Deer hunters head to Clinton County, Illinois, for hunting on grain-filled farms, rolling prairies and government-owned land. Located less than one day’s drive (296 miles) south of downtown Chicago on Interstate 55 and 40 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri, Clinton County draws hunters from Illinois and Missouri.
Purchase an Illinois hunting license and deer hunting permit. Apply online on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website or at a state approved hunting license vendor in Clinton County. A list of authorized vendors in Albers, Carlyle, Germantown and other towns throughout Clinton County appears on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. All Illinois hunters need a resident or nonresident hunting license. Deer hunters also need a deer hunting permit. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources issues deer hunting permits based on type of permitted weapon: shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader or bow and arrow. Special permits are available for senior citizens at reduced rates.
Purchase blaze orange clothing required to hunt deer during firearm season. Hunters can wear only solid blaze orange, no camouflage, They should have at least 400 square inches of solid blaze orange on outer garments and a solid blaze orange hat or cap.
Decide whether to hunt on private or public property in Clinton County. Unless you own property in Clinton County or have permission from the property owner, you cannot hunt on private land. Residents of Clinton County who intend to hunt deer on property they own must obtain a free "property only hunting deer permit." Fifty acres of the Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area are open to the public for archery deer hunting. The Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area is located on Carlyle Lake, the largest man-made lake in Illinois.
Research the dates for deer hunting season. In Illinois, dates vary according to the type of permit issued. If the Illinois Department of Natural Resources determines there is an excess of healthy deer in a county, it will reopen hunting for a brief second season.
