INTRODUCTION: The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for providing outdoor recreation opportunity for the residents of the State. Of particular concern is providing safe hunting areas on public lands throughout the State. This Hunter Fact Sheet contains information relating to general hunting at the Momence Wetlands. This area is generally only accessible via the Kankakee River. The Kankakee River is one of the highest quality rivers in the entire state. The Kankakee River basin boasts a long tradition of hunting dating back to pre-settlement times. Low fall water conditions can make access very difficult.

DIRECTIONS: The Site Office is located at Kankakee River State Park 6 Miles west of Bourbonnais on Rt. 102. The site is located 3-4 miles west of the Indiana border along the Kankakee River.

DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA:

Total Acres- 518      Permanent Water 49      Huntable Area- 481.
Habitat Types- Upland woods 60      Bottomland forest/wetlands 400      Grass meadows 21

SEASON, HOURS, AND REGULATIONS:

GENERAL HUNTING REGULATIONS
All applicable regulations found in the Wildlife Code of 1971, Federal Regulations and Administrative Order 510 apply on this area. Special area regulations established under the authority provided in the above acts may be more restrictive and must be observed.

SITE REGULATIONS

1. Hunters must sign-in and sign-out at the Black-hawk trail parking lot and report harvest. You must also report harvest via the state-wide phone in system. Kankakee County. No device may be used to cut or pierce the bark of a tree. You must park in the designated parking lots. Access by boat is permissible. In 2012, Archery deer hunters will be able to obtain site archery windshiled permits on-line.

2. Deer (Firearm) permits will be site specific issued through the statewide drawing. In addition, successful applicants must obtain a free site registration permit prior to hunting. This permit must be displayed in the windshield while hunting. No device may be used to cut or pierce the bark of the tree. On site parking is limited to designated parking areas. Boat access is permissible. The site issued registration card must be in your immediate possession while hunting. Please report harvest and effort on permit and return to office upon completion of your hunt.

3. Turkey (Spring and Youth) permits will be site specific, issued through the regular statewide drawing. Hunters must obtain a free registration permit. This permit must be displayed in the windshield while hunting. You must park in the designated parking lots. Boat access is permissible. Your site registration permit must be in your immediate possession.

4. Squirrel hunting is from the day after Labor day to September 30. The Red squirrel, a protected species, is found on the area. Do not shoot this small tree squirrel.

5. Waterfowl hunting is closed during the firearm deer seasons; Duck and goose season are only allowed during the central duck and canada goose seasons respectively. No early duck or goose hunting is allowed, nor snow goose hunting past the close of the central canada goose hunting season. Hunting is permitted within 10 feet of marked blind sites from boat blind or portable ground blind only. No device may be used to cut or pierce the bark of a tree. No more then 3 persons may occupy a blind. No on site cutting of local plants to build or brush your boat blind.

NO HUNTING WITHIN 100 YARDS OF AN OCCUPIED DWELLING.

FOR THOSE PROGRAMS REQUIRING A SITE PERMIT (TURKEY, FIREARM DEER AND WATERFOWL, IN ADDITION TO OTHER STATEWIDE PERMITS, All PERMITS MUST BE MAILED BACK TO THE DISTRICT WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST OR THE SITE BY FEB. 15th OR YOUR HUNTING PRIVILEGES WILL BE FORFEITED FOR THE FOLLOWING HUNTING SEASON. REPORT ALL HARVEST AND EFFORT WHILE ON THIS SITE.

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.