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Donnelley State Fish and Wildlife Area
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State Park Overview |
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The Donnelley/DePue State Fish and Wildlife Areas complex is managed primarily for migratory waterfowl. Frank C. Bellrose, world-renown waterfowl expert, has designated this Great Bend as the entry point to the lower Illinois River valley, an important North American waterfowl migration corridor.
The Donnelley/DePue complex is home to a $1 million State Duck Stamp Project, which was funded through State Duck Stamp dollars, State of Illinois Capital Development Board funds and Ducks Unlimited M.A.R.S.H. contributions. This project greatly increases the complexs ability to provide significant sanctuary with dependable food resources as well as increased services to the high hunting demands of northern Illinois.
The state wildlife areas established here contain a variety of wetland habitats that have always been critical to migratory waterfowl. Consequently, much of the 3,015-acre complex is managed for waterfowl feeding, nesting, resting, harvesting and viewing. |
Fishing and Hunting |
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Fishing
Since the areas border the Illinois river, boating and fishing are also popular. Species of interest to anglers include walleye, sauger, white bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, drum, crappie, bullhead and carp.
Hunting
The site of one of the nations first public youth waterfowl hunts, Donnelley still offers two youth hunts a year -- with the dates announced annually. The area also has a handicapped accessible blind, the first in the state.
This site has the reputation of offering a high quality public hunting experience approaching the atmosphere of the traditional private club. Within a few miles, the two oldest private duck clubs in the state still operate and serve as reminders of "the way it used to be."
The daily blind draw, held one hour before shooting hours for 15 blinds require a $10 usage stamp per person. This covers the boat, blind and equipment use. Outboard motors are not allowed. |
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More Info | |
... the state of Illinois resulted in public access to what is now the Donnelley State Fish and Wildlife Area. Their financial support helped restore prairie chickens at Prairie Ridge State Natural ... |
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Donnelley State Fish and Wildlife Area
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