The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is responsible for providing outdoor recreation opportunities for the residents of this state. The use of wildlife populations, whether it be for hunting or observation, is one aspect of this role. This Hunting Fact Sheet is provided to ensure that regulations governing the use of our wildlife resources are available and understood. In addition, it is useful in acquainting visitors with common species and habitats on the area. In all cases, ask site personnel about additional rules, regulations and site information. Active habitat management will be occurring throughout the year on the site.
The Edward R. Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area upland game management programs afford both youth and adult sportsmen opportunities to enjoy quality experiences on this area of public land. These programs also allow sportsmen opportunities to witness firsthand that wildlife populations will flourish where they are provided suitable habitat and proper management.
LOCATION: Edward R. Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area is located 3 miles southwest of Lincoln on Bus. Rt. 55 (Old Route 66).
DESCRIPTION:
| Total acres: 982 |
Huntable Acres: 220 |
Open acres: 230 |
| Timbered Acres: 528 |
Water acres: 4 (Salt Creek) |
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Edward R. Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area is characterized by a mixture of bottomland forest (along Salt Creek) and relatively flat upland areas comprised of native grass plantings, tree-shrub savanna-like habitats, brush and crop fields. The crop fields are bisected with strips of grass-legume wildlife plantings.
SEASONS, HOURS, LIMITS:
| SPECIES | SEASON | HOURS | SPECIAL RULES/PERMITS |
| Dove | Sept. 1-5 | Noon -
5 p.m. | Permit required; apply at: www.exploremoreIL.com; hunters must hunt within 10 ft. of IDNR marked sites; Hunters shall possess only approved, non-toxic shot, such as bismuth, of size #7.5 or smaller, or steel shot size #6 or smaller for the taking of doves; Check in time: 10:00-11:00 AM |
| | Sept. 6-30 | Noon-sunset | Hunter quota of 30 filled on a first come basis; hunters must hunt within 10 ft. of IDNR marked sites; Hunters shall possess only approved, non-toxic shot, such as bismuth, of size #7.5 or smaller, or steel shot #6 or smaller for the taking of doves. |
| Pheasant/ Quail/ Rabbit (Youth Hunt) | 1 day (date to be announced) | 9 a.m. –
4 p.m. | Permit required; Applications for the Free Upland Game Hunt Permit are free and must be submitted online at the Upland Game Hunting page. You must apply online August 1 through August 31. The lottery will take place in early September and all applicants will need to check the Reservation Inquiry System (on the IDNR website to see if they received a permit. Each applicant must check the website after the lottery to see if they received a permit (after Sept. 7). IDNR will NOT mail out permits. Successful applicants must print their permit.
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| Pheasant/ Quail/ Rabbit (Adult Hunt) | Dates can be found on the Upland Game Hunting page | 9 a.m. –
4 p.m. | Permit required; Applications for the Free Upland Game Hunt Permit are free and must be submitted online at the Upland Game Hunting page. You must apply online August 1 through August 31. The lottery will take place in early September and all applicants will need to check the Reservation Inquiry System on the IDNR website to see if they received a permit. Each applicant must check the website after the lottery to see if they received a permit (after Sept. 7). IDNR will NOT mail out permits. Successful applicants must print their permit. |
| Pheasant/ Quail/ Rabbit (by Falconry Methods) | Oct. 1 - Mar. 31 (to be announced) | Statewide | Season will close upon the harvest of 10 hen pheasants; falconers must sign in and sign out daily. |
| Spring Youth Turkey | Statewide (Youth season ONLY) | Statewide | Youth Spring Turkey Hunting permits are available through the permit Lottery System by going to Youth Spring Turkey permits are site specific, not county-based permits.
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SITE REGULATIONS: The proximity of two state prisons immediately adjacent to Edward R. Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area boundaries present obvious needs for special regulations to govern these programs. We ask for your particular consideration in abiding by all special regulations, and we hope that with the help of your sportsmanship we will be able to continue to provide recreational opportunities at Edward R. Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area. Please inquire at the site office for any special regulations so that any problems can be minimized.
OTHER SITE FACILITIES: Dog training is permitted from September 1 through March 31 (excluding upland game hunting dates). A permit must be obtained from the site office, which is located adjacent to Edward R. Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area is the James Helfrich Wildlife Propagation Center. To contact site office: Helfirch Wildlife Propagation Center, 1019 1310th St., Lincoln, Il 62656; (217) 732-1552.
