Top Hunting Places in Bloomington, Illinois

Nestled in the heart of Central Illinois, Bloomington offers a surprising wealth of hunting opportunities for both experienced outdoorsmen and newcomers. Surrounded by a mix of hardwood forests, rolling farmland, wetlands, and prairies, Bloomington serves as a prime hub for hunting diverse game species year-round. With easy access to state-managed lands and a strong hunting culture, this Midwestern gem provides the perfect blend of convenience and quality for hunters seeking adventure without leaving Illinois.

Top Public Hunting Spots Near Bloomington, IL

Evergreen Lake – Comlara Park Recreation Area

Located just 15 minutes northwest of downtown Bloomington, Evergreen Lake and Comlara Park offer some of the best multi-species hunting in the area. Managed by the McLean County Parks & Recreation Department, this area spans over 2,000 acres of timber, prairie, and wetland habitat.

Hunters can pursue:

• White-tailed deer (archery only)
  
• Turkey (by permit during designated seasons)
  
• Squirrel and rabbit
  
• Furbearers such as raccoon and coyote (during legal trapping and night hunting seasons)
  

This location is ideal for archery enthusiasts and small game hunters, with well-maintained trails and easy-to-navigate terrain.

Moraine View State Recreation Area

Roughly 20 minutes east of Bloomington, Moraine View SRA covers over 1,600 acres of diverse terrain, making it one of the most accessible public hunting areas in McLean County. It’s a hotspot for:

• Upland game birds, especially pheasants and quail
  
• Deer (archery and firearm in designated zones)
  
• Ducks and geese during waterfowl seasons
  
• Dove hunting, especially on sunflower fields maintained by IDNR
  

With ample parking, detailed maps, and designated check-in stations, Moraine View provides a hunter-friendly infrastructure for both single-day trips and seasonal excursions.

Private Hunting Clubs and Guided Access

Central Illinois Outfitters

For those seeking guided hunts or access to private trophy whitetail leases, Central Illinois Outfitters provides premium hunting experiences just outside of Bloomington. Services include:

• Deer hunting over managed food plots and tree stands
  
• Spring turkey hunts with scouting included
  
• Lodging, meals, and transport to blinds
  

This is ideal for out-of-town hunters or locals looking for a more curated and productive outing without competing for public land.

Buckhorn Hunting Preserve

About 30 minutes south of Bloomington, Buckhorn is a controlled hunting preserve specializing in upland game birds. The preserve offers:

• Fully guided pheasant and chukar hunts
  
• Dog rentals and private fields
  
• Half-day and full-day hunt packages
  

This is a great place for training dogs or introducing new hunters to the sport in a safe, well-managed environment.

Species and Seasons – What You Can Hunt in Bloomington

White-Tailed Deer

McLean County is part of Illinois’ top-producing zones for mature bucks. The surrounding cornfields and CRP land create perfect habitat for big-bodied deer. Archery season runs from early October through mid-January, with limited firearm weekends in November and December.

Wild Turkey

Illinois offers spring and fall turkey seasons, and Bloomington’s wooded areas make for prime turkey territory. Spring hunts are by lottery or permit, and early morning calling is key for success.

Waterfowl

With access to wetlands and lakes like Evergreen and Dawson Lake, Bloomington attracts solid migrations of:

• Mallards
  
• Wood ducks
  
• Canada geese
  

Hunting blinds and decoy setups along the shoreline are particularly effective during peak flyovers in November and December.

Upland Game and Small Game

Local fields and preserves offer:

• Pheasant
  
• Quail
  
• Squirrel
  
• Rabbit
  

The early season in October is ideal, especially after the first frost, when game animals become more active during daylight hours.

Essential Gear and Local Hunting Supplies

To get the most from your hunt near Bloomington, we recommend:

• Weatherproof hunting boots
  
• Base layers for early fall and insulated gear for winter hunts
  
• Archery equipment or shotguns with appropriate chokes
  
• Camouflage for timber and open field hunting
• Tactical Soft Rifle Cases for secure firearm transport
  

Local shops such as:

• Presley's Outdoors in nearby Bartonville
  
• Gander Outdoors in Springfield
  
• Smaller sporting goods stores in Normal and Bloomington
  

offer excellent selections of hunting gear, licenses, and ammunition, as well as expert advice tailored to central Illinois conditions.

Hunting Regulations and Licensing in Illinois

To legally hunt near Bloomington, ensure you have:

• A valid Illinois resident or non-resident hunting license
  
• A State Habitat Stamp
  
• Species-specific stamps (e.g., deer, waterfowl)
  
• A hunter safety certificate if born after Jan 1, 1980
  

Permits and regulations vary by season and zone.Check the Illinois DNR website for updates for lottery draws, harvest reporting, and daily limits.

Hunting Calendar – Best Times to Hunt in Bloomington

Local Conservation and Community Involvement

Bloomington hunters actively support local conservation efforts, such as:

• Illinois Bowhunters Society
  
• Pheasants Forever – McLean County Chapter
  
• Ducks Unlimited – Central IL
  

These organizations host banquets, youth events, habitat restorations, and mentorship programs, ensuring that hunting remains sustainable and ethical for generations to come.

Conclusion

From Evergreen Lake's woodlands to Moraine View's structured fields of Moraine View, Bloomington offers some of Illinois’ most underrated and accessible hunting opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to big bucks, flighty ducks, or thrilling pheasant flushes, this region delivers high-quality hunts with Midwestern charm. Easy access, abundant game, and a supportive local hunting community make Bloomington a standout location for both weekend warriors and dedicated sportsmen.