Illinois small game

[In Over My Head]

Does anyone here hunt small game on public lands in Illinois with a muzzleloader?

If so, would you please share what is allowed where you hunt?

I'd like to hunt squirrels with a .36, but I'm not sure if that is too large for Illinois public hunting areas.

Thanks!

 

[okawbow]

The local state park, Ramsey State Park, is shotgun and bow only. I think most state parks are the same.

The Shawnee National Forest is your best best other than private land.

 

[In Over My Head]

It's a lot of work finding the details of all the conservation areas scattered about, with each one having site-specific rules and even more site-specific interpretations of them.

I used to hunt Roy Norbut CA in Pike County, but never with a muzzleloader. I remember their typewritten, photocopied site-specific rules allowed muzzleloading rifles for squirrels but I can't remember the caliber restriction.

I'm hemming and hawing over a squirrel rifle in .32 or .36. I think I want the .36 but I'm wondering if that closes the door on what few CAs might let me use a muzzleloader.

 

[okawbow]

I have a 30 cal. Flint lock that uses a ball that is lighter than a 22 bullet. The ball would not go nearly as far as the 22, but one federal area near me allows 22’s but nothing larger.