Hunting in Illinois?

[MikeW]

I'm working in Illinois right now and I'm trying to figure out what I need to chase ground hogs around legally with my bow. I've been on the state site but  it's hard to find the info.

I see a non resident costs $50 or $28 for 5 days other than that I'm not finding the regs on ground hogs or other varmints like Jack's if there are any and coyotes.

Any of you residents know the scoop on what I need to do a little hunting on public or private land while I'm here?

I'm in Paris right now and will also be working in Brazil soon.
Thx.

[adeeden]

You just need the non resident hunting license and a habitat stamp for the groundhogs. Your just a few miles south of me (I'm right down route #1) Theres quite a bit of public land close. Most requirte a free site permit if you need any help finding a place to wonder around or just want to shoot let me know.

[MikeW]

^^^^
Thx I just might take you up on that. Like an idiot I didn't bring my bow with me but I'm about to head back home real quick and get it cause it looks like I'm going to be stuck here awhile.

I just found Ground Hogs are open June 1st - March 31st with a few exceptions in Nov & Dec. And Squirrel opens 8-1. I've only seen one running around so far at local country club I was at the other night but some local boys tell me they have them here. Any Jack rabbits around here?

What do you do this time of year?

Thx.

[ranger 3]

http://dnr.state.il.us/

[Tom Mussatto]

No daily limit on groundhogs but the season is closed during April/May and also closed during shotgun deer seasons. If you're hunting public ground I'd check each area prior to hunting as each site has different regs and most multiple use areas, such as state parks, do not allow groundhog hunting.

[MikeW]

^^^^^
I was there like I mentioned in my first post...It just took me awhile to find the regulation link.....thank you

[MikeW]

Tom,
the regs say closed only during some dates in Nov and Dec in counties that are open to firearms in Deer season.
?????

[adeeden]

Mike, Give me a call when you get your bow, or if your a lefty I am sure I got a loaner or 3! Also have a light weight righty #35 bear cub 60" my cell is 765-230-0933. I'm sure I can help you with all the squirels you want to try and shoot! Lot's of public land right in my back yard! I'm around 20-30 minutes north of Paris.
 
          Dennis

[Tom Mussatto]

Mike, unless the regs have changed this year, groundhog season statewide is June 1st thru March 31st. Unless you intend to hunt counties in the Chicago area not open to deer firearm hunting groundhog hunting in all other counties is closed during shotgun firearm seasons.

When in doubt call a CPO at one of the district offices for clarification.

[GR]

Mike, I have found its a lot easier to call Springfield then to try and get in touch with a district office.

You can find information about each of Parks on the IDNR site under Parks and Recreations.

[pronghorn23]

Here's the link to the public hunting areas and their info/fact sheets.

 http://www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/hunter_fact_sheet/index.htm