Fort de Chartres
Historic Site provides residents and visitors to the state an opportunity to
appreciate the French culture and early Illinois history connected with this
unique site. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, manages portions of
the site for hunting, fishing, hiking, and observing wildlife. In
keeping with the historic significance of the fort and surrounding areas, hunting
is by means of primitive (flintlock or percussion-cap) muzzle-loading firearms
or bow and arrow only, no in-line muzzleloaders or muzzleloaders with scopes.
Location: 4 miles W of Prairie du Rocher on Hwy 155
Description: Located in the Mississippi River bottoms of
southwestern Illinois, the site contains low wet areas, sloughs, and an old
river oxbow. A large tract of timber is on an "island" between the
oxbow and the Mississippi River. Large cultivated fields and brushy areas are
interspersed by other woods throughout the area. Past logging and recent
flooding have significantly reduced the number of "nut trees." Many
deer and wild turkey occur in the area and provide a unique and challenging
hunting experience for the muzzleloader hunter. Upland game species can be
found on the area but are limited by the amount of suitable habitat. Active
habitat management will be occurring throughout the year on the site.
Total Acres: 1,219
| Huntable acres: 800
| Timbered Acres: 570
| Water (river
sloughs) Acres: 80
| Open Acres: 150 |
Seasons, Hours, Limits:
(See Site Regulation #1 below)
Species | Season | Hours | Special Rules/Permits |
Deer | Statewide | Statewide | |
Turkey | Statewide | Statewide | |
Rabbit/Quail | Statewide | Statewide | |
Squirrel | Statewide | Statewide | |
Dove | Statewide | Statewide | |
Snipe/Rail/Woodcock | Statewide | Statewide | |
Teal/Duck | Statewide | Statewide | No check in/out, no walk-ins, boat blinds only,
waterfowl hunting closed during shotgun deer seasons, modern shotguns OK. |
Raccoon/Opossum | Statewide | Statewide | |
Skunk/Fox/Coyote | Statewide | Statewide | |
Trapping | Statewide | Statewide | Water sets only, quota of 2; permit and harvest report
required. |
Site Specific Regulations:
- Except with Teal/Duck hunters, all hunting is by primitive muzzle-loading firearms or bow and arrow only (see above).
- All hunters must sign in and check out, reporting their harvest each day following hunting.
- No hunting is permitted in posted areas, developed recreation areas, and within 100 yards of construction sites, residences, and developed recreation areas (e.g. picnic and camping areas).
- Hunters must wear a cap and upper outer garment of solid and vivid blaze orange of at least 400 square inches while hunting rabbit, quail, woodcock, and/or snipes.
- Construction or use of any tree stand using nails, screws, or wire or any device which pierces or cuts the bark of the tree on which it is installed is unlawful. Any tree stand (portable and one per hunter) can be left unattended overnight, and must be legibly marked with the owner's name, address, and telephone number.
Site hunting regulations (administrative rules) can be viewed at: www2.illinois.gov/dnr/adrules
Other Facilities Available: Camping and picnic areas.
For further information, contact: Site Superintendent, (618) 284-7230
