Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve

Location: LaSalle County. North of Interstate 80, west of County Hwy. 13 (Troy Grove Blacktop), and just east of where Illinois Route 351 enters Interstate 80 from the south. This area is about 1 mile northeast of the city of LaSalle.

Description: This site occupies 184.5 acres. 170 acres are huntable. The site is located at the confluence of Tomahawk Creek and the Little Vermilion River and has 112 acres of mature, second growth forest. It also contains sandstone rock outcrops, remnant hill prairies, and a wet prairie. The terrain can be very rugged and there is no interior vehicle access for the public. There is a parking lot on the east end of the site off County Hwy.13 (Troy Grove Blacktop). Active habitat management will be occurring throughout the year on the site.

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

Special Area Regulations:

• All archery hunters are required to sign in prior to hunting and to check out and report their harvest immediately after the conclusion of the hunt on the sheets provided at the Mitchell’s Grove parking lot. Hunters must display and return parking passes daily. 
• Antlerless deer only in October.  Either sex from November 1^st to the end of the season. CLOSED during statewide firearm, muzzleloader & Special CWD firearm deer seasons.

Bonus Buck Program: First state issued permit will be for antlerless deer only. After checking deer at the Matthiessen State Park check- station, a $5.00 permit may be issued for either sex. Check station closes at 6:00 pm.

• All firearm and muzzleloader hunters must have a Starved Rock site specific permit and are required to check in before 5:00 AM at the Matthiessen State Park check-station. A drawing to allocate standby permits will be held at 5:30am. Standby hunters will be allowed to enter the field after the drawing at 5:30am & 12:00pm.  The check-station closes at 6:00 pm.
• Special CWD hunters must have a Starved Rock site specific permit in order to hunt. Hunters are required to self- check in/out at Mathiessen State Park check station. There will be no standby permits sold.
• Unless exempt, all hunters will be required to furnish the following on the morning of the hunt: valid FOID card, current hunting license, and current habitat stamp.
• Tree stands must be portable and must be tagged with the hunter’s name, address, and phone number. All stands must be removed daily.
• All hunters engaged in firearm and muzzleloader deer hunting are required to wear a cap and upper outer garment of solid and vivid blaze orange of at least 400 square inches.
• All deer harvested must also be checked in/reported as outlined in the statewide rules & regulations.
• All hunters must attend the safety talk before entering the field.
• Further restrictions or closures may exist at short notice. See posted regulations 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.
• For unauthorized vehicles to enter upon any trail.
• To use any other hunting devices besides legal hunting devices as described in 17 Ill. Adm. Code, Section 650.30 a) 
• 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 remove deer antlers from any State Park, Nature Preserve or Land & Water Preserve.

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

Phone:815/667-4726