Deer hunting will be allowed at Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks later this month, in December, and in January. State Parks Site Superintendent Alvin Harper says there are categories for hunters using bows and arrows and for those using guns. Not everyone who wants to hunt will be allowed in at one time. Archers will be allowed in on a first come, first served basis. Hunters with guns were chosen in a lottery, although they can be put on a standby list when the day comes.
The first round of closures will be November 19th through 21st. All of Matthiessen State Park, the Hennepin Canyon parking lot at Starved Rock State Park, Starved Rock Nature Preserve, Mitchell’s Grove, and the Sandy Ford and Margery C. Carlson areas will be closed. Most of Starved Rock State Park will stay open for the general public.
The other hunting seasons will be December 1st through 5th, December 10th through 12th, December 30th through January 2nd, and January 14th through 16th. The dates vary somewhat by location.