Lake Springfield Archery Deer Hunting

The Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP)  conducts controlled archery deer hunting on city-owned property on specific sites around densely deer-populated areas around Lake Springfield.

• Sites are available to experienced archery deer hunters who are willing to harvest at least three deer in a two-week time period.
  

• Two antlerless deer must be harvested first before an antlered deer can be harvested.
  

• Successful hunters are required to submit an IRAP survey and harvest report after each harvest.
  

• Hunters are encouraged to donate at least one deer to the food bank through a designated meat processor in Springfield.
  

Who: Any legally licensed and EXPERIENCED archery deer hunter who resides in Sangamon, Macoupin, Morgan, Menard, Macon, Christian, Logan or Montgomery County who has completed their hunter safety course (if born in 1980 or after) and who is willing to harvest at least three or more deer may apply.

When: IRAP has four different hunting periods, allowing the participant 15 or 16 days of hunting access on the site. A successful applicant will be assigned to one hunting period.

• Period 1: October 1-15
• Period 2: October 16-31
• Period 3: November 1-15
• Period 4: December 16-31

Where: City, Water, Light and Power and IRAP have chosen several specific sites around Lake Springfield. These sites may be located near roads, homes and buildings. Hunters must be aware and keep an appropriate distance from these areas.

What: IRAP's Lake Springfield Archery Deer application is available through 5 p.m., August 9, 2024.

Please note that no changes can be made to applications once application deadlines have passed. 

How it Works: 

Hunters applying for an IRAP Lake Springfield Archery Deer site must complete an online application along with the accompanying liability waiver.

Applicants must agree to tag blinds and quipment being left on site during an assigned hunting period with their name and contact information.  Blinds, equipment and personal belongings must be removed on the last day of an assigned hunting period,

Successful applicants will receive a packet of information, including an IRAP parking and site permit allowing them to hunt city-owned property, a map, and directions to the site approximately 3 weeks before the start of the season applied for.

Applicants may apply for up to 4 different IRAP Lake Springfield Archery Deer hunting periods, but will only be chosen for one hunting period.

Lake Springfield Archery Deer Hunters MUST fill out a survey within 5 days of their last day hunted. In addition, an email harvest photo is required to be submitted to DNR.IRAP@illinois.gov the same day of the harvest. Failure to do so may result in loss of future IRAP deer hunting privileges.