Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge provides many opportunities to hunt waterfowl, deer, turkey, squirrels, rabbits and other game species. Hunting is permitted on over 15,000 acres within the refuge boundary. This land includes a diversity of habitats from floodplain and upland forests, to swamps and shallow wetlands, to agriculture and early successional fields. Hunting on the refuge generally follows state seasons and regulations. Please refer to the Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping 2016-2017 for more information about state permits and season dates.

To ensure your safety and enjoyment while visiting the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, please take time to become familiar with refuge hunting regulations and property boundaries. Before venturing out on the Refuge please take note of the following site specific regulations.
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Hunters may only use or possess non-toxic (lead free) shot while in the field, including shot shells used for hunting wild-turkey.
Hunting bobcats on the refuge is not permitted.
Only portable deer stands or blinds may be used and all equipment and personal property must be removed from the refuge by the end of each day's hunt.
Hunting is not permitted in the Bellrose Waterfowl Reserve.

Please review the Refuge Hunting brochure for additional regulations and information; this publication is also available at https://www.fws.gov/Refuge/Cypress_Creek/visit/rules_and_regulations.html. For questions, contact Cypress Creek Refuge call 618-634-2231 or stop by the refuge office on the Shawnee Community College campus at 137 Rustic Campus Drive, Ullin, Illinois. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4 pm.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.