The stunning bluffs covered in hardwood forests provide a striking backdrop to the Mississippi River as it meanders. Habitat types include areas of open river water, braided river channels, floodplain forests, backwater marshes and adjacent prairies. Hunters are asked to respect “voluntary waterfowl avoidance areas” that are marked with signs and buoys to reduce disturbance to resting and feeding waterfowl from mid-October through mid-November. During the fall migration, deeper waters on the river draw huge flocks of diving ducks, especially canvasbacks, with ring-necked ducks, goldeneye, redheads and scaup also commonly sighted. Marshlands and floodplain forests adjacent to the river attract wood ducks, blue-winged and green-winged teal, mallards, wigeon, gadwall, and pintail. Hunters equipped with a boat and a large spread of decoys can have good hunting opportunities for diving ducks, puddle ducks, and Canada geese. In addition, numerous forested islands on the river offer excellent deer hunting opportunities. Small game and turkey hunters also find success in the floodplain forest. Smaller swaths of prairie land offer chances to hunt doves. Many hunters enjoy the solitude and abundant wildlife on this refuge, which is considered one of the most scenic stretches along the Mississippi River.
Rules and Policies for the Refuge and Hunting
Special Hunts for Lost Mound Unit
Two managed deer hunts, one for youth (ages 10-17) and one for adults with disability (18 and older), are conducted within designated Closed Areas of Lost Mound. All hunters must be accompanied by an adult able-bodied attendant that is capable of tracking and retrieving a deer.
The application period extends from July 1 through July 31 and is open to residents and non-residents. All applications will be entered into a random drawing for 35 hunt sites on August 5.
All hunters, attendants and any accompanying individuals must attend the mandatory hunt site check in and orientation day that corresponds with their hunt. Youth Hunt check in will be held on Saturday November 7 or Friday November 20, and Adults with Disability Hunt check in will be held on Friday, November 13. Location will be the Lost Mound Unit equipment storage building, 3159 Crim Drive, Savanna, IL 61074.
The youth hunt will be held on November 21 and 22 which coincides with the Illinois first firearm deer season. An unfilled Illinois Youth Deer Permit or a Jo Daviess County Permit must be obtained and brought to the orientation. All youth must show certification of completion of a state approved hunter safety course.
The hunt for adults with disability will be held on November 14 and 15 which is the Saturday-Sunday prior to the Illinois Firearms Deer First Season. A minimum P2a Illinois disability classification (or similar disability certification from non-resident states) is required. Wheelchair-bound and amputee hunters will receive priority selection for hunt sites. A Jo Daviess County Deer Permit is not needed in order to apply for this hunt, as this permit is provided by the Refuge.
Potters Marsh Hunt
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Waterfowl hunt sites at the Potter’s Marsh area of Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Illinois, are allocated to waterfowl hunters by an annual lottery drawing. This is the first year the lottery application and drawing will be held virtually through the RecAccess program.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applications can be submitted online from July 8-22 at the website: www.RecAccess.com. Select the Potter’s Marsh Waterfowl Hunt category.
Complete the application for the drawing by identifying up to 5 hunt site choices from the 49 available locations. A $10 application fee to be paid by credit card will be charged to each applicant. Only one application per person will be accepted. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age as of July 27, 2026. Individuals will receive confirmation of their application upon completion of the application process.