Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge has announced that applications are available, for the special deer hunts at Lost Mound. Two managed deer hunts, one for youth (ages 10-18) and one for adults with disabilities (19 and older), are conducted within designated Closed Areas of Lost Mound.
All hunters must be accompanied by an adult, able-bodied attendant, who is capable of tracking and retrieving a deer.
The application period extends from Wednesday, July 1, through Friday, July 31, 2020. It is open to Illinois residents and non-residents. All applications will be entered into a random drawing for the 35 hunt sites on Wednesday, August 12.
All hunters, attendants, and any accompanying individuals must attend a mandatory safety orientation with two sessions being held: Saturday, October 3, and Friday, November 13. Location will be determined.
The youth hunt will be held on October 10-11, which coincides with the Illinois Youth Either Sex Deer Hunt. An Illinois Youth Deer 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 disabilities will be held on November 14-15, which is the Saturday-Sunday prior to the Illinois Firearms Deer First Season. A minimum P2a Illinois disability classification is required (or similar disability certification from non-resident states.) 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.
Application and regulations can be downloaded from the following website, http://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper_mississippi_river/visit/permits.html.
For further questions please contact the Refuge office at 815-273-2732.