Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve Hunter Fact Sheet
2011 - 2012 Season

MAP

Location: LaSalle County. North of Interstate 80, west of County Hwy. 13 (Troy Grove Blacktop), and just east of where Illinois Route 351 enters Interstate 80 from the south. This area is about 1 mile northeast of the city of LaSalle.

Description: This site occupies 184.5 acres. 170 acres are huntable. The site is located at the confluence of Tomahawk Creek and the Little Vermilion River and has 112 acres of mature, second growth forest. It also contains sandstone rock outcrops, remnant hill prairies, and a wet prairie. The terrain can be very rugged and there is no interior vehicle access for the public. There is a parking lot on the east end of the site off County Hwy.13 (Troy Grove Blacktop).

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

Special Area Regulations:

1. All archery hunters are required to sign in prior to hunting and to check out and report their harvest immediately after the conclusion of the hunt on the sheets provided at the Mitchell’s Grove parking lot. Hunters must display and return parking passes daily.
2. Antlerless deer only in October. Either sex from November 1st to the end of the season.
3. Closed during statewide firearm, muzzleloader & late firearm deer seasons.
4. Bonus Buck Program. First state issued permit will be for antlerless deer only. After checking deer at the manned check-station at Matthiessen State Park’s maintenance building, a $5.00 permit may be issued for either sex. Check station closes at 6:00 pm.
5. Firearm and muzzleloader hunters must have a Starved Rock site specific permit and are required to check in before 5:00 AM at the Matthiessen State Park Check-Station. A drawing to allocate standby permits will be held at “TBA”. The check-station closes at 6:00 pm.
6. Unless exempt, all hunters will be required to furnish the following on the morning of the hunt: valid FOID card, current hunting license, and current habitat stamp.
7. Tree stands must be portable and must be tagged with the hunter’s name, address, and phone number. All stands must be removed daily.
8. All hunters engaged in firearm and muzzleloader deer hunting are required to wear a cap and upper outer garment of solid and vivid blaze orange of at least 400 square inches.
9. All deer harvested must also be checked in/reported as outlined in the statewide rules & regulations for reporting deer harvested during the regular statewide deer season.
10. All hunters must attend the safety talk before entering the field.
11. Further restrictions may exist. See posted regulations before hunting.
    

It Shall Be Unlawful:

1. To construct or use any stand, climbing device or accessory using nails, screws, or any device which pierces, cuts, or otherwise damages the bark of the tree on which it is installed.
2. To hunt or park in any area not designated as being open to hunting.
3. For unauthorized vehicles to enter upon any trail.
4. To hunt with other than a shotgun or handgun during the firearm deer seasons, a muzzleloader during the muzzleloader deer season, or a bow & arrow during archery deer season.
5. For any person to consume any alcoholic beverage or illegal drugs or to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while on the area for the purpose of hunting.
6. To possess weapons in the field except during hunting hours and while engaged in hunting.
   
   

For further information, contact:          Site Superintendent;   Starved Rock State Park;   P.O. Box 509; Utica, IL 61373    Phone: 815/667-4726 
                                         

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.