Applications available for Lost Mound deer hunt

THOMSON – Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge has announced the 2021 applications for the special deer hunts at Lost Mound are available.

Two managed deer hunts, one for youth ages 10-17 and one for adults with disabilities 18 and older, are conducted within designated closed areas of Lost Mound. All hunters must be accompanied by an adult attendant that is capable of tracking and retrieving a deer.

The application period ends July 31 and is open to residents and non-residents. All applications will be entered into a random drawing for the 35 hunt sites on August 11.

All hunters, attendants and any accompanying individuals must attend the mandatory hunt site check-in and scout day that corresponds with their hunt. Youth Hunt check-in will be held on Friday, Oct. 8, and Adults with Disability Hunt check-in will be held on Friday, Nov. 12 at the Lost Mound Unit equipment storage building, 3159 Crim Drive in Savanna.

The youth hunt will be held Oct. 9-10, 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 Nov. 13-14, which is the Saturday-Sunday prior to the Illinois Firearms Deer First Season. A minimum P2a Illinois disability classification (or similar disability certification from non-resident states) is required. 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.

Go to fws.gov/refuge/upper_mississippi_river/visit/permits.html for regulations and application.

Contact the Refuge office at 815-273-2732 for more information.