Illinois hunters take nearly 81K deer during firearm season

LAKE SHELBYVILLE – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says archery deer season begins October 1, and hunters should be award of rules and regulations.

They say many hunters will be heading out to their favorite hunting spots and most likely using tree stands. Officials remind hunters that in order to use a tree stand or ground blind for deer hunting on Lake Shelbyville, a permit is required.

There are two different types of permits that can be used, or they can even be combined.

A Roving Permit is free of charge and allows the hunter to leave a stand up for no more than 72 hours without hunting it, otherwise it must be removed from Corps property. A Seasonal Permit allows a hunter to leave a stand up two weeks before season to two weeks after season and costs 30 dollars annually.

Seasonal Permits must be obtained at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Office at Lake Shelbyville just east of the Dam or at the campground fee booths that are still open (Coon Creek, Lithia Springs and Forrest W. “Bo” Woods).

Roving Permits are available at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office, Fee Booths still open, Ace Hardware in Sullivan, Lithia Springs Resort, Yotes Archery and Craig’s Sports Goods in Shelbyville.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also have released the following Tree Stand Safety Tips:

  1. Always wear a safety belt and harness while climbing and sitting in a stand. Fully 85% of tree stand accidents happen when the hunter is climbing or descending the tree.
  2. Maintain a short tether between yourself and the tree you are in.
  3. Make slow, deliberate moves while climbing into and out of the tree stand.
  4. Always pick a safe, sound, tree to climb.
  5. Be familiar with your equipment and inspect it periodically.
  6. If using a climbing stand, tie both the climber and platform together to ensure the platform cannot slip away out of your reach.
  7. Do not climb higher than your comfort level.
  8. Do not use tree limbs/branches as steps.
  9. Never climb with a bow or firearm. Always use a haul/tow rope.
  10. Always let someone know where you are hunting and the time to expect you home.

Hunting officials also say their statistics show one out of three hunters will have a “close call” sometime in their hunting career. As a result, they say it is important to be aware of surroundings and follow appropriate safety protocols.

Any further questions about hunting season around Lake Shelbyville should be directed to Natural Resource Specialist Lee Mitchell at 217-774-3951, ext. 7012.