Top Hunting Places in Des Plaines, Illinois

Top Hunting Places in Des Plaines, Illinois

Des Plaines, Illinois, located just northwest of Chicago, may seem like a city defined by suburban living and proximity to O'Hare International Airport. But beneath its urban reputation lies a hidden advantage: immediate access to some of the best hunting grounds in the Chicagoland area. Whether you're a local sportsman or someone looking for a new location to explore, Des Plaines offers strategic access to diverse hunting environments, from wetlands and prairies to forest preserves teeming with game.

Why Des Plaines Is Ideal for Hunting Enthusiasts

Des Plaines’ unique location near forest preserves, conservation areas, and dedicated wildlife zones makes it a top choice for hunters who want accessibility without compromising on game variety. The city is minutes from major highways, allowing fast access to several hunting hotspots across Cook, Lake, and McHenry Counties.

With a mix of public lands and private clubs, Des Plaines caters to everyone—archers, firearm hunters, upland game enthusiasts, and waterfowl specialists alike.

Best Hunting Areas Near Des Plaines, Illinois


1. Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area

Despite the shared name, this conservation area is about an hour south of Des Plaines and remains one of Illinois’ premier hunting grounds. Spanning over 5,000 acres, the site offers:

  • Whitetail deer hunting (archery and firearm)
  • Waterfowl blinds for duck and goose seasons
  • Pheasant, rabbit, and squirrel hunting
  • Boat launches for river hunting opportunities

Its rich biodiversity, solid infrastructure, and easy permit process make this a must-visit for any hunter based in or near Des Plaines.

2. Cook County Forest Preserves

Des Plaines borders Busse Woods, one of the most scenic and popular forest preserves in northern Illinois. While Busse itself does not permit hunting, other Cook County preserves do offer limited archery-only deer hunting opportunities through a highly regulated lottery program.

Top areas include:

  • Cap Sauers Holding Preserve
  • McGinnis Slough (for waterfowl)
  • Palos Preserves

These sites are managed with strict safety and environmental guidelines, ensuring a sustainable hunting experience for future generations.

3. Glacial Park – McHenry County

Just over an hour’s drive northwest of Des Plaines, Glacial Park is a go-to destination for serious waterfowl hunters. Located along the Nippersink Creek, the park lies along key migratory bird routes, making it ideal for:

  • Duck hunting
  • Canada goose hunting
  • Scouting migratory patterns in early fall

Bring your waders, decoys, and a good waterfowl call—this site can reward you with one of the most immersive bird-hunting experiences near the Chicago metro area.

4. Chain O’Lakes State Park

Located near the Illinois-Wisconsin border, Chain O’Lakes is about an hour’s drive but worth every minute. With open prairies, marshes, and dense timber, the park supports:

  • Deer hunting during archery season
  • Small game including squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons
  • Incredible waterfowl opportunities during peak migration

Its vast landscape gives you space to roam while staying within a day’s trip from Des Plaines.

Top Game to Hunt Near Des Plaines

Whitetail Deer

Bowhunting is especially popular in suburban counties where firearm use is restricted. Scouting public lands or applying for urban deer hunting programs is key.

Wild Turkey

While populations are denser in southern and central Illinois, several controlled hunts near Des Plaines offer spring gobbler opportunities for persistent callers.

Upland Game

Though less common than in years past, pheasants and quail are still stocked at Des Plaines Conservation Area and select private clubs.

Waterfowl

Hunting near rivers, lakes, and marshes around Des Plaines means strong success during migration—especially for mallards, teal, and Canadian geese.

Licensing and Legal Requirements

Before heading out, be sure to obtain the correct permits:

  • Basic Illinois Hunting License
  • Habitat Stamp
  • Species-specific stamps (e.g., Deer, Turkey, Waterfowl)
  • HIP certification for migratory bird hunters

Some locations near Des Plaines require site-specific permits or controlled access draws—especially for firearm seasons. Visit the Illinois DNR website for full details.

Best Seasons to Hunt Near Des Plaines

  • Deer (Archery): October 1 – January 15
  • Deer (Firearm): Mid-November (lottery-only near Cook County)
  • Waterfowl: Late October through December
  • Turkey: Spring (April-May), Fall (October)
  • Small Game: September through February

Be aware of zone-specific regulations, particularly in suburban counties where firearm use is tightly controlled.

Local Hunting Stores & Services in Des Plaines

Need gear, ammo, or advice? Here are some trusted spots:

  • Maxon Shooter’s Supplies – Offers hunting rifles, bows, and license services.
  • Bass Pro Shops (Gurnee) – A full-service outdoor megastore about 40 minutes away.
  • Cabela’s (Hoffman Estates) – Great for seasonal gear and waterfowl supplies.

Private Hunting Clubs Near Des Plaines

If you're seeking a guided experience or a more exclusive outing, consider these clubs:

  • Northbrook Sports Club – Premium pheasant and clay shooting options
  • Pheasant Valley Farm – Stocked bird hunts in nearby Hebron
  • Green Acres Sportsman’s Club – Further out, but ideal for weekend escapes

These clubs offer access to private land, trained dogs, and personalized experiences—perfect for special hunts or corporate outings.

Hunting Tips for the Des Plaines Area

  • Scout early – Trail cams and Google Earth are your best friend
  • Dress for Midwest unpredictability – Layers are crucial in Illinois fall weather
  • Always follow blaze orange regulations during firearm season
  • Respect public land use rules—hunting is a privilege, not a right
  • Tactical Soft Rifle Cases for secure firearm transport

Conclusion: Des Plaines – A Gateway to Illinois' Best Hunts

Whether you’re an archery enthusiast, upland bird lover, or seasoned waterfowl hunter, Des Plaines, Illinois offers unmatched access to a wide variety of hunting experiences. Its strategic location near preserves, gear shops, and some of Illinois’ best-managed public lands makes it an exceptional basecamp for your next hunt.

From controlled pheasant releases to migratory duck ambushes and big-buck archery pursuits, Des Plaines is the unsung hero of Chicagoland hunting.