What? Nothing but shotgun or archery can be used on Illinois Public Land? That's what the regulation book says. But where can we hunt now with our .22's and our muzzleloaders ? This is really gonna put a cramp in my squirrel hunting.

Hmmmm.............

Not privy to the hunting regs in Illinois, but if that's true, it's a sorry state of affairs for squirrel and deer hunting. Suppose a slug gun is just as deadly as a muzzleloader, but nowhere near as much fun if you're a charcoal fan.

What? Nothing but shotgun or archery can be used on Illinois Public Land? That's what the regulation book says. But where can we hunt now with our .22's and our muzzleloaders ? This is really gonna put a cramp in my squirrel hunting.


Mr. C
I checked the Illinois DNR web sight, http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/systems. There is a section on hunting public lands, you need to go to the bottom of the page. A pdf file will pull up. On page 10 there are FAQ's. It appears that center fire and rim fire are ok on public land but not on State Owned or managed property. Not sure the difference. On State Owned land you can use a 22 or 17 rim fire for squirrel, fur bearers and wood chuck.

You may use a rifle or hand gun for skunk, coyote, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, red and grey fox, on public land but not state owned property.

Hope that helps.

Brad S
Hebrews 10:39

Shawnee National Forest is designated "public land". 2006-07 hunting regulations states "no hand guns or rifles, shotgun or archery only". Some sites are more leanient. Bad sign of the times.

Oh yeah, next year I wish Illinois DNR would be kind enough to publish their regulations (before) hunting season has started.

Oh yeah, next year I wish Illinois DNR would be kind enough to publish their regulations (before) hunting season has started.

Mr C. That post sounded ominous. I trust you were not informed by an agent in the field but by stumbling across the narrative in the handbook???? :confused:

Brad S.
Hebrews 10:39