Matthiessen State Park/Vermillion River Day Use Area (Squirrel, Coyote, & Spring Turkey)

2022-2023 Season

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Location: LaSalle County, 4 miles south of Interstate 80 or 1 mile south of Utica; south of Ill. Route 71 and west of Ill. Route 178.

Description: This site occupies 1,938 acres. Approximately 670 acres are huntable. The terrain can be very steep & rugged. There is no off-road vehicle access for the public.

Species

Season

Hours

Bag Limits

Special Area Regulations

Squirrel Aug 1 – Sept. 30 Statewide Statewide See # 1, 2, 4, 7, 9,
Coyote Day after archery deer closes to end of February Statewide Statewide See # 1, 2,6,7, 9,
Spring turkey Statewide Statewide Statewide See # 1, 2,3,5, 7, 8, 9,

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. Squirrel, and coyote hunters must obtain a free (windshield card) permit online at https://dnr2.illinois.gov/windshieldcard/ and display in windshield while on site. All hunters must register at the Matthiessen State Park check station. Each hunter must display a parking pass on the dashboard of their vehicle while hunting. Hunters must return their parking passes and immediately report their hunting efforts and harvest on the sheets provided.

  2. Shotgun only. Shotgun with shotshell only for coyote. For squirrel hunting, only size #6 lead or smaller or steel #4 or smaller.

  3. All hunters must possess a site specific spring turkey permit for Matthiessen State Park for the specific season they are hunting on the site. Matthiessen spring turkey hunting permits are issued through the Springfield permit office as part of the regular permit lottery process.

  4. Squirrel hunting is restricted to (parking lots 9, 10, 32 & 34). Parking lot 9 will be closed for special events.

  5. All turkeys taken on this site during the spring turkey season must be checked in / reported via the statewide telephone reporting system as outlined on your turkey hunting permit. Be sure to report your turkey as taken on a special hunt area (Matthiessen State Park) and not as harvested in LaSalle County.

  6. Hunting area is restricted to the Vermilion River Day Use Area (parking lots 8, 9 & 10). Parking lot 9 will be closed for special events.

  7. Dogs are not allowed.

  8. Hunting area is restricted to the Vermillion River Area parking lot # 10 only and parking lots # 32 & 34.

  9. Further restrictions or closures may exist at short notice. See regulations posted at the site before hunting.

IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL:

  • To construct or use any stand, climbing device 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 or park in any area not designated as being open to hunting.

  • To hunt with other than a shotgun during

  • 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.

  • To hunt at night on this area, except for coyote hunting.

For further information contact: Site Superintendent: Starved Rock State Park, P.O. Box 509, Utica, IL 61373

Phone: 815/667-4726


Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and those funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies is available to all individuals regardless of race, sex, national origin, disability, age, religion, or other non-merit factors. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the funding source’s civil rights office and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, IDNR, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702; (217)785-0067; TTY (217)782-9175.