Hunting Near Lithia Resort

Hunting Options Around Shelbyville

Many Lithia Resort guests visit us to enjoy hunting near Shelbyville, IL. In fact, even outside the hunting season, many people visit Shelby County to watch and enjoy its diverse wildlife. Local game species include:

• Deer
• Rabbit
• Waterfowl
• Quail
• Pheasant
• Turkey
• Dove
• Woodcock
• Raccoon
• Fox
• Coyote
• Gray squirrels
• Fox squirrels

The local hunting areas offer opportunities for both archers and hunters using shotguns. Each fall, hunters come from all over the Midwest to hunt the area around the lake. In fact, many love it so much that they come back year after year to enjoy their hunting traditions. 

Local hunter John Wright has lived in the Lake Shelbyville area his entire life. He commented that the Lithia Resort’s own Rick Olsen has hunted there since he came to the area in the 1970s. “He’s quite a bowhunter!” he exclaimed.

John said that hunters come to the Lake Shelbyville area from different parts of the country. “That’s because it provides plenty of opportunities for hunters. There’s easy access from different entry points, so hunters have lots of ways to get into the hunting grounds.”

In addition, its large, well-marked public areas mean that hunters do not have to worry about whose land they’re on. So, they can avoid losing time on getting permission to hunt.

Federal and State Hunting Grounds

Both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDOC) manage lands around Lake Shelbyville. Hence, usage regulations vary from site to site. The Lake Shelbyville Hunting & Fishing Map shows the locations of federal and state areas.

Hunters should know which agency regulates the areas they wish to hunt. And, they can learn the respective rules and regulations for each of the areas through the USACE and IDOC.

Federal Lands for Hunting Near Shelbyville

Federal public lands surround most of the southern and central portions of Lake Shelbyville. The USACE provides updates about hunting deer, turkey, waterfowl, and other species on the USACE website. 

In addition, it provides information about special events, including the Youth Deer Hunt and Deer Hunt for People with Disabilities.

Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area

The Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area consists of two large hunting and recreation areas near Sullivan, IL. Located on the north end of Lake Shelbyville, they shelter the Kaskaskia and West Okaw rivers. Together, these areas contain about 6,200 acres of prime game habitat. 

The IDOC states that this fish and wildlife area makes for “some of the best hunting, river fishing and nature study opportunities in Illinois.” Not only does the area provide great habitat for hunting. It also has areas for:

• Boating
• A bow range
• Cross country skiing
• Equestrian trails
• Fishing
• Golfing
• Hiking
• Geocaching
• Swimming
• Picnicking
• Playground facilities
• Snowmobiling
• Water skiing

The IDNR also manages two smaller state parks on Lake Shelbyville: Eagle Creek State Park and Wolf Creek State Park. Options available to hunters and other visitors on state lands include:

• Hunting
• An archery range
• Boating
• Dog training
• Fishing
• Hiking

Information About Illinois State-Run Hunting Areas

IDOC published the Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations to guide hunters within the state. The guide lists open season dates and regulations for Illinois hunters. 

Hunters can get more information by contacting the IDNR office at (217) 756-8260 or (217) 459-2831. To learn more about specific parks, call the IDNR Wildlife Area office at (217) 665-3112. Hunters can get more information about Illinois permits and regulations on the IDNR website. They can even buy hunting licenses online via its website.

Deer Hunting Near Shelbyville

Habitat for white-tailed deer abounds around Lake Shelbyville. Woods, restored prairies, old fields, wetlands, fence rows, fresh water and agricultural lands all provide deer with the vital resources they need. 

John explained that with all the timber, corn and water around here they see some monster deer. "There are quite a few 10-pointers," he added.

Wright said that most deer hunters hunt the Corp of Engineers grounds primarily. He added that Lithia Resort is a great place to get started. As it turns out, hunters can walk a half-mile into the woods from there and put themselves in prime hunting grounds. In fact, he noted that the Corps holds its Lake Shelbyville Deer Hunt for People with Disabilities and Wounded Warriors very near the resort.

Deer hunters should know that the USACE classifies Lake Shelbyville as a special hunt area for deer and turkey. That means that a general county tag does not cover hunting in this area. So, hunters on these federal lands should carry a valid permit specifying "Lake Shelbyville Project in Moultrie County."

Many groups of hunters come to the area year after year to relive the age-old deer hunting tradition. It is part of growing up for many youngsters.

Shelby County Turkey Hunting

Turkey hunters, like deer hunters, like to hunt Lake Shelbyville. John Wright pointed out that the area offers great turkey hunting too. 

Hunters should keep in mind that when applying to hunt this special hunt area for deer and turkey, they must specify Shelby or Moultrie County Project, according to Lee Mitchell, the USACE Natural Resource Specialist for the Lake Shelbyville area. 

Individuals can contact the USACE at (217) 774-3951 for more information. He commented that they issue 12 tags for Shelby and 10 for Moultrie. The state also has a separate permit system for the two state parks.

Shelbyville Dove Hunting

Mitchell also pointed out that they “usually have a pretty good hunt” when it comes to dove season. They plant 30 acres of dove field. He commented that they have a draw for opening day and that the rest of the season is first come, first serve.

Squirrel, Rabbit and Pheasant Hunting

“There are squirrels all over the place,” said John. “Squirrel hunters can do really well here.”

“The area’s great for rabbit and pheasant hunting too. For pheasants, they like Eagle, Sand, and Wolf Creek. There are lots of places for hunters to find small game.” And, for hunters with a dog, he added, “There’s a dog training area north of Findlay."

Waterfowl Hunting Near Shelbyville

John suggested checking out the north end of Shelbyville for duck hunting. The local sub-impoundments provide excellent waterfowl hunting on the lake. 

The Illinois DNR and the USACE both engage in the management of waterfowl habitat on their sites. The hunting areas and main lake provide opportunities for both walk-in hunters and boat blind users.

Lake Shelbyville Dove Hunting Opportunities

Hunters visiting the Lake Shelbyville area can readily enjoy accessible dove hunting on state and federal lands. For example, site managers plant and mow sunflowers in the South Sand Creek Dove Field. It provides first-come, first-serve hunting access. 

The state-managed Shelbyville Kaskaskia Unit also has managed areas for dove hunting. Hunters planning to visit any of the areas should contact the site managers to find out about controlled dove hunting opportunities and restrictions on the sites.

Supplies for Hunting Near Shelbyville

For many visitors, a trip to Lake Shelbyville means a few hours of driving. So, it is important to have a place to shop for hunting supplies or stock up on ammo.

Locked and Loaded Indoor Firing Range

Locked and Loaded Indoor Firing Range, in Pana, IL caters to hunters and other gun enthusiasts, with a full line of:

• Firearms
• Rental arms for the firing range
• Gunsmithing
• Ammo
• Hunting supplies
• Weapon and hunting accessories

Lithia Resort guests can get there by driving about 30 minutes to 1299 East Jackson St. in Pana. Range users can rent guns there or use their own. Likewise, they can purchase ammo on-site or bring their own.

For more information, check out the range website or call (217) 562-7000.

Make Your Reservation in Advance

Hunters who wish to hunt near Shelbyville should call and make reservations ahead of time. And they should also make it a point to check out the fishing and other area attractions.

Hunters and other outdoors lovers have made Shelbyville a regular tradition. Great hunting keeps folks coming back every year!