Miller-Anderson Woods State Natural Area

Location: Bureau and Putnam Counties. On the west side of Route 29, 3.5 miles north of Putnam or 3.5 miles south of Bureau Junction.

Description: This site occupies 520 acres, 482 of which are huntable, and is situated west of Goose Lake, a backwater area of the Illinois River. The site contains various plant communities, such as old growth oak-hickory upland forest, maple-basswood forest, sedge meadow, seep springs, and hill prairie. There are developed trails, parking, and informational signs available. The terrain can be very rugged and there is no interior vehicle access for the public. 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 AM  prior to hunting and to check out and report their harvest immediately after the conclusion of the hunt on the sheets provided.
2. Stands must be portable and must be tagged with the hunter's name, address, and phone number. All stands must be removed daily.
3. Hunters may not exceed posted hunter quota in the field.
4. All hunters engaged in firearm deer hunting are required to wear a cap and upper outer garment of solid and vivid blaze orange of at least 400 square inches.
5. Bureau County permit holders may hunt the Bureau County portion of the site and Putman County permit holders may hunt the Putman County portion of the site. Standby permits are not available.
6. 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.
7. Bureau County portion open if Bureau County is announced as being open. Putnam County portion is open if Putnam County is announced as being open. 
8. Further restrictions may exist. See posted regulations before hunting.

It Shall Be Unlawful: 

• To construct or use any stand, blind, or accessory using nails, screws, or any device which pierces, cuts, or otherwise damages the bark of any tree.
• 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. 

Other activities/facilities available: Hiking.

For further information contact:  Site Superintendent - Lake DePue SFWA; P.O. Box 52; DePue, IL 61322 

Phone: (815) 447-2353