Top Hunting Places in Naperville, Illinois

June 12, 2025

Naperville, Illinois, with its charming downtown, family-friendly parks, and affluent neighborhoods, may not strike most as a hunter’s paradise. But venture beyond the city limits, and you’ll discover a rich network of public preserves, state parks, and controlled hunting areas that offer some of the best deer, waterfowl, and upland-game hunting in the region.

With strategic access to both DuPage and Will Counties, Naperville provides a central location for hunters looking to escape the crowds while remaining close to home. This guide covers the top-rated hunting areas near Naperville, covering all skill levels and game preferences.

Public Hunting Areas Near Naperville

Green Valley Forest Preserve (Naperville/Aurora Border)

Located just south of Naperville, Green Valley Forest Preserve allows for archery deer hunting through the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

Hunting type: Archery-only
Game available: Whitetail deer
Permits: Hunters must apply through the county's lottery system
Highlight: Close to downtown Naperville but surprisingly secluded
Tip: Tree stands must be portable and removed daily

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve (Darien, IL)

Just 20 minutes northeast of Naperville, Waterfall Glen offers managed deer hunts in designated zones with limited access for bowhunters.

Game available: Whitetail deer
Access: Application required through Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Terrain: Rolling forest, wetlands, and open fields
Pro tip: Scout early to find bedding areas along the Des Plaines River corridor

Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area (Yorkville, IL)

Located 40 minutes west of Naperville, Silver Springs is one of the most well-rounded public hunting grounds in northern Illinois.

Game available: Deer, pheasant, squirrel, rabbit, dove
Special features: Controlled pheasant hunting zone with regular bird releases
Permit: Daily and seasonal permits via IDNR
Ideal for: Family outings or mixed-game pursuits

Top Waterfowl and Upland Game Areas

Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area (Wilmington, IL)

Roughly an hour’s drive south of Naperville, Des Plaines SFWA offers over 5,000 acres of waterfowl-friendly terrain. Marshes, sloughs, and backwaters attract ducks and geese during the fall migration.

Game available: Mallards, teal, Canada geese, pheasant, rabbit
Blind system: Daily draw for blinds and walk-in hunting zones
Best time to visit: Mid-October through December
Extras: Controlled pheasant fields and trap shooting range

Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

About 75 minutes northwest of Naperville, Shabbona Lake is ideal for dual-purpose hunters targeting both deer and waterfowl.

Game available: Waterfowl, archery deer, rabbit, squirrel
Amenities: Boat ramps, field blinds, and primitive camping
Note: Archery hunting zones are clearly marked; check IDNR for specific maps

Private Preserves Near Naperville

Hunt Club of Illinois (Bristol, IL)

Only 35 minutes west, this preserve specializes in upland bird hunting seeking a guided, high-success hunt.

Game available: Pheasant, quail, chukar
Ideal for: Beginners and experienced wingshooters alike
Extras: Dog rentals, private fields, corporate group options

Rooster Heaven Hunt Club (Malta, IL)

About an hour away, Rooster Heaven offers well-managed fields and steady upland bird populations.

Game available: Pheasant, chukar, quail
Membership: Daily hunts and seasonal memberships available
Bonus: Strong focus on safety and family-friendly environment

Small Game Hunting Areas Close to Naperville

James “Pate” Philip State Park (Bartlett, IL)

Just 30 minutes north of Naperville, this lesser-known location offers limited small game and archery hunting.

Game available: Squirrel, rabbit, archery deer
Permit: Forest Preserve District lottery access only
Highlight: Low pressure due to controlled access
Best for: Local day trips without major planning

Essential Hunting Regulations for Naperville Area

If you’re hunting anywhere in or near Naperville, make sure you’re following all legal guidelines set forth by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and local forest preserve districts:

License: Valid Illinois Hunting License required
Stamps: Habitat, Waterfowl, Upland Game, and species-specific permits depending on the hunt
Hunter safety: Mandatory for hunters born after Jan 1, 1980
Season limits: Follow IDNR-published bag limits and reporting requirements
Public land access: Many locations require additional permits, site-specific lotteries, or sign-in sheets

Check the latest regulations and seasonal updates directly at IDNR’s website.

Tips for Hunting Success Near Naperville

Scout early: Many archery-only areas require precise planning for stand placement
Midweek hunts: Avoid crowds and pressure by going out Tuesday–Thursday
Use scent control: Especially important in suburban preserves with high deer alertness
Weather-readiness: Late fall and winter conditions can shift quickly—layer up and waterproof your gear
Pattern Your Weapon: Whether bow, shotgun, or rifle (carried securely in Tactical Soft Rifle Cases), sight-in at the range ahead of time.

Why Naperville Is a Hidden Gem for Illinois Hunters

Though not widely known, Naperville's proximity to high-quality preserves, forests, and wildlife areas makes it an ideal home base for Midwestern hunters. With archery-only zones, waterfowl-rich wetlands, and upland bird preserves, there's no shortage of action-packed days in the field—all within an hour’s drive or less.

Whether you're after trophy deer or looking to introduce your kids to hunting with pheasants and rabbits, Naperville offers unmatched convenience and access to the great outdoors.