Illinois DNR

Over-the-counter deer archery permits are now available. To find a vendor, visit www.exploremoreil.com/agentlocator.

Conservation World is BACK at the 2025 Illinois State Fair!

Join us Aug. 7 to 17, to celebrate 100 years of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with hands-on fun, new exhibits & family-friendly vibes.

We can’t wait to see you there. #ilstatefair #conservationworld #illinoisdnr

YouTube video by Illinois DNR World Shooting Complex and Recreational Center, Randolph County, Illinois

We're thrilled to kick off the 126th Grand American World Trapshooting Championships today in Sparta.

This iconic event draws shooters from across the globe to IDNR's World Shooting & Recreational Complex. The Grand is July 30–Aug 9. youtu.be/USoJYDoDXjc?...

The IDNR Interagency Wildland Fire Crew doesn't just serve Illinois. They mobilize nationwide during fire season.

Recently, they were in Colorado's San Juan National Forest, tackling new fires sparked by lightning in dangerously dry conditions. #IDNR #illinoisdnr

Spots are still open for this year’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program in southern Illinois, Sept 12-14!

Designed for beginners, BOW offers hands-on instruction in hunting, fishing, safety & more.

Register now: dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/b...

Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA offers year-round events: trail rides like the St. Jude’s & Chili Ride, stargazing with Springfield Area Star Gazers, field trials, wingshooting clinics, & fishing tournaments. There's something for everyone! #ILstateparks #jimedagarpanthercreek

Looking to sharpen your shooting skills? Jim Edgar Panther Creek has you covered!

🎯Archery range open year-round dawn to dusk by scenic Prairie Lake

🎯Shotgun range nearby (no slugs/rifles, only shot shells)

Both closed during deer season & wingshooting clinics. Come practice your skills.

Dove season is a favorite too and many hunters enjoy great success. Plus, hundreds of non-residents come here for the popular deer archery season, and turkey season boasts impressive harvest rates. (3/3)

JEPC is known for its fantastic hunting and fishing opportunities. The park hosts one of the best controlled pheasant hunting programs around. (2/3)

There’s no shortage of fun and adventure waiting for you at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA! Whether you’re into camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, scouting, bird watching, star gazing, or horseback riding, this park has something for everyone. (1/3)

Cox Creek Hill Prairie at Jim Edgar Panther Creek is home to stunning native plants like little bluestem, wild petunia & prairie dock. Rare finds include the endangered small white lady’s-slipper orchid. Also: keep an eye out for the Ornate Box Turtle!

When visiting, be on the lookout for remnants of an old roadbed and take in a row of Osage Orange trees or the tulips and know that at one time there was a residence or farmstead at that location. (3/3)

At one time, there was even a small town at the site of the Prairie Lake canoe launch. There are remnants of old schoolhouses and churches in the park, and there are some small cemeteries throughout. (2/3)

Jim Edgar Panther Creek is full of history!
Many old farmsteads made up the land upon which Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area now exists. Remnants of those farmsteads can be seen in some of the buildings, structures, fences, tree lines, and flowers. (1/3)

In the early 1990s, IDNR began developing the area. The park has three lakes, two campgrounds, and miles of roads and trails. Today, Jim Edgar Panther Creek spans more than 16,500 acres for wildlife and outdoor recreation. (4/4)

The state sought input from Cass County residents about whether they would like the land to be used for a prison or a park. Residents chose to make it a park. (3/4)

The area was originally known as “Site M,” a name many still use today when referring to the park land.
When plans for the power plant didn’t work out, the company wanted to sell all the land at once. That’s when the State of Illinois stepped in and purchased it. (2/4)

Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area has a unique history. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Commonwealth Edison purchased farmland in Cass County with plans to strip mine the area and construct a power plant to serve Menard County and surrounding areas. (1/4)

YouTube video by Illinois DNR Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area

Explore one of Illinois’ largest public access areas —Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area.

Located in Cass County and containing more than 16,500 acres of forest, prairie, lakes, and trails.

Watch our breathtaking video about the park:
youtu.be/I3vFgOGwupw?...

IDNR is highlighting Illinois’ beautiful and unique state parks in a monthly social media feature, “Spotlight on Illinois State Parks.”

This month, we’re featuring Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area in Cass County.

#ILStateParks #JimEdgarPantherCreek

You’ll always find an abundance of nature at an Illinois state park. Filmed at Jim Edgar Panther Creek in Cass County, a buck runs across the bicycling path.

Mark your calendars! IDNR is offering sensory-friendly hours at Conservation World during the Illinois State Fair. Sensory-friendly hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9 and Tuesday, Aug. 12. Programming and exhibit adjustments will create a quieter environment.

The wildflowers are blooming at the Kankakee River State Park campgrounds!

The deer firearm and muzzleloader third lottery is open July 11 through Aug. 16, residents and non-residents may apply for additional firearm or muzzleloader permits leftover from the county quotas.

More information is available here: dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/deer...

The oldest brick building in Illinois, Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site, will open its doors on July 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to give the public a rare glimpse of this unique mansion and to celebrate the state's French heritage in honor of Bastille Day. dnr.illinois.gov/press-releas...

Curious about the state of the Illinois timber market? Wooden Dollars Quarterly is your insight to international, regional, and local timber resource news! Plus, timber for sale notices and much more. dnr.illinois.gov/conservation...

The free dove second lottery is open July 6-20 to resident and non-resident hunters. Resident hunters that were successful in drawing a permit during the first free lottery will be ineligible from drawing again in the second.
dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/dove...

The application period for Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grants is open. OSLAD is a grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for the acquisition and development of land for public parks and open spaces. Deadline is Sept. 30.

Today, IDNR has about 1,250 dedicated employees across the state. We’re proud to serve the people of Illinois. Here’s to 100 years of conservation—and the next 100 to come. (3/3)

In 1995, Governor Jim Edgar brought together several agencies to form the IDNR as we know it today. All departments brought together with one mission: to protect and preserve Illinois’ natural resources and cultural heritage. (2/3)