State of Illinois

10/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/02/2026 09:32

Sangchris Lake State Park to host trapper drawing on Oct. 24

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host a public drawing for two trapping permits at Sangchris Lake State Park at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the site headquarters at 9898 Cascade Road southeast of Rochester.

Two permits will be allocated through the drawing, covering two designated trapping zones. The sub-impoundment area has been added as a zone open to trapping.

Each permit may include two trappers, and only those individuals listed on the permit will be authorized to trap. All individuals entering the drawing must have a valid 2026-2027 Illinois trapping license in their possession. Individuals whose names are drawn must be present at the drawing.

Beginning Feb. 1, 2027, through the end of the trapping season on March 31, 2027, Sangchris Lake will be open to statewide trapping regulations. During that period, anyone with a valid 2026-2027 trapping license may trap at the lake for beaver, muskrat and river otter.


All trappers, including drawing winners and their partners, must obtain a free windshield card permit . Trappers must report harvest and hunter-trip information online at the IDNR upland game website reporting no later than Feb. 15 each year or within two weeks after the close of seasons ending on Feb. 1. Failure to report as required for two consecutive years will result in forfeiture of hunting privileges at the site for the following year with no opportunity for reinstatement.

For more information, call 217-498-9208.

About IDNR


The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, IDNR's work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook , YouTube and LinkedIn .
State of Illinois published this content on October 02, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 02, 2026 at 15:32 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]