¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý

Skip to main content
You have permission to edit this article.
Edit

Hunting and fishing could expand at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

  • 0

MARION, Ill. (WSIL) -- Hunters and anglers could soon have more options in southern Illinois.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is proposing to update their fishing program and is seeking public comment on the proposed changes that include: 

  • Expanding fishing access by 30 days on Crab Orchard Lake east of Wolf Creek Road and A-41 and Bluegill Ponds. The fishing season on these ponds will be from legal sunrise to legal sunset from March 1 through October 15.
  • Expanding fishing access to the entire state fishing season on Visitor, Honkers and Mangers ponds
  • Clarifying the regulations that gas powered boats are not allowed for fishing activities 

Visitor Services Manager at Crab Orchard Refuge Neil Vincent said the refuge is currently closed during the winter months.

"The fishing starting October 1 will be open from March the first through October the 15 and we have several ponds that are also in the restricted area that is also closed during this time period," said Vincent.

Honkers Corner is one of three ponds the Refuge is planning to open year-round.

"We're opening those ponds up to allow boats, you know we have never allowed any type of boating if you have a kayak or a canoe, it's not a motorized boat, you'll be able to access and get to areas a lot easier," said Vincent.

Crab Orchard is opening up 62-acres of land to hunting at Cypress Creek.

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge is proposing to update their hunting and fishing programs and is seeking public comment on the proposed changes that include: 

  • Expanding hunting and fishing opportunities to 68 new acres 
  • Removed creel limits and horsepower outboard motor prohibition 

Vincent explained each time changes are made anywhere in the nation they have to get it approved.

He said to make the changes legal they have to go through proper channels, including seeking a public commenting period.

You are invited to review draft documents related to these changes, including the compatibility determination, plan amendment and categorical exclusion documents. Draft documents are available on the refuge website or you can contact the refuge at 612-998-5954 or [email protected] to request either printed or electronic copies.

To review the changes for Cypress Creek contact  the refuge at 612-998-5954 or [email protected].

The end of the comment period will be 60 days after the rule publishes, which they anticipate to be mid-June.Â