Lake Springfield Archery Deer Hunting

The Basics:

The Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) is conducting controlled archery deer hunting on city-owned property on specific sites around densely deer-populated areas around Lake Springfield.

• These sites are available to experienced archery deer hunters who are willing and have the time to harvest at least three deer in a two-week time period.
  

• Two antlerless deer must be harvested first before an antlered deer.
  

• Successful hunters are required to submit an IRAP survey and harvest reports.
  

• Hunters are encouraged to donate at least one deer to the food bank through a designated meat processor in Springfield.
  

Who:

Any legally licensed EXPERIENCED archery deer hunter who resides in Sangamon, Macoupin, Morgan, Menard, Macon, Christian, Logan or Montgomery County who has completed their hunter safety course (if born in 1980 or after) and is willing to harvest at least three or more deer.

When:

IRAP has four different hunting periods, allowing the participant 15 or 16 days of hunting access on the site. A successful applicant will be assigned to one hunting period.

• Period 1: October 1-15
• Period 2: October 16-31
• Period 3: November 1-15
• Period 4: December 16-31

Where:

City, Water, Light and Power and IRAP have chosen several specific sites around Lake Springfield. These sites may be located near roads, homes and buildings. Hunters must be aware and keep an appropriate distance from these areas.

How it works:

Applicants apply for an IRAP Lake Springfield archery deer site by completing an online application along with the liability waiver. Only successful applicants will be notified approximately three weeks prior to their awarded hunting period and instructed as to where their hunting site is located along with a map, instructions and a site permit allowing them to hunt on city-owned property. Applicants may apply for up to 3 different IRAP hunting periods, but will only be chosen for one hunting period.

Lake Springfield Archery Deer Hunters are REQUIRED to fill out an online survey within 48 hours of their last day hunted. In addition, an email harvest photo is required to be submitted to DNR.IRAP@illinois.gov the same day of the harvest. Failure to do so may result in loss of future IRAP deer hunting privileges.