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Hunting at Grassy Slough

The Grassy Slough Preserve is located within the Cache River State Natural Area, between Karnak and Belknap in southern Illinois.

The Nature Conservancy is restoring and managing Grassy Slough as part of the Cache River Joint Venture Program (JVP), a unique public-private partnership between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited and the Conservancy. Through this partnership, nearly 35,000 acres of the Cache River Wetlands are in conservation ownership.

Grassy Slough offers a variety of habitats including floodplain and upland forests and shallow wetlands and supports waterfowl, deer, turkey, squirrels, rabbits and other game species.

Grassy Slough Hunting Rules and Regulations

The Nature Conservancy allows hunting at Grassy Slough in accordance with state regulations. At this time, all hunting will be on a first-come, first-served basis. To see Illinois hunting regulations, click here.

All motorized vehicles must remain on the roads and the parking areas are indicated on the map. No ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles), bicycles, horses or mules are permitted.

There are two areas within the preserve that will be closed to hunting. These include the area surrounding the overlook of Grassy Slough and the immediate area surrounding the private residence of the Moore Family. These areas will be posted as “Restricted Areas – Closed to Hunting” and are specified on this map. The remainder of the preserve is open to hunting.

To ensure your safety and enjoyment while visiting Grassy Slough Preserve, please take the time to become familiar with the property boundaries and state regulations for hunting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do in case of an emergency?
The nearest hospital is approximately 20 miles from Grassy Slough: Massac Memorial Hospital, 28 Chick St. in Metropolis, IL, 62960. Call 618-524-2176 or dial 911. To contact Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, call the Johnson County Sheriff at 618-658-8264.

Who should I contact for additional information?
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact The Nature Conservancy’s Southern Illinois Office at 618-634-2524.