Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) — The City of Springfield’s City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) are partnering again this year to allow archery deer hunting on specific properties around Lake Springfield from October through December.

IDNR’s Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) will help the City place experienced archery deer hunters on selected sites around Lake Springfield with the goal to lower the overpopulated white-tailed deer herd in the area. Applications are available online through the IRAP website and will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9.

 Past deer population research shows a density of 15 to 20 deer per square mile is often consistent with maintaining healthy native plant communities; a 2021 aerial survey of the deer population around Lake Springfield revealed an average of 77 deer per square mile. After working with wildlife professionals from the IDNR to review options, controlled archery deer hunting in specific areas was determined to be the best course of action to decrease the population over a period of time.

IRAP staff will help the city place experienced archery deer hunters on selected sites around Lake Springfield. CWLP is encouraging hunters to donate their harvested deer to the Central Illinois Foodbank and will pay the $50 hunter portion of the processing fee for the first 60 deer donated.

IRAP Lake Springfield Basics:

  • Sites are available to experienced archery deer hunters who are willing and have the time to harvest at least three deer in a two-week time period.
  • Two antlerless deer must be harvested first before an antlered deer.
  • Successful hunters are required to submit an IRAP survey and harvest reports.
  • Hunters are encouraged to donate at least one deer to the food bank through a designated meat processor in Springfield.

Who: Any legally licensed, EXPERIENCED archery deer hunter who resides in Sangamon, Macoupin, Morgan, Menard, Macon, Christian, Logan or Montgomery counties.  The hunter applying must acquire their archery deer permit prior to hunting and be willing to harvest at least three or more deer.

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: Oct. 1-15
    Period 2: Oct. 16-31
  •             Period 3: Nov. 1-15
    Period 4: Dec. 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.

How it works: Applicants apply for an IRAP Lake Springfield archery deer site by completing an online application along with the liability waiver. Only successful applicants will be notified approximately three weeks prior to their awarded hunting period and instructed as to where their hunting site is located along with a map, instructions and a site permit allowing them to hunt on city-owned property. Applicants can apply for up to three different IRAP hunting periods, but may only be chosen for one hunting period.