Hunters in southern Illinois enjoy a rich tradition of hunting on public lands. Each year thousands of hunters from across the nation are attracted to Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge to hunt an exceptionally diverse list of species, including trophy bucks, turkeys, small game and waterfowl. In addition to active habitat management, farmers share-crop part of the refuge land, leaving a percentage of the crop in the field for wildlife, which provides excellent hunting opportunities. The refuge hosts special-permitted deer and turkey hunts, which include opportunities for hunters with disabilities and youth. These hunts are well known for their high success rates. The refuge has a rich history in waterfowl hunting and is best known for its abundant waterfowl hunting opportunities along the shorelines of Crab Orchard Lake. The refuge abounds with a variety of game species, see below for specific hunting regulations.

*Hunting season dates are updated for the next year in August. 

Crab Orchard Hunting Regulations 

Special Hunt Area (Restricted Area)

Everyone who hunts in the restricted area are required to review and sign the special area hunt brochure before their hunt, which includes information about Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC). Before Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge was established, the restricted area was home to the Illinois Ordnance Plant which employed nearly 10,000 workers to support the war efforts during WWII. Today, the restricted area is home to numerous flora and fauna species. To stay safe during your hunt, follow the "3 Rs" of MEC Safety: Recognize, Retreat and Report. 

Only the species listed here are allowed to be hunted in the special hunt area during specific times. 

Archery Deer

October 1 - November 14, 2026
December 7 - January 17, 2027

Hunters are required to check in at the self-check stations prior to hunting within the Special Hunt Area. Scouting is allowed on September 30, 2026.

Youth Firearm Deer and ADA Accessible Firearm Deer Hunting

November 20-22, 2026

Permits are administered through Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Hunters are required to check in with Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge for their area assignments. An email will be sent to all hunters who receive a permit through IDNR with further instructions.

Firearm Deer

Season 1: November 20-22, 2026
Season 2: December 3-6, 2026

Permits are administered through IDNR. Hunters are required to check in with Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. An email will be sent to all hunters who receive a permit through IDNR with further instructions.

Muzzleloader Deer

December 11-13, 2026

Williamson County Muzzleloader permits are required. 

Spring Turkey Firearm

April 7-11, 2027 (Season 1)
April 12-17, 2027 (Season 2)
April 18-23, 2027 (Season 3)
April 24-30, 2027 (Season 4)
May 1-May 8, 2027 (Season 5)

Permits are administered through the IDNR lottery system. Hunters drawn for the restricted area hunt will receive a letter by mail with a map and the check-in information. Approved non-toxic shot is required for turkey hunting. 

There is no fall turkey season in the restricted area.

Youth Waterfowl

TBD

This is a controlled hunt in the Hampton Unit. Hunters are required to check in prior to hunting. 

Teal, Duck, and Geese

December 23, 2026 - January 24, 2027

This hunt is in the Hampton Unit only Wednesday through Sunday beginning December 23, 2026. Motorized boats are prohibited.

Open Area Hunts

Everyone who hunts in the open area are required to review and sign the open area hunt brochure. All open area hunts follow the Illinois state season with state bag limits. See the Illinois Digest of Hunting Regulations for specific dates at the Explore More IL website. No check in is required. Open area hunts include:

Deer

• Archery - Season is closed during 1st and 2nd Firearm deer season.
• Youth Deer Firearm
• Seasons 1 and 2 Firearm
• Muzzleloader Deer 

Turkey 

• Archery
• Spring and Fall Shotgun - approved non-toxic shot is required for shot shells.
• Youth - approved non-toxic shot is required for shot shells.

Teal, Duck, Geese and Youth Waterfowl

Waterfowl hunting blinds must be a minimum of 200 yards (180 meter) apart.

Dove, Quail, Crow

Approved non-toxic shot required for shot shells.

Rabbits, Squirrel, Bobcat, Coyote

Approved non-toxic shot required for shot shells. We prohibit the use of rifles or handguns with ammunition larger then .22 caliber rimfire, except the use of black powder firearms up to and including .40 caliber.