George S. Park State Natural Area

Location: From Henry, take Illinois Route 18 east 4.1 miles to a blacktop road, then turn west and go 0.5 mile. The nature preserve is on the north side of the road.

Description: George S. Park Nature Preserve is an 80 acre site, all of which is huntable. This site is a uniform hardwood forest with Poole Creek running through the area.  The topography is rugged with gradual to moderately steep slopes. There is no interior vehicle access. Active habitat management will be occurring throughout the year on the site.

Available Game Species:

All regulations found in the Illinois Wildlife Code, Federal Regulations, and Administrative Rules will apply unless area regulations are more restrictive

Special Area Regulations:

1. All hunters are required to sign in daily no earlier than 5:00 AM prior to hunting and to check out and report their harvest immediately after the conclusion of the hunt on the sheets provided.
2. All deer harvested must also be checked in / reported as outlined in the statewide rules & regulations for reporting deer harvested during the regular statewide deer seasons.
3. Stands must be portable and must be tagged with the hunter's name, address, and phone number. All stands must be removed daily.
4. Hunters may not exceed posted hunter quota in the field.
5. All firearm and muzzleloader hunters must wear a cap and upper outer garment of solid and vivid blaze orange of at least 400 square inches while hunting.
6. Parking is along the county road on the south side of the nature preserve. Please pull off the road as far as possible without entering the nature preserve.
7. Putnam County permit holders may sign in and hunt. Standby permits not available.
8. Putnam County portion is open if Putnam County is announced as being open. 
9. Further restrictions may exist. See posted regulations before hunting.

It Shall Be Unlawful:

• To construct or use any stand or accessory using nails, screws, or any device which pierces, cuts, or otherwise damages the bark of the tree on which it is installed.
• To hunt in any area not designated as being open to hunting.
• To park anywhere on the site except in designated parking areas.
• For unauthorized vehicles to enter upon any trail.
• For any person to consume any alcoholic beverage or illegal drugs or to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while on the area for the purpose of hunting.
• To possess weapons in the field except during hunting hours and while engaged in hunting.
• To hunt at night on this area.
• To engage in "driving" deer for the purpose of hunting on any IDNR site.
• To use any other hunting devices besides legal hunting devices as described in 17 Ill. Adm. Code, Section 650.30 a) 

For further information, contact: Site Superintendent; Lake DePue SFWA; 1001 W. 4th Street, Box 52; DePue, IL 61322

Phone: (815) 447-2353