Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge

The hunting and fishing regulations specific to Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge are set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations. Individuals using the refuge are subject to inspections of permits, licenses, hunting equipment, bag limits, boats, vehicles and their contents by refuge and state officers. The refuge is open to hunting all species consistent with Illinois Department of Natural Resources hunting regulations. To ensure your safety and enjoyment while visiting the refuge, please take the time to become familiar with the regulations and property boundaries. Please call the refuge with questions.

Fishing

Fishing regulations are in accordance with state regulations. Please refer to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing information guide. Refuge specific regulations include: 

• The use of trotlines, jugs, yo-yo’s, nets or any other commercial fishing equipment is prohibited, except that commercial fishing is allowed by legally licensed equipped anglers in the Cache River downstream of HWY 51
• Anglers may take fish with no more than two poles with no more than two hooks or lures per line
• All bass taken from refuge ponds must be at least 15 inches in length
• Refuge ponds have a daily limit of six channel catfish per angler

Hunting

Hunting regulations are in accordance with state regulations. Please refer to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources hunting information guide. Refuge-specific regulations include:

• Hunting is permitted only in designated areas shown on map
• Only portable deer stands or blinds may be used. All tree stands, blinds and personal property must be removed from the refuge by the end of each day’s hunt.
• Pits or permanent blinds are not permitted on the refuge. Only portable blinds or structures constructed of artificial camouflage (use of vegetation is prohibited) are permitted for waterfowl hunting. Blinds must be removed or dismantled at the end of each day’s hunt. Cutting of any vegetation on the refuge is prohibited.
• Hunting with recognized pointer / retriever dogs during migratory bird seasons, recognized rabbit and squirrel dogs during the rabbit and squirrel season and trailing hounds during designated raccoon / opossum season is permissible. Deer hunting with dogs on the refuge is prohibited.
• Dog training is prohibited
• Furbearer hunting regulations are in accordance with state regulations. Please refer to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources hunting information.