Illinois Hunting: Waterfowl at Emiquon Preserve

Limited Waterfowl Hunting to Begin at The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve PEORIA – Sept. 23, 2013 — The Nature Conservancy announced today it will allow public waterfowl hunting at its Emiquon Preserve located six miles southeast of Lewistown in Fulton County. The organization’s Web site, www.nature.org/ilhunting provides hunting location and dates, hunting rules, frequently asked questions and links to related sites. The page also has links to information about the Conservancy’s efforts to protect and preserve the land and water at Emiquon. Daily Drawing Waterfowl Hunts Hunting will be offered via daily drawings on a limited basis until noon every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Oct. 26 – Dec. 24. Drawings will be held promptly at 5:15 a.m. on hunting days. The drawings will be held at Dickson Mounds Museum’s Eveland Village Site near Emiquon. After entering Dickson Mounds Museum property through the main entrance, turn left to get to the Eveland Village Site. Participants must register for each day’s drawing between 5 a.m. and 5:15 a.m. All hunters must provide proof of a valid hunting license and waterfowl stamps to be included in the drawing and/or hunting. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Advanced Drawing Waterfowl Hunts: In addition to daily drawings, a limited number of advance drawing opportunities will be available at Emiquon. Applications for the advanced drawings must be received by Oct. 14 via e-mail or U.S. mail. Drawings will occur on Oct. 15. Go to www. nature.org/ilhunting to apply. Advanced Drawing for Youth Waterfowl Hunts Emiquon will be open for the youth waterfowl hunt on October 19. . Advanced Drawing for Disabled Individuals Waterfowl Hunts Individuals with disabilities can participate in the advanced drawing for hunting opportunities on Wednesday Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 20 and Dec. 4. Advanced Drawing for Special Waterfowl Hunts Emiquon will also host special waterfowl hunt days on Nov. 11 and 29. There will be no fee charged this year for waterfowl hunting. The Nature Conservancy is restoring and managing Emiquon Preserve as part of an effort to conserve ecological processes and the plant and animal communities of the Illinois River ecosystem. The Illinois River Valley is a major stopover site for migrating waterfowl in the Midwest. Sustainable hunting opportunities are offered as a public service and to share some of the many multiple-use benefits provided by restored wetlands.