Top Hunting Places in Cicero, Illinois

While Cicero, Illinois may be more renowned for its rich history and proximity to Chicago, outdoor enthusiasts and hunters alike are beginning to uncover hidden opportunities in and around this urban landscape. Situated in Cook County, this suburb offers proximity to premier hunting grounds that combine accessibility with natural beauty, all just a short drive from the city. For those seeking a unique blend of urban living and wild game pursuits, Cicero is an ideal launching point.

Best Public Hunting Areas Near Cicero, Illinois

Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area

Located approximately an hour southwest of Cicero, Des Plaines SFWA spans over 5,000 acres of rich hunting terrain. This area is known for its dense cover, wetlands, and prairie habitats, supporting both small game and larger species. Hunters will find:

• White-tailed deer, prevalent during archery and firearm seasons
  
• Upland game birds, such as pheasants and quail
  
• Waterfowl, with designated blinds and marshes
  
• Squirrel and rabbit, in abundance throughout the wooded regions
  

A valid Illinois hunting license and species-specific permits are required. The site also includes a controlled pheasant hunting area for added opportunity during upland seasons.

Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area

For hunters willing to travel slightly further (about 70 minutes from Cicero), Mazonia-Braidwood offers 1,017 acres of prime hunting land. The northern and southern units are split for different game species and include:

• Dove and goose hunting fields
  
• White-tailed deer archery-only zones
  
• Turkey hunting during spring seasons
  

The area features a diverse mix of reclaimed strip-mined land, grasslands, and wooded patches, making it an excellent habitat for multiple game types. Parking, maps, and season information can be obtained via the Illinois DNR website.

Private Land and Hunting Clubs Near Cicero

McGraw Wildlife Foundation

About 90 minutes west of Cicero lies the McGraw Wildlife Foundation, a prestigious conservation-focused property that offers high-end guided hunts. Their programs include:

• Private duck blinds and goose fields
  
• Upland bird hunts with dogs provided
  
• Conservation education and land stewardship programs
  

This location is ideal for hunters seeking a curated, conservation-focused experience.

Crane Lake Hunt Club

Situated in nearby Peotone, Crane Lake is a family-run upland bird hunting preserve that welcomes both seasoned and novice hunters. Their offerings include:

• Pheasant and chukar hunts
  
• Field and guide dog rentals
  
• Warm-up shooting ranges and clay shooting
  

Reservations are required, and many of their members come from the greater Chicago and Cicero area, making it a favorite weekend retreat.

Types of Game in the Region

Deer Hunting

Illinois is home to robust white-tailed deer populations, and Cicero-area hunters can take advantage of both archery and firearm seasons. Local wildlife areas are known for strong rut activity in November, and tree stands or ground blinds are commonly used due to dense underbrush.

Upland Game Birds

Ring-necked pheasants and quail are commonly stocked and hunted in controlled hunting zones. Ideal hunting conditions occur from mid-fall to early winter, especially after the first frost, which pushes birds into denser cover.

Waterfowl

The proximity of wetlands and rivers makes the greater Chicagoland area an important waterfowl migration route. During the fall season, hunters can expect good numbers of:

• Mallards
  
• Canada geese
  
• Teal and other diving ducks
  

Using layout blinds or natural cover near rivers and marshes proves highly effective.

Essential Gear for Cicero-Based Hunters

While hunting near Cicero doesn't require deep wilderness survival gear, reliable and practical equipment is essential. We recommend:

• Waterproof boots and insulated clothing for cold-season hunts
  
• Quality optics, especially for open areas like Mazonia
  
• Climbing tree stands for deer hunting on public lands
  
• Dog whistles and training tools for upland bird hunts
  

Transportation matters too—a durable rifle case (like FS9 Tactical’s tactical soft rifle cases) safeguards firearms during commutes to remote hunting grounds.

Licensing and Hunting Regulations in Illinois

To legally hunt in the state, all individuals must possess:

• A valid Illinois hunting license
  
• The applicable state habitat stamp
  
• Species-specific stamps (e.g., deer, waterfowl, upland game)
  

Additionally, hunter safety certification is required for hunters born after January 1, 1980. Permits can be obtained via the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which also provides seasonal updates, bag limits, and area-specific rules.

Seasonal Tips and Best Times to Hunt Near Cicero

 

 

Plan hunts around weather patterns, moon phases, and sunrise/sunset times for the most effective experience. Always scout ahead when hunting public land.

Where to Buy Hunting Supplies in Cicero

There are a few reliable places for local gear and licensing:

• Bass Pro Shops – Bolingbrook, a full-service retailer just 25 minutes from Cicero
  
• Cabela’s – Hammond, Indiana, with large selections of firearms and hunting clothing
  
• Chucks Gun Shop – Riverdale, a trusted name for firearms and optics closer to Cicero
  

These stores also serve as great resources for ammunition restocking, expert advice, and occasional workshops or events.

Community and Conservation Efforts

Cicero hunters are encouraged to support local wildlife and habitat conservation. Groups such as:

• Pheasants Forever – Illinois Chapter
  
• Ducks Unlimited – Chicagoland Region
  
• The Illinois Conservation Foundation
  

offer events, educational opportunities, and volunteer-driven habitat restoration projects. These organizations play a critical role in maintaining sustainable hunting for future generations.

Conclusion

Cicero, Illinois, might not top lists of hunting destinations, but it serves as an incredible gateway to diverse and rewarding hunting experiences. Whether you're after trophy bucks, fast-flying mallards, or heart-pounding upland hunts, the region offers it all within a short, convenient distance from home. With the right gear, licenses, and local knowledge, hunters in Cicero can experience the thrill of the wild without leaving the Midwest.