Hunt unit · Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Mesquaki Lake Hunt Unit Map & Access
The Mesquaki Lake unit is one of 16 mapped hunt units on Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Carroll County, IL. It covers approximately 181 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.
Mesquaki Lake map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open – special regulations apply
Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Minnesota 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.
Game at Upper Mississippi River NWFR
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 Mesquaki Lake unit
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Destination: center of the Mesquaki Lake unit
- Decimal
42.07792, -90.13673- DMS
42°04′40.5″N 90°08′12.2″W
Nearest towns
- Dubuque, IA40 mi SE of town
- Davenport, IA45 mi NE of town
- Rockford, IL55 mi W 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 Mesquaki Lake
*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
| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 5:55 AM | 6:25 AM | 7:36 PM | 13h 12m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:09 AM | 6:39 AM | 7:12 PM | 12h 33m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:25 AM | 6:55 AM | 6:44 PM | 11h 48m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 6:41 AM | 7:11 AM | 6:20 PM | 11h 09m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 6:02 AM | 6:32 AM | 4:56 PM | 10h 24m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:19 AM | 6:49 AM | 4:40 PM | 9h 51m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 6:38 AM | 7:08 AM | 4:30 PM | 9h 22m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 6:51 AM | 7:21 AM | 4:29 PM | 9h 08m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 6:58 AM | 7:28 AM | 4:38 PM | 9h 10m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 6:56 AM | 7:26 AM | 4:51 PM | 9h 26m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 6:44 AM | 7:14 AM | 5:13 PM | 9h 59m |
Computed for 42.078, -90.137 (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 Upper Mississippi River NWFR
| Unit | Status | Acres | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Entry Sanctuary - IA | !Special regs | 681 | — |
| No Entry Sanctuary - IL | !Special regs | 3,689 | — |
| Refuge - IA | !Special regs | 50,830 | — |
| Refuge - IL | !Special regs | 29,043 | — |
| Refuge - MN | !Special regs | 33,536 | — |
| Refuge - WI | !Special regs | 76,152 | — |
| Waterfowl Closed Area - IA | !Special regs | 11,391 | — |
| Waterfowl Closed Area - MN | !Special regs | 5,416 | — |
| Waterfowl Closed Area - WI | !Special regs | 26,409 | — |
| Lost Mound | ✕Closed | 6,678 | — |
| No Entry Sanctuary - MN | ✕Closed | 697 | — |
| No Hunting Zone - IA | ✕Closed | 27 | — |
| No Hunting Zone - IL | ✕Closed | 1,184 | — |
| No Hunting Zone - MN | ✕Closed | 4.0 | — |
| No Hunting Zone - WI | ✕Closed | 653 | — |