Applications being accepted for Deer Herd Management, Upland Game Hunting programs

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Applications are now being accepted for the Deer Herd Management Program and the Upland Game Hunting Program.

The Macon County Conservation District is accepting applications for upland game hunting at Friends Creeks Conservation Area’s Upland Game Management Area.

Hunters have to apply by October 2,2024, for the one-day hunts.

The area is open for hunting on November 2, 3, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 27, 30; and December 4, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29.

To apply, send an envelope containing a large (No. 10 business) self-addressed stamped envelope to Upland Game Hunt, Macon County Conservation District, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL 62521. The applicant must submit a letter containing their name and phone number, a photocopy of a valid 2024 Illinois hunting license and habitat stamp (if under 16, a hunter safety certificate number), and the three dates they wish to apply for, ranked first choice through third choice.

If drawn, each successful applicant will be assigned one date.

A drawing will be held to fill all available hunting dates. Participants will be notified of the status of their application.

Each hunter chosen will be able to bring up to three hunting partners to the hunting area.

For more information, contact Natural Resources Manager, Mitch Lovgren at 217-519-9926 or email at MLovgren@MaconCountyConservation.org.

Applications are also available for the 2024 Deer Herd Management Program at the Macon County Conservation District. The program helps to control the deer population and maintain healthy, balanced ecosystems.

Applications may be picked up at Rock Springs Nature Center or downloaded from our website at http://maconcountyconservation.org/habitat-restoration/deer-herd-management/.

The Macon County Conservation District will be providing limited access to three blinds for hunters with disabilities. The blinds are at Rock Springs Conservation Area, Friends Creek Conservation Area, and Sand Creek Conservation Area. If special accommodations are needed, notate that on the application.

Applications must be returned by Friday, September 20, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted. A lottery drawing of all applicants will be held at Rock Springs on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 3 p.m. Hunters need not be present to be included in the drawing.

Conservation areas included in the Deer Herd Management Program are Rock Springs, Sand Creek, Friends Creek, and Fort Daniel. The program dates are November 1 through December 26, except for November 22, 23, 24, and December 5, 6, 7, and 8. Permits will be available for purchase on October 2 after the lottery drawing.

For more information, contact Mitch Lovgren by phone at 217-519-9926 or email at MLovgren@MaconCountyConservation.org. Rock Springs Nature Center is located at 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL.