used and must be labeled with the hunter's name, address, and telephone number.
6. It shall be unlawful to possess or consume any alcoholic beverage (including beer and wine) while hunting on the area.
7. The majority of these areas are accessible by boat only.
8. Cabin site leases and inholdings exist in all areas. No hunting within 300 yards of these locations.
9. Camping in the entire area is restricted to the Bear Creek Public Use Area at River Mile 341 and John Hay Access Area at river mile 309. These areas are managed by the Army Cops of Engineers.
10. No trespassing in Triangle Lake Refuge September 1 through April 1.
11. The Long Island and Bear Creek Divisions of the USFWS Great River National Wildlife Refuge are located within Pool 21. It contains more restrictive hunting and trapping regulations which can be found at fws.gov/midwest/greatriver or by calling 573-847-2333.

OTHER SITE FACILITIES: Fishing and boating.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON POOLS 21, 22, AND 24, CONTACT: District Wildlife Biologist, 1252 W. Washington, Pittsfield, IL 62363. Telephone (217) 285-2221.

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, sex, 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 62702-1271; (217)785-0067; TTY (217)782-9175.