LOCATION: The Kishwaukee River State Fish and Wildlife Area is located in DeKalb County, on the northwest outskirts of Kirkland. From US Route 72 in Kirkland, take Kirkland Rd. north for approximately 4/10 mile to the first left turn north of the river. Turn left into the entrance for the DeKalb County Forest Preserve (Potowatomi Woods) and the IDNR’s Kishwaukee River SFWA. Follow posted signs through Potawatomi Woods to Kishwaukee River SFWA on the south side of the Kishwaukee River.
DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA: This site encompasses a total of 570 acres; approx. 484 acres of the site are included in the hunting program. The majority of the area consists of hardwood forest with some interspersion of grassy open areas, wetlands, areas planted to woody tree and shrub seedlings and has a small amount of Agricultural acreage. The hunting area is bordered on the north by the Kishwaukee River and on the south by the railroad track right of way. The area was purchased by the State in 2002 and, as time and budget allow, is targeted for restoration and enhancement of wildlife habitat. Active habitat management will be occurring throughout the year on the site.
| SPECIES | SEASON | HOURS | BAG LIMITS | SPECIAL REGULATIONS |
|---|
| Turkey (Spring)
| Statewide
| Statewide
| Statewide
| Site Specific permit required
|
HUNTING REGULATIONS:
All regulations found in the Illinois Wildlife Code, Federal Regulations and Administrative Orders will apply unless area regulations are more restrictive.
IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL:
For any persons to consume any alcoholic beverage, including beer and wine, while on the area for the purpose of hunting.
To hunt in any restricted area or any area not designated as open to hunting.
To park anywhere except in designated parking areas; or, for ANY motorized vehicle to enter upon any trail or off-road area.
To enter onto any private property, for any reason, without first obtaining permission from the owner of the property - this also includes all adjacent DeKalb County Forest Preserve property.
AREA REGULATIONS:
Hunters must have a Kishwaukee River Site-Specific Turkey Permit (issued specifically for the season they are hunting) to hunt this site. Hunters may apply by selecting the Kishwaukee River State F&W Area as their choice of hunting area on their Turkey Permit application. Applications are submitted to, and processed by, the Springfield Permit Office. In addition to a site-specific permit, hunters are required to possess all required licenses, Habitat stamp and FOID card.
Hunters must obtain a site windshield card online from www.dnr2.illinois.gov/windshieldcard/ Complete all fields as necessary and print Windshield Card and accompanying pocket card. This card (your windshield card) must be displayed under the vehicle windshield, face up, with the windshield card number visible and the pocket card portion in your possession while hunting at the site. Hunters must report their annual harvest online (even if you did not hunt) by February 15. Hunters shall forfeit their hunting privileges at the site for the following year if they fail to report by the prescribed deadline.
In addition to reporting all turkeys harvested via the windshield card harvest reporting system, all turkeys harvested on this site must be reported via the statewide telephone reporting system as outlined on your turkey hunting permit; be sure to report it as harvested on a Special Hunt Area (Kishwaukee River) and not as DeKalb County.
All statewide regulations as to weapon type, shot size, draw weight, arrow type, etc., will apply on this site.
For more information contact: Shabbona Lake State Park, 4201 Shabbona Grove Rd., Shabbona, Il. 60550
Phone: (815) 824-2106
