Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area - Sparland Unit - Waterfowl

Area Regulations:

1. All statewide regulations apply, unless there are more restrictive site-specific regulations.

2. Waterfowl hunting sites are awarded by annual draw.

3. Hunting site winners have the option to build a permanent blind structure or hunt from a temporary blind within 10 ft of the blind stake. Temporary blinds may include boat blinds, layout blinds, panel blinds, camouflage material or simply hiding using available cover, or similar methods. Temporary blind materials must be removed daily. Poorly constructed structures or platforms are not allowed. Hunters desiring a permanent structure must still construct a blind to meet Department specifications.

4. A check station will NOT be operated on this unit. Hunters must obtain a windshield card online from https://dnr2.illinois.gov/Windshieldcard/ This windshield card must be visible in your windshield 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 15th.  Hunters shall forfeit hunting privileges at the site for the following year if they fail to report by the prescribed deadline.

5. Hunting site winners must occupy blinds by one-half hour before opening shooting time each day in order to claim their blind.

6. Attempts to claim blinds or sites by any manner other than actual occupation shall be considered in violation and shall be cause for arrest. The insertion of a boat into the boat hide and/or the spreading of decoys before a blind shall not be considered legal occupation of a site.

7. HUNTING STIES NOT LEGALLY OCCUPIED BY ONE-HALF (1/2) HOUR BEFORE OPENING SHOOTING TIME EACH DAY MAY BE CLAIMED BY ANY LICENSED WATERFOWL HUNTER.
   

8. No person shall buy or sell hunting rights.

9. Hunters 16 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

10. No more than four (4) persons shall occupy a hunting site at one time.

11. No person may lock a blind.

12. All parties must hunt over a minimum of six (6) decoys, which must be removed upon termination of the hunt.

13. At no time are hunters permitted to enter designated waterfowl refuges or rest areas.

14. Hunting from a completed blind or staked site is waived during seasons held before the regular duck season or for seasons held after the regular Canada Goose season.

Other facilities available: Camping, Picnicking, Hiking, and Fishing available near Headquarters.

Note: LOW WATER conditions due to siltation of the Illinois River backwaters may make access to certain blinds difficult or nearly impossible during segments of the waterfowl season. Please note that airboats are allowed at the Sparland Unit ONLY. Shallow-water drive or "mud motors" are recommended when conditions warrant. Further information on water levels and blind accessibility can be obtained from the site office.

For further information, contact: Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area, 236 State Route 26, Lacon, IL 61540

Phone: (309) 246-8351