Washington County Conservation Area (WCCA) is open for fishing, hunting, picnicking, hiking, camping, and observing wildlife. Beagles and bird dogs are recommended for upland game hunters due to the heavy cover. The high quality hardwood timber makes this area especially attractive to squirrel hunters. Deer and turkey also occur and provide ample hunting opportunities for bowhunters.
Location: 4 miles S of Nashville, 1 mile E of Illinois Hwy 127
Description: Total acres: 1,440 General Habitats: Open acres: 248 Open/brushy acres: 350; Huntable acres: 750 Timbered acres: 400
WCCA is located in the transitional woods-to-prairie region of southwestern Illinois. The area has an abundance of cover in the form of hardwood timber, shrubby fencerows, and brushy areas. These are interspersed with cultivated fields, native grass patches, and fallow fields.
Active habitat management will be occurring throughout the year on the site. This site conducts a prescribed fire program for the restoration and maintenance of some native woodland and grassland habitats, and an agricultural program for the production of wildlife food and cover. While beneficial to wildlife, these programs may occasionally create a temporary inconvenience to some hunting activities.
Seasons, Hours, Limits:
| Species |
Season |
Hours |
Special Rules/Permits |
| Deer |
Statewide |
Statewide |
Bow hunting only. |
| Turkey (Fall) |
Statewide |
Statewide |
Bow hunting only. |
| Deer and turkey hunters: Blaze orange is required during gun deer seasons. |
| Turkey (Spring) |
Statewide |
Statewide |
Hunter quota - site permits issued via Springfield drawing. |
| Rabbit/Quail |
Statewide |
Statewide |
|
| Squirrel |
Statewide |
Statewide |
.22 rifles are NOT ALLOWED to hunt squirrels |
| Dove |
Statewide |
12n-5p, Sept. 1-5 then Statewide |
Drawing, if needed. |
| Woodcock |
Statewide |
Statewide |
|
| Raccoon/Opossum |
Statewide |
Statewide |
.17 and .22 rimfires allowed - sunset - sunrise. |
| Skunk/Fox/Coyote |
Only during Statewide Fox |
Statewide |
.17 and .22 rimfires allowed -sunset - sunrise. |
| Trapping |
Statewide |
Statewide |
Quota of 2; permit needed, harvest report required. Only "Egg Traps," "D-P (Dog-Proof) Traps," box traps, cage traps, and traps of similar design may be used for land sets. Body gripping traps with a 10-inch jaw spread or larger must be totally submerged in the water when set. |
Site Regulations:
- All hunting is by shotgun or bow and arrow only, except as noted above.
- All hunters must sign in and check out daily at the check station and report their harvest each day following hunting.
- No hunting is permitted in posted areas, developed recreation areas, and within 100 yards of construction sites, residences, and developed recreation areas (e.g. picnic and camping areas).
- Hunters must wear a cap and upper outer garment of solid and vivid blaze orange of at least 400 square inches while hunting rabbit, quail, and/or woodcock (and bow deer and turkey hunting during firearm deer seasons).
- Construction or use of any tree stand using nails, screws, or wire or any device which pierces or cuts the bark of the tree on which it is installed is unlawful. Any tree stand (portable and one per hunter) can be left unattended overnight from September 15 - January 31, and must be legibly marked with the owner's name, address, and telephone number.
Other facilities available: Camping, picnic areas, and boat ramp.
For further information, contact: Site Superintendent, 18500 Conservation Drive, Nashville, IL 62263, or at (618) 327-3137
