Pekin Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

DESCRIPTION: Total area: 1,181 acres. Huntable acres: 305. This area is a bottomland of sloughs, lakes, and low timbered ridges. Practically all of the area is subject to and conditioned by periodic flooding of the Illinois River. As time and budget allow, this area is targeted for restoration activities and enhancement of wildlife habitat.

AVAILABLE GAME SPECIES

HUNTING REGULATIONS

1. All statewide regulations apply unless there are more restrivctive site-specific regulations.
2. Hunting sites are awarded by annual draw.
3. Staked blind sites not legally occupied by blind builders or partners by 1/2 hour before legal shooting time may be claimed on a first-come basis.
4. Claiming or attempting to claim a staked blind site which is legally occupied, and or harassing in any manner the occupants of a blind site which has been legally claimed is unlawful.
5. All parties must hunt over a minimum of twelve (12) decoys of a least standard size which must be removed upon termination of the days hunt.
6. All hunting will be from portable boat blinds. No more than (3) persons may occupy a boat blind at one time. Boat blinds must be anchored within 10 yards of a staked blind site.
7. Due to geographical limitations, use of boats on the area is usually restricted to portable type with overland access from the Illinois River.
8. Persons under 16 years of age are prohibited from hunting unless accompanied by an adult.
9. NO GOOSE or TEAL HUNTING prior to duck season.
10. When the Canada goose hunting season extends beyond duck season, hunting of geese will be permitted in accordance with all sections of the Article.
11. Archery deer hunters must obtain a windshield card available online at ​dnr2.illinois.gov/Windshieldcard. Hunters must report their harvest and hunter trips online prior to February 15th each year. Failure to report harvest will result in loss of hunting privileges at this site for the following year.
12. Archery deer hunting will be allowed only in the area north of Lick Creek, south of the above ground water line, east of the Illinois river and west of the railroad right of way
13. Furbearer trapping will be allowed by site permit allocated at drawing in October at Spring Lake SFWA.
14. It is unlawful to ride horses on this site or allow horses to enter this site.
15. It is unlawful for any person to trespass for any purpose upon areas posted as Waterfowl Refuge or Waterfowl Rest Area.
    
16. It is unlawful to use any off-road vehicle of any type on this area unless given specific permission by site personnel.

For further information contact: Site Superintendent, Spring Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, 7982 South Park Road, Manito, IL 61546. Phone: 309-968-7135.​