Bow Hunting Season Opens Saturday

With archery deer season opening October 1st, many hunters will be heading to their favorite hunting spots in search of success. Most hunters will hunt from a tree stand in order to increase their chances of a successful hunt. Hunters are reminded that in order to utilize a treestand or ground blind for deer hunting on Lake Shelbyville, a treestand permit is required.

There are two different types of permits that can be utilized or a combination of both. A Roving permit is free of charge and allows the user to leave a stand up for NO more than 72 hours without hunting it, otherwise it must be removed from Corps property. A Seasonal permit allows a hunter to leave a stand up two weeks before season to two weeks after season and costs $30.00 annually. A Seasonal Permit ($30.00) must be obtained at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Office at Lake Shelbyville just east of the Dam or at the campground fee booths that are still open (Coon Creek, Lithia Springs and Forrest W. “Bo” Woods). Roving Treestand Permits can be obtained at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office, Fee Booths still open, Ace Hardware in Sullivan, IL, Lithia Springs Resort, Yotes Archery and Craig’s Sports Goods in Shelbyville, IL.

The following are some general tree stand safety tips to help make this year’s hunting season a safe one: Tree stand Safety Tips

1) Always wear a safety belt and harness while climbing and sitting in a stand. Fully 85% of tree stand accidents happen when the hunter is climbing or descending the tree.

2) Maintain a short tether between yourself and the tree you are in.

3) Make slow, deliberate moves while climbing into and out of the tree stand.

4) Always pick a safe, sound, tree to climb.

5) Be familiar with your equipment and inspect it periodically.

6) If using a climbing stand, tie both the climber and platform together to ensure the platform cannot slip away out of your reach.

7) Do not climb higher than your comfort level.

8) Do not use tree limbs/branches as steps.

9) Never climb with a bow or firearm. Always use a haul/tow rope.

10) Always let someone know where you are hunting and the time to expect you home.

Current statistics show that one out of three hunters will have a “close-call” sometime during their hunting career. Be aware of the dangers that do exist and be extremely careful while in the field. Using some common sense, slowing down, and respecting the environment will help keep you safe and secure.

Additionally, there are numerous areas on the lake that have received a Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) to increase hard mast production, crop tree growth and increase browse in the understory. This involves using a chainsaw to girdle the poor quality trees. The larger trees are left standing during this process and often take many years before they begin to fall. Some of the early TSI areas are beginning to have trees fall. Be aware of this potential hazard when hunting in or near these areas.

For additional information contact Natural Resource Specialist Lee Mitchell at (217) 774-3951 ext. 7012 or by email at Lee.R.Mitchell@usace.army.mil.