Crab Orchard NWR announces deer, water fowl hunting opportunities | Events

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is announcing deer and waterfowl hunting opportunities.

According to a news release, the refuge lands have been divided into an Open Area and a Restricted Area.

The Restricted Area contains 21,000 acres and is only open to public hunting by special permit, while the Open Area has 23,000 acres that allows public hunting in accordance with state hunting seasons.

Officials are asking for hunters to take the time to become familiar with refuge hunting regulations as well as state regulations and seasons.

A free General Hunting Permit is required. this permit can be found on the front of the Crab Orchard NWR Hunting Regulations brochure. This permit must be signed to be valid and must be carried by the hunter while hunting on the refuge.

Officials say the  Controlled Waterfowl Draw will begin on November 22. Hunters wanting to participate in this hunt must attend a daily draw at refuge visitor center. There is also a maximum of four (4) hunters per-blind in the Controlled Waterfowl Draw.

A full list of hunting regulations and maps are available at the Crab Orchard NWR visitor center on Route 148 or at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/crab_orchard/

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