Exploring Great Places to Hunt and Hike in Illinois for National Get Outdoors Week

Nov 12, 2024

Today’s blog is dedicated to spending some time in the Great Outdoors! Whether your nature enthusiast tendencies lean towards hiking, mountain biking, nature photography, kayaking, or even hunting, we’ve got some great places for you to check out.

Don’t let the chilly temps get you down, there’s still so much to do and enjoy in the local, county, state, and even national parks nearby. Let’s explore together in today’s post for National Get Outdoors Week.

Check Out These Hunting Spots in Illinois

First, we’re going to share some selected spots for hunting throughout the state of Illinois. Remember, you do need a valid state hunting license, local and federal stamps and permits for particular game, and to abide by signage in each area .Be sure to check-in with local park rangers to double check restrictions and off-limits areas at each region.

Let’s check out the Shawnee National Forest. From early fall through late winter, certain public lands in Illinois are open for animal population control by permit, and your choice of firearms or archery will vary by date. For those seeking out whitetail deer and turkey, you’ll find a plethora in Shawnee Forest, along with squirrels, doves, and various waterfowl. The best areas include Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, Pennant Bar Openlands, Whoopie Cat Lake, Bald Knob Wilderness, Panther Den Wilderness and more.

Next on our list is the Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. This spot is home to numerous deer, turkey, small game like rabbit and pheasant. This area contains bottomland hardwoods, upland fields, and plenty of waterfront areas. Be mindful of posted prohibited game such as specific waterfowl and limitations on age/type of deer available.

Chain O’ Lakes State Park offers a variety of game options seasonally, including deer and turkey, squirrels and rabbits, pheasant, partridge, quail, rabbit, and more. This area also allows permitted falconers to do trained raptor-based hunting, which is a unique option. Fishing is also extremely popular as well.

Horseshoe Lake and the nearby Chouteau Island and Bohm Woods Nature Preserve areas offer limited hunting for waterfowl and dove.

Enjoy a Trek To Reunite with Mother Nature

The leaves may have fallen and gone, and the landscape may appear barren, but there’s still so much to appreciate about late November and early December before the major snowfalls begin. Your usual overlooks and vista points will offer an unparalleled view of even more mountains and cities than ever before thanks to the lack of leaves obstructing the landscape. So take a chance and explore these great parks and waterfalls in the less popular season for a new perspective on your favorite places.

Iron Oaks Forest Preserve in Olympia is a fantastic family-friendly destination full of nature adventures, educational opportunities, and recreational activities. The forest preserve has everything from climbing walls to create climbing challenges to a high ropes course and so much more. In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross country skiing or snowshoeing excursions on the nature trails.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve has 11 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulties that also allow horseback riding, cycling, and even cross-country skiers weather permitting. This preserve offers savannas, oak and maple woodlands, prairies, and of course the beautiful Rocky Glen Waterfall.

Busey Woods Gateway Trail offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of town but without the long trip. Nestled in the center of the Champaign-Urbana area, this beautiful area offers plenty of paths and trails! You can even partake in geocaching, some immersive nature and wildlife appreciation, and lots of information boards along the way to learn about plants and animals.

White Pines Forest State Park covers 385 acres of parklands and is the perfect place for an outdoor getaway. You’ll enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, nature photography, bird watching, archery, cross country skiing, hunting, and much more.