CARLYLE LAKE – Sportsmen with disabilities can now reserve access to handicapped-accessible dove hunting blinds for September 1 and September 2, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. to sunset. The blinds are located among bountiful sunflowers at Lotus Field Access within the Coles Creek Recreation Area. All Lotus Field’s will open to other hunters on September 3, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. to sunset.
The use of each blind is by reservation only and will be limited to permanently non-ambulatory or semi-ambulatory hunters. An assistant—who will be allowed to hunt—must accompany each disabled hunter. Hunters are also encouraged to bring a dog to retrieve harvested birds. Each hunter must possess a valid 2013 Illinois Hunting License, a State Habitat Stamp, and a Firearms Owners Identification Card (FOID). Out of state hunters are not required to have an Illinois FOID card. Harvest Information Program (HIP) numbers can be obtained by calling 1-800-WETLAND. Refer to the back of your hunting license for more information regarding your HIP number.
Each hunter may request a specific day or both days and a lottery will be held for the competing slots. Requests for reservations are taken by phone or in writing. The deadline is 4:00 p.m. on August 30, 2013. For more information, or to place a request, contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office by phone at (618) 594-2484. Request in writing at: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Carlyle Lake Project Office, 801 Lake Road, Carlyle, IL 62231.
Release no. 13-062