Hunt unit · Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Special Permit Hunt Unit Map & Access

Special regsPermit requiredYouth opportunity

The Special Permit unit is one of 6 mapped hunt units on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Williamson County, IL. It covers approximately 19,859 acres and is listed as “open – special regulations apply” for 2026–2027. That means hunting is permitted, but refuge-specific rules — such as limited species, dates, weapon types, access methods or quota permits — apply on top of state regulations. A refuge permit is required.

Navigate to unit Refuge overview Official hunt info ↗
19,859acres
Special regsstatus 2026–27
Yesrefuge permit
Williamson Countycounty

Special Permit map

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OpenSpecial regulationsClosedFWS-owned landWPA (public)Refuge boundaryEasement (private) Tip: switch to Satellite or USGS Topo in the layer menu · click the map for GPS coordinates
Downloads (whole refuge):KMLGPX

Rules & permits for this unit

Status: Open – special regulations apply

Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Illinois regulations. Typical special regulations include limited species or seasons, quota/lottery permits, weapon restrictions (e.g. archery or shotgun only), shooting-hour limits, blind or stand rules and restricted access.

Refuge permit required. Type: Signed Brochure or Similar. Obtain via: Kiosk, Online FWS, Visitor Center.

All hunters are required to carry a signed general hunt permit

🧒 A youth deer hunt is held during the deer hunt for hunters with disabilities. Youth waterfowl and turkey hunts are also conducted.

Game at Crab Orchard NWR

Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.

Getting to the Special Permit unit

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Destination: center of the Special Permit unit

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Decimal
37.68923, -89.02157
DMS
37°41′21.2″N 89°01′17.7″W

Nearest towns

  • Marion, IL5.7 mi SW of town
  • Carbondale, IL11 mi E of town
  • Cape Girardeau, MO38 mi NE of town

Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.

The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.

Shooting hours at this unit

Today at Special Permit

Legal light*–
Sunrise–
Sunset–

*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in Chicago local time.

Full season calculator →

2026–2027 season sun table

DateShooting lightSunriseSunsetDaylight
Tue, Sep 1, 20265:55 AM6:25 AM7:27 PM13h 02m
Tue, Sep 15, 20266:06 AM6:36 AM7:06 PM12h 29m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:20 AM6:50 AM6:40 PM11h 51m
Thu, Oct 15, 20266:33 AM7:03 AM6:20 PM11h 17m
Sun, Nov 1, 20265:50 AM6:20 AM4:59 PM10h 39m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:05 AM6:35 AM4:46 PM10h 11m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:22 AM6:52 AM4:38 PM9h 46m
Tue, Dec 15, 20266:33 AM7:03 AM4:38 PM9h 35m
Fri, Jan 1, 20276:40 AM7:10 AM4:47 PM9h 36m
Fri, Jan 15, 20276:40 AM7:10 AM4:59 PM9h 49m
Mon, Feb 1, 20276:30 AM7:00 AM5:17 PM10h 17m

Computed for 37.689, -89.022 (CDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.

Weather forecast

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Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.

Other units at Crab Orchard NWR

UnitStatusAcresPermit
CartervilleSpecial regs1,390Required
Group CampSpecial regs81Required
OpenSpecial regs21,585Required
West HamptonSpecial regs1,462Required
ClosedClosed1,120Required

Back to Crab Orchard NWR →