INTRODUCTION:
The area is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which is responsible for providing outdoor recreation opportunities for the residents of this State. This area is rolling with steep hills and deep hollows, covered with mature timber of oak-hickory type. The entire area is well supplied with water from springs interspersed throughout the area. Agricultural leases maintain open areas to provide habitat diversity. Active habitat management will be occurring throughout the year on the site.
Total Acres: 8,050
Water Acres: 40
Non-forested Acres: 250
Forested Acres: 7,200
Huntable Acres: 5,000
Hunting opportunities at Pere Marquette State Park are offered on three separate areas. The
EAST "OPEN" area is east of Graham Hollow Road. The
WEST "OPEN" area is located along Schallenberg Lane. The "GROUP CAMP" areas surround the camps in the northern portion of the park (see map, and additional regulations below).
SITE REGULATIONS:
A Windshield Card is required for all hunters. All hunters will be required to register on-line at
https://dnr2.illinois.gov/Windshieldcard to obtain their Windshield Card. All hunters must possess and display the Windshield Card on the dash of the vehicle while hunting. Hunters will be required to return to this website prior to February 15th each year to record harvest information. Failure to submit data will result in loss of hunting privileges for the following year.
Hunting is restricted to the "OPEN" and "GROUP CAMP" portions of the park only. No hunting will be permitted within 300 feet of roadways, developed recreation areas or residences.
When hunting, all vehicles must be parked at designated areas only. Driving on fire trails is prohibited.
No ATVs are allowed on site.
No target or trap shooting is allowed.
It is unlawful to construct or use any tree stand using nails, screws, wire, or any device which pierces or cuts the bark of the tree. Portable stands may be left unattended from October 1 - December 31 and must be legibly marked with the hunter's name, address, and telephone number. Only one tree stand is allowed per deer permit holder. NO PERMANENT TREE STANDS ALLOWED.
It is unlawful to drive deer or participate in a deer drive on this property.
It is unlawful to possess or consume alcoholic beverages while on site property for the purposes of hunting or trapping.
It is unlawful for unauthorized persons to use or occupy this area during any hunting season when authorized hunting is in progress.
SEASONS, HOURS, LIMITS:
| SPECIES | SEASON | SPECIAL RULES |
|---|
| Squirrel | Opens day after Labor Day | "OPEN" areas only |
|---|
| Deer (Archery) | Statewide Regulations | "OPEN" areas only and
see below |
|---|
| Deer (Youth Firearm) | Statewide Regulations | "OPEN" areas only |
|---|
| Deer (Firearm) | Statewide Regulations | "OPEN" areas only |
|---|
Deer (Muzzleloading
Rifle) | Statewide Regulations | "OPEN" areas only |
|---|
| Deer (Late Winter) | Statewide Regulations | CLOSED |
|---|
| Turkey (Youth Spring) | Statewide Regulations | "OPEN" areas only |
|---|
| Turkey (Spring) | Statewide Regulations | "OPEN" areas (Jersey County
Permit) and see below |
|---|
| Turkey (Fall Archery) | Statewide Regulations | "OPEN" areas only and see
below |
|---|
| Turkey (Fall Shotgun) | Statewide Regulations | "OPEN" areas only |
|---|
| Dove | Statewide Regulations | "OPEN" areas only; Non-toxic
shot required |
|---|
| Furbearer Hunting | As identified on site permit | Site Permit required |
|---|
Furbearer Trapping
- A valid site permit is required for trapping. Permits are issued via a public drawing held in conjunction with the drawing at the Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area site office. All persons entering the drawing must have a current trapping license and Habitat Stamp in their possession and must be present at the time of the drawing.
ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS FOR "GROUP CAMP" AREAS:
Spring Turkey Hunting:
Hunters must apply using the Turkey Permit Application available from the IDNR Permit Office in Springfield or on-line. You must select "PMSP" rather than "Jersey County"
15 hunters per season will be allowed in the entire Special Permit Area (Piasa, Ouatoga and Potawatomi Camp Areas combined). No hunting is allowed on weekends due to occupancy of camps.
Fall Archery Deer Hunting:
Hunting is limited to those seasons, each approximately one week. Season begins the first week day after camps close. Special Permit Area is divided into 3 hunting areas (Piasa, Ouatoga, and Potawatomi Camp Areas).
A total of 54 hunters (6 hunters per area per season) will be selected by a random drawing, held at the Visitor Center on the first working day in April.
Applications are available in March at the visitor center or on-line at the IDNR website.
Season Dates are as follows:
- Season #1: October 24 – October 31, 2022
- Season #2: November 1 – November 08, 2022
- Season #3: November 09 - November 16, 2022
Hunters with a valid archery turkey permit may harvest a turkey during their hunt.
SCOUTING is allowed until the start of the first season. No firearms or bows are allowed while scouting.
OTHER SITE FACILITIES: Trailer and tent camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, restaurant and lodging.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Pere Marquette State Park, 13112 Visitor Center Lane, Grafton, IL 62037 at (618) 786-3323.
